The best cave campgrounds near Aztec, New Mexico

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for all things camping in the United States! If you're looking for a unique adventure, we've got you covered. With 38 options near Aztec, New Mexico that cater to your cave-seeking desires, you're sure to find the perfect spot. From the stunning red cliffs of Animas River Valley (73 reviews) to the cozy AIYM Camp Riverfront Duplex Cabin! (5 reviews) and the picturesque Mountain View Cabin (4 reviews), you'll have plenty of top-rated campsites to choose from. Plus, enjoy popular amenities like pets, potable water, and campfires, and engage in exciting activities such as snow sports, wildlife watching, and surfing. And with average prices starting at $40 per night and options as low as $25, there's a camping experience for every budget. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors!

97% (180)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for all things camping in the United States! If you're looking for a unique adventure, we've got you covered. With 38 options near Aztec, New Mexico that cater to your cave-seeking desires, you're sure to find the perfect spot. From the stunning red cliffs of Animas River Valley (73 reviews) to the cozy AIYM Camp Riverfront Duplex Cabin! (5 reviews) and the picturesque Mountain View Cabin (4 reviews), you'll have plenty of top-rated campsites to choose from. Plus, enjoy popular amenities like pets, potable water, and campfires, and engage in exciting activities such as snow sports, wildlife watching, and surfing. And with average prices starting at $40 per night and options as low as $25, there's a camping experience for every budget. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors!

97% (180)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

98%

(78)

49mi from Aztec · 8 sites · Tents · Cortez, CO

Zuma Bike Ranch invites you to ride.relax.repeat in the high desert of Dolores and Cortez Colorado. Surround yourself with views of Mesa Verde National Park, Sleeping Ute and the San Juan mountains straight from your tent or camper van. The ranch offers camping, and borders Phil's World mountain bike trail network. Our goal is to encourage community among campers and bikers and connection with the land and its rich history. Zuma Bike Ranch resides on native lands of Puebloan and Ute peoples. At Zuma Bike Ranch we provide professional mountain bike instruction and guided rides for individuals and groups. You have immediate access to over 60 miles of world class singletrack at Phil’s World trail network. More mountain bike trails can be found nearby at the Aquaduct trail system in Mancos, Boggy Draw in Dolores and Sand Canyon at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. In less than an hour you can be riding high alpine terrain with access to the Colorado Trail. We’re 45 minutes from Durango and 120 minutes from Moab, UT. We keep things simple at Zuma Bike Ranch. This is to minimize impact on the land and our environment. Each camp site can accommodate one vehicle or van/truck bed camper. Camp sites fit two tents. We have a nice rinse station, potable water source, and porta potty on site. There are no lights but there are plenty of stars! Please pack out what you pack in. Visit our website for questions or to book a group or private lesson.

2. Animas River Valley red cliffs

95%

(129)

43mi from Aztec · 1 site · Tent, RV · Durango, CO

Pitch your tent or park in the upper pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the road from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D  Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille.  Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road.  Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production this year.  No other view like it of the Mission Ridge red cliffs with the silhouettes and glow at sunset.  At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D  Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille.  Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road.  Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production.  Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset.  At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Please provide what you will be driving and camping in, along with guesstimate of your arrival time for a quick booking response. Safe travels.  

3. San Juan National Forest

97%

(41)

696 sites · Rico, Colorado

Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

4. Carson National Forest

91%

(40)

463 sites · La Madera, New Mexico

Come get lost in the wild, enchanted lands of New Mexico! One of five unearthly National Forests in this great state, Carson National Forest is open for business all year round, and never fails to bring the heat with magnificent mountain scenery and some seriously stunning natural features. If solitude is your muse than look no further! Cold mountain streams, ample trout fishing, and out of sight camping is sure to give you your fix. With over 1.5 million acres laden with high ridges, dense vegetation and some of the cleanest air you’re likely to find west of the Mississippi, Carson is simply the epitome of Southwestern frontier!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Aztec

100%

(4)

Junction Creek Campground

36mi from Aztec · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

100%

(1)

Target Tree Campground

38mi from Aztec · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

100%

(4)

Snowslide Campground

38mi from Aztec · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Kroeger Campground

39mi from Aztec · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Cedar Springs Campground

41mi from Aztec · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carson National Forest

Buzzard Park Campground

43mi from Aztec · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Carson National Forest

100%

(1)

Miller Creek Campground

44mi from Aztec · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Lower Hermosa Campground

45mi from Aztec · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

100%

(1)

Lower Piedra Campground

46mi from Aztec · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Graham Creek Campground

47mi from Aztec · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

100%

(1)

Transfer Group Campground

47mi from Aztec · 1 site · Tent, RV · in San Juan National Forest

Transfer Campground

47mi from Aztec · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Stories from the community

Brandon

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Direct access to the north loops and a hot shower make this camp work paying for. The host, Jake, is really nice. He greeted me personally, described the private trails on his property and gave me a couple Zuma Bike Ranch stickers. Maybe it helped that I was the only guest that night.

C

Christine

October 2025

Tent

4 nights at Animas River Valley red cliffs

We loved staying on Melinda's land! It was pouring rain from a freak storm and she generously allowed us to use her mudroom and her addition downstairs. Genuinely, she saved our trip. She had great recommendations on things to do in the area and was available and communicative. I could not ask for a better host,

T

Tammy

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Animas River Valley red cliffs

We love camping at Melinda’s. Beautiful views, gracious host and close to hiking trails and Durango. This was our 2nd time there and we’ll be back our next time through Colorado.

P

Pam

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Here’s what I liked about Zuma…I arrived at night (which I usually never do….as a general rule to try and find a camp spot after dark) and the signage was perfect to get me where I needed to go…just when I would start to second guess myself voila there was another sign. Super clean camp spot, porta potty and a HOT shower. Not icky at all. And the best part was that the northern trails for Phil’s World were accessible right from camp. If you like quiet and are okay with a minimal camping situation this is a great place. I will definitely be back and very glad I found it.

J

Julie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Great, quiet spot, friendly host and wonderful outdoor shower.

C

Cassie

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

We loved staying at Zuma! The campsites are level and surrounded by nature. The bathroom and shower are close by, and the shower has HOT water! We were greeted by the welcoming committee (some very friendly, very sweet dogs) who came to check on us a few times during our stay. Jake is very knowledgeable about the area and had some great recommendations. The proximity to Phil's World can't be beat. We are looking forward to coming back in the spring!

J

Jason

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

I loved camping at Zuma Bike Ranch. The sites are flat, and the hot shower was fantastic. MTB at Phil's World from camp and a great location for accessing multiple angles of approach to higher rides in the San Juans. Jake is also a great resource for local riding information. I will be back for sure.

K

Kathryn

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Jake’s space is awesome. Beautiful, clean and the views and trail access are amazing.

B

Brett

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

We had a lovely time at Zuma! The location is great - excellent views and trail access, and nice juniper and pinyon cover surrounding the campsite spots. The ranch dogs, Yazzie & Sid, are super sweet. Sid stopped by first thing each morning to say hi and make sure we were up to tackle the day. The outdoor heated shower was 10/10 too, nothing better than that after a long and hot ride! Jake was also wonderful to chat with and super helpful, sharing recs on places to go in Dolores for bike troubleshooting and breakfast. While we didn't take a clinic when we were there, the location is set up great for that, with skills practice and features for sessioning. Definitely something we're considering for next year. All around lovely hosts and excellent place to stay if you want to ride Phil's and camp!

m

meghan

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Great access to trails (including some private ones), awesome outdoor shower, and fantastic vibes! I love what they have done/are doing with the space! And Spot was the friendliest!!

A

Adrian

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

This is the place to make home base if you want to binge ride Phil's World and plan to camp. Jake is an awesome host who will help you hit the the ground running with his impressive knowledge of the mountain biking available in the area. From Zuma Bike Ranch you are literally maybe 100 yards from access to the North Phil trails. You are a 10 minute drive away from the other Phil's World trailheads as well as Cortez and Dolores where you can stock up on provisions, grab a bite or even find bike shops. Heck you can even get private coaching from Jake who is an accomplished mountain bike coach. The area is quite beautiful too. Pro tip: it is mountain desert so bring a sunshade for your camp, bike in the morning and maybe plan on visiting the surrounding area like Mesa Verde and Durango in the afternoon. If you're a real eager beaver you can hit the trails again around 6 and still have plenty of riding time.

Dana

July 2025

Tent

4 nights at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Peaceful and beautiful. Exactly what others have said. Wish I could have stayed longer.

M

Mindelynn

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Great stay, especially combined with riding fun and interesting local trails and getting excellent one-on-one coaching from Jake. Great way to get to know a little bit of the area. Super peaceful location, amazing scenery, highly recommend adding a stop here if you’re passing through and eager to ride.

M

Mindelynn

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Beautiful, clean, quiet surroundings very close to outstanding trails and local services. Jake helpful and kind, knowledgeable about everything local. Really enjoyed our stay.

T

Tracey

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Zuma Bike Ranch is a sweet getaway with amazing trails onsite and within riding distance to Phil’s World North, crazy close! Every campsite is good, the property is beautiful and clean. I highly recommend staying here😊

M

Miko

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

The sites are quiet and well spaced. There is a porta potty and outdoor private shower. The trails are direct from camp and AWESOME.

S

Stephanie

June 2025

Tent