The best desert camping in New Mexico

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Looking for a camping experience in the desert of New Mexico? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1200 options specifically tailored to your desert terrain preference, you'll be sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Whether you're seeking a unique experience like the Santa Fe Treehouse Camp (512 reviews), or a peaceful retreat like the Star Dance High Desert Retreat (271 reviews), or even a secluded hideaway like the Hermitory (202 reviews), Hipcamp has got you covered. And with popular amenities like showers, campfires, and pet-friendly sites, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, don't forget to take advantage of the popular activities available, such as wildlife watching, fishing, and exploring historic sites. With an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $10, camping in the New Mexico desert has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

94% (5.3K) • 2,810 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in New Mexico

Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

1. Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

98%
(1497)
Santa Fe, NM · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Brad and Ciana welcome you to the Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve, managed by The Wilderness Institute. The camp was founded 40 years ago as a summer camp for kids. We continue to offer camps for children and their parents and grandparents (family camps), as well as welcome adults and other groups to enjoy the vast and wild high desert nature up on this ridge. "BE A CAMPER CONSERVATIONIST"! Register for our nature education activities and resources lead by The Wilderness Institute (available for all of our guests). These topics include sustainability, recycling, composting, water conservation, wildfire prevention, outdoor safety, and nature awareness along with the use of our hiking trails. You can also join an archery class, tomahawk throwing, climbing on the mobile climbing wall, Yoga, Tai Chi, Climbing Into The Heart of the Mother Tree, Star talks and more! (https://wildernessinstitute.org/outdoor-programs/) There are beautiful views and access to Shaggy Peak, the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. Wander our land to enjoy various level hiking trails including a 20 minute hike to a creek and waterfall in the forest (some steep spots and creek is intermittent) or climb up Shaggy Peak (seasoned hikers only please). IMPORTANT: We are up 1.3 miles of dirt road (with 5-7+% grade in a few short stretches) and are not near public transportation so you will need your own vehicle! Be aware that the roads can be snowy, icy or muddy and rutted ( 4-wheel or All-trak recommended in certain times of year). We don’t guarantee the road will be plowed. We generally close for the season due to cold weather around Halloween and reopen just before Memorial Day. This is a non-smoking, no candle facility.
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Art City Camp & RV Tucumcari

2. Art City Camp & RV Tucumcari

99%
(313)
Tucumcari, NM · 38 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Nestled along the historic Route 66 in Tucumcari, NM, our unique Big Art sculpture park and glamping destination offers an immersive art experience in the heart of nature. Our site features 4 large-scale sculptures crafted by internationally renowned artists, making it an ideal backdrop for photography and a source of creative inspiration. Art City Camp & RV Retreat is re-opening under new ownership. Most of the art displayed in these pictures have been moved to new permanent locations. These pictures display the creative and grand past of what made Art City a must see destination. Ownership is working diligently to bring back the art, sculptures and structures to Art City, and again add to it's unique setting. Guests can indulge in luxury with our on-site amenities including outdoor showers, flush toilets, and hammocks perfect for relaxation after a day of exploration. Our outdoor kitchen is fully equipped for your culinary adventures, allowing you to dine al fresco surrounded by breathtaking art installations when available. For convenience and comfort, the site includes bathrooms complete with sinks, all seamlessly integrated with a modern septic system to ensure environmental sustainability. Experience the perfect blend of art, nature, and comfort at our exclusive glamping getaway. Make Art City your destination to get away and relax, as well as host your special event or party.
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HarmonyTaos Regenerative Farm

3. HarmonyTaos Regenerative Farm

97%
(273)
Taos, NM · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Book now for Oct and Nov. 2026! Camping season ends Nov 30, 2026. Don’t book after 11/30/26 please as Bathhouse shuts down til March 2027. Harmony Taos is a regenerative farm w stellar views of the Sangre De Cristos Mtns., located on approximately 4 acres, just minutes from the town of Taos. We specialize in Permaculture . Yurt on site for stretching, yoga , working out. Search wwwHarmonytaosfarm to find out more about us. Come enjoy the butterflies, raptors, magpies and hummingbirds fluttering throughout the orchards, ponderosas, vegetable gardens, and flowers on our organic community farm. Join us for camping, soup nights, ceremonies, yoga, dance (in the new yurt) Latest Offerings: DM Anastasia if you would like an intuitive reading and clearing. 90 minutes long. RENT THE ENTIRE PROPERTY FOR EVENTS: DM host for availability & rates. Pitch your tent, stay in our yurt at of our 3 mountain view campsites or rent the garden cottage bedroom, located on the lush grounds of our regenerative agriculture farm and gardens. Rest and rejuvenate in this quiet haven, nestled below the canyon yet just minutes from town. All Sites have access to a beautifully equipped bathhouse, tables, and an outdoor cold water washing area. Campsite UNO: Uno fits small trailer and/ or a RV. You will need to be proficient at backing it into position. This site can accommodate two vehicles. Campsite DOS: It is large enough for a sprinter or small camper van. You can pull right in. You will need to back out to depart. It now accommodates two vehicles (two cars, a sprinter and a car, a car with teardrop and another car.) Glamping Mtn View . Walk-in approx 40 paces. Very Private . Twin bamboo mattresses on frames off ground. Can be converted to king. byo bedding. Charge phones in the bathhouse. There are no electrical hook ups. EVENTS: Harmony Taos Farm is avail for day long/weekend events. Weddings, family gatherings. There are 4 types of accommodations (hotels, lodges, Inns, rental homes) within 1 mile of property as well as more tent sites than listed above. Host can help arrange catering, flowers, music, rentals, etc. Things to know: This is the hosts homesite and farm. You will be camping near host's home. We welcome all; grounds are community shared spaces with outlets under porticos for laptops.
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Carson National Forest

4. Carson National Forest

91%
(40)
National forest in New Mexico · 463 sites
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!
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Lincoln National Forest

5. Lincoln National Forest

92%
(32)
National forest in New Mexico · 386 sites
Lincoln National Forest is a delight for the senses! Gaze upon cacti, smell the spruce at the top of the Sierra Blanca mountains, and feel the cool water on your skin relaxing at Sitting Bull Falls. With a range of elevation comes a range of activities; trails for both beginner and experienced hikers or hop on your horse and explore Dog Canyon Trail that traverses up over 2,000 feet (gnarly!). Camping is cushy and available year round, allowing you to experience the vast array of wildflowers at Bluff Springs in the springtime, or surf the snow in the winter at Ski Apache. With scenic mountain views, ranger programs to brush up on the area, and easy access to the town of Ruidoso, Lincoln is a mountain lovers dream without the crowds!
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Star Gazer Ranch

6. Star Gazer Ranch

97%
(289)
Tohajiilee, NM · 1 site · Tent, RV
We are a secluded, one site camp. Our home is 22 miles west of Albuquerque NM. Just 4 miles from i40. Adjacent to Navajo reservation where “Breaking Bad” was filmed. Hundreds of acres of naturalized land. Panoramic view of mountains and unobstructed view of the night sky. Beautiful sunrises, sunsets and starry nights. We would love to share our homestead with you. Come unplug, Safe. Everybody welcome.
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Walk to Concerts|Power/Water!

7. Walk to Concerts|Power/Water!

96%
(25)
Albuquerque, NM · 1 site · Tent, RV
Less than a mile to Downtown with all the urban amenities nearby, this spot is also tucked away and shaded for most of the afternoon. It is part of my short term rental compound that I've been creating since 2020 in the historic Barelas neighborhood of Albuquerque. Lock your RV/vehicle in and exit through the pedestrian gate. Enjoy the common areas and your own private yard with table and grill. This is urban van life at its best!!
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White Sands Smokehouse

8. White Sands Smokehouse

95%
(75)
Alamogordo, NM · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to White Sands Smokehouse! Experience the serenity of our 16 foot bell tent under a starlit sky. We offer a queen-sized bed with a comfortable mattress, crisp sanitized linens and pillows, and for the colder months, plenty of blankets to stay cozy. Gas generator power is available for a small fee. We are also happy to welcome camper vans, small teardrop trailers (see description), tents, RTTs, etc.! A word about our wildlife is important at this point. We are a registered wildlife sanctuary and take all steps necessary to protect it. This is the desert southwest. Diamondback rattlesnakes, black widow spiders, quail, rabbits, and the rare horned lizard all call our land their habitat. Stay alert! Issues with wildlife are very rare; any concerns will immediately be handled by host. Your Camp Host, Chef Üdø, is onsite most days and evenings, and has 30 years' experience in the catering and private chef biz, and as a camp host. He's happy to coordinate hot meals for you and your companions! No more need to go into town to get a pizza or some icky fast food! We will make you a homemade pizza, dry-aged steak, brined chicken, smoked Wagyu burger, or lasagna...all in-house. Vegan, vegetarian, kosher, low-sodium, and most other dietary restrictions are no problem! Contact Chef Üdø for more details and please check out our menu in the “Extras” section of our campsite listing. We can make just about anything in our sanitary kitchen facilities. We cook with a spirit of Love and inclusion in our kitchen, and it shows! ❤️ Check our reviews! People love my food because I ❤️ to make it! Chef Üdø maintains current local food handler's certification, as well as HAACP federal certification. Prices are friendly and competitive with local restaurants. Vacuum-sealed frozen meals, aka “sous vide” available for most recipes. (Please check “extras” section for more detail) We offer access to clean running water, and access to our 4 acre back pasture. We feature unparalleled views of the sunrise over the mountains, as well as convenient access to Lincoln National Forest, White Sands National Monument, BLM off-road parklands, and nearby Alamogordo. Firewood available onsite for friendly prices (provided there isn't a current burn ban).
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Desert Getaway

9. Desert Getaway

100%
(11)
Rio Rancho, NM · 1 site · Tent, RV
Vacant desert landscape lot with a trail cut into the natural vegetation. Can host up to 3 vehicles or two campers. Nothing much here but a place to get away for the night and still be close to the city. You will need 4x4 to comfortably make it to this site!! Not all of us have a weekend free but we might be able to get away for the night and a breakfast before having to return to soccer games or meetings. This is also a great spot to get out and try out new gear without exposing yourself to a long difficult haul only to find out you forgot the propane or the shovel. Take the 5 minute drive from civilization and find yourself far enough away to breathe easier. Cross the dry, sandy, river bed and you’re almost there. Feel free to stay a night or two whenever you like.
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Santa Fe National Forest

10. Santa Fe National Forest

95%
(49)
National forest in New Mexico · 444 sites
Santa Fe National Forest isn’t just a cool spot in New Mexico, it’s a place that painters, poets, photographers and adventurers have waxed poetic about since...well, forever. It’s easy to see why, with over 1.6 million acres and over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. Whether it’s an autumn day trekking under trees blazing gold, or taking turns down the slopes at Santa Fe Ski Basin, the forest is a year round wonderland! Spring and Summer offer thrilling whitewater rafting down the Rio Grande, trout fishing, hunting, and nights under the stars. It’s easy to set up camp here too in one of the forests many campgrounds, and if you plan on staying away, be sure visit the town of Santa Fe, one of the most artistic and beautiful towns in America. This trip is bound to have you channeling your inner artist in no time!
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Bandelier National Monument

11. Bandelier National Monument

100%
(8)
National park in New Mexico · 5 sites
Discover ancient Native American history in these sublime Southwestern lands.
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Rockhound State Park

12. Rockhound State Park

100%
(3)
State park in New Mexico · 5 sites
Discover the scenic trails and diverse wildlife at Rockhound State Park.
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Cibola National Forest

13. Cibola National Forest

83%
(9)
National forest in New Mexico · 245 sites
America the beautiful, indeed! Don’t miss out on the wild and scenic slice of New Mexico.
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Desert Rose Stopover

14. Desert Rose Stopover

100%
(154)
Roswell, NM · 1 site
5 acres bordered by pecan trees. Level area, cement slab, large trees on site. We have recently added gravel to the parking area. Water, septic, electricity provided. NO BATHROOM FACILITIES available, please bring your own if car camping. No human waste allowed in site trash bin. I do have septic you can connect to your RV. Quiet rural area NW of Roswell, 6 miles from downtown where you can explore alien museums and attractions. Bottomless lakes state park and Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge nearby. 70 miles from Ruidoso with hiking, bike and equestrian trails, skiing, shopping, fishing. Haystack mountain recreation area, Pecos river, rockhounding sites in vicinity. White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, Valley of Fires a short drive away.
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Heaven or Taos 🪐

15. Heaven or Taos 🪐

97%
(111)
San Cristobal, NM · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We offer discounts for stays over 14 days! It is an incredible little gem right off the Enchanted Circle Highway in San Cristobal, 8 miles north of Taos. Best of both worlds, with direct access to trails and also the ability to hop onto the enchanted circle (road next to sites) to explore all the Taos county has to offer. RV/tent spots have running water and electricity/hook-ups, something that is incredibly rare considering the views/forest accessibility. Vast, breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristos mountains to one side and if you follow the national forest trail in our backyard to the top of the hill, beautiful views of the gorge on the other side. Easy access to the midtown market, where you can pick up breakfast burritos, beer, drinks, and limited supplies for camping. Wake up to mountains, hiking, and breakfast burritos that will make you ask yourself, “Is this heaven or Taos?”
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Mars Research Base (MRB)

16. Mars Research Base (MRB)

89%
(137)
Boles Acres, NM · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled amid the breathtaking mountains near Alamogordo, New Mexico, our off-grid camping haven is a gateway to the untamed beauty of the desert. Campers can enjoy the serenity of nature while being just a stone's throw away from the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, offering fantastic hiking opportunities. Whether you choose to pitch a tent or park your RV, our property is the perfect base for outdoor adventures, complemented by wildlife, mesmerizing sunsets, and the warmth of a campfire shared with friends.
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Camp Darkmoon

17. Camp Darkmoon

100%
(110)
Belen, NM · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Camp Darkmoon is a living example of alternative architecture and the off-grid lifestyle. On site are a handful of earthen structures. Lodging and tent site are available to book. We live on-site, so holler if you need anything! Otherwise, we'll give you total privacy. Two acres of sage flatlands. Close to town but even closer to the mountains. Monte Largo Cañon is a short rocky drive away. Perfectly clean air, peaceful atmosphere, and flawless stars at night.
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Juniper Mesa Camp

18. Juniper Mesa Camp

99%
(93)
Abiquiu, NM · 2 sites
Remnants of the ancient Tewa culture accompany breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo range to the east, Jemez range and village of Abiquiu to the south. On the north, vast dramatic views of the Plaza Blanca, stretch out toward the towering Sierra Negra peak. A few acres of short juniper forest top the mesa, leaving the sky wide open for stargazing. An easy 10 minute drive to Bode's general store, dollar store, Cafe Sierra Negra, Abiquiu Inn, 15 to Abiquiu Lake, and 20 to Ghost Ranch, 10 miles off.
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Sleeping Bear Canyon

19. Sleeping Bear Canyon

100%
(15)
Cañones, NM · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Sleeping Bear Canyon is a peaceful stretch of high-desert mountain land near Abiquiú, where rimrock cliffs, juniper and pine trees, the flowing waters of the Cañones Creek, and open sky create space to slow down and reconnect. Located in the heart of Georgia O’Keeffe country and just minutes from Ghost Ranch and Abiquiú Lake, Sleeping Bear Canyon offers a quiet base for exploring one of the most iconic landscapes in the Southwest where wide skies, red mesas, and luminous canyon light continue to inspire artists, travelers, and seekers from around the world. Guests come here for stillness, stars, and the feeling of being gently held by the landscape. Whether visiting for a quiet camping stay, future glamping cabins, a creative retreat, or time away from the noise of everyday life, Sleeping Bear Canyon offers a simple and grounding experience shaped by the rhythm of the land itself. This is a place to rest. Wake slowly. Walk the canyon trails or follow the path along the Cañones Creek. Watch evening light settle across the mesas. Sleeping Bear Canyon is a place to return to nature and to yourself.
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Organ Mountain Views

20. Organ Mountain Views

100%
(25)
Organ, NM · 1 site · Tent, RV
Rugged, natural desert snuggled up against the Organ Mountains. Private & quiet with beautiful views. No amenities! No toilet, water or electricity. Paved road (County road D-087) access just 1 mile north of US-70 and Organ, NM. Property is 10 miles east of Las Cruces, NM & 45 miles west of White Sands National Monument. Great Thai restaurant (Renoo’s) in Organ as well as a US Post Office. Anything else you might need is available with a short drive to Las Cruces. Please, no fires & no shooting of firearms on the property.
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