Lakeside camping in New Mexico

Pack your paddleboard and your swimsuit for some New Mexico lake camping.

92% (1475 reviews)

United States
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New Mexico

92% (1475 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New Mexico

Community favorites in New Mexico

Public campgrounds in New Mexico

This is our setup, we camped along the creek.

100%

(5)

Bluff Springs Dispersed Campsites

1 site · RV, Tent In Lincoln National Forest

Lots of space for yourself at the big camp sites.

100%

(5)

Black Canyon Campground

36 sites · RVs, Tents In Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(9)

Jemez Falls Campground

52 sites · RVs, Tents In Santa Fe National Forest

Beautiful lake covered in mist early morning

100%

(5)

Cabresto Lake Campground

9 sites In Carson National Forest

Definitely hike around the bottomless lakes, and read about the history of the formations.

100%

(6)

Lea Lake Campground

13 sites · RVs, Tents In Bottomless Lakes State Park

100%

(4)

Lakeside Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents In Bluewater Lake State Park

The campground is next to Brantley Lake.

100%

(4)

Limestone Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Brantley Lake State Park

Guadalupe Ranger District Dispersed Camping

100%

(3)

Guadalupe Ranger District Dispersed Camping

1 site · RV, Tent In Lincoln National Forest

100%

(3)

Jacks Creek Group Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents In Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(3)

Fawn Lakes Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents In Carson National Forest

100%

(3)

Riana Campground

54 sites · RVs, Tents In Abiquiu Lake

Dark night skies. Well maintained sites.

100%

(3)

Rocky Point Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents In Santa Rosa State Park

Stories from the community

Christine

1 week ago

4 nights at Abiquiu Tiny House

The tiny house at Harvey's spot had more homey comforts than I anticipated! It was a truly beautiful place, located perfectly to be an excellent jumping off point to explore the area. I would highly recommend staying here if you're in the area and gladly stay again without hesitation, thanks Harvey!

1 night at Mesa Top camping

This was our second time camping on Kim’s land, and we again enjoyed the peaceful vibe, silence and great views from the mesa top, Kim is a welcoming and caring host, and we look forward to returning on our next trip through the area.

1 night at Raven's Nest On Route 66

Great and quiet place, good communication. The owner came right out and showed me the hookups. Everything worked well. She was very nice and friendly. Level place. Would come again in a heartbeat

1 night at Healing on the Rio Grande !

The place was beautiful, extremely welcoming and comforting atmosphere. The host was very sweet and gave me needed nearby recommendations for food and repairs i needed done. Felt safe at all times as a solo traveler, this is the spot!

Weekend Trip to Mesa Top camping

Kim has a very special spot here and I’m so glad we were able to stay. Gorgeous view of the canyon and mesa, plus a very special cemetery to explore. I was glad we were driving a high clearance vehicle for the road up from town, so be mindful of that. But Kim was very kind and we hope to be able to return again some time.

2 nights at Perry Farms RV Park

An easy drive to Bosque Del Apache and Socorro. Quiet and peaceful and friendly.

2 nights at Perry Farms RV Park

Level sites with room to maneuver. Each site with water, electric, sewer. wi-fi available. Surrounded by native vegetation and enhanced with newly-planted shrubs. Owner very friendly and attentive to our needs. Beautiful views of night sky.

gene

3 weeks ago

3 nights at Abiquiu Tiny House

Harvey’s tiny house is situated in a peaceful location with great views from the house and short walk to explore the landscape. Was very great time to visit(weather) and many stars!

3 nights at Agua de Vida

We LOVED our time here! It was so peaceful with all the amenities of a campground- water, sewer, electric. The stars are INCREDIBLE!!! In a great location near Santa Fe and tons of national parks.

1 night at Perry Farms RV Park

The RV park was setup nice and surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. A beautiful place to rest for the night.

6 nights at Agua de Vida

The place was as advertised. Very tranquil and quiet. Right next to Pecos National Historical Park. Definitely use again if we come back to this area.

1 night at Healing on the Rio Grande !

It was nice to have a place that's in town and close to the supplies needed for travel but still in a quaint neighborhood. The home has a couple different secluded garden options where you can unwind. Also it's a short walk to a nice little park where I could take my dog for some exercise. Lovely gracious hosts who center community and kindness.

Weekend Trip to Healing on the Rio Grande !

Very sweet little place! Co-op nearby is excellent and hosts were lovely and welcoming.

1 night at Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

We really enjoyed the remote location and didn’t see another person the whole time (a plus for me). Beautiful scenery and quiet campsite. Couldn’t ask for more.

3 nights at Perry Farms RV Park

We recently spent three nights at Perry Farms RV in our Fifth Wheel, and it was a delightful experience. Located in the quiet town of San Antonio, New Mexico, this RV park offers spacious full hook-up sites that are perfect for larger rigs like ours. The setting is peaceful and serene, making it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the highlights of our stay was the proximity to some fantastic outdoor activities. We went rockhounding at the Kelly and Graphic mines in Magdalena, which was an absolute blast. The mines are just a short drive away, making Perry Farms RV a convenient base for exploring the area. We also visited Bingham, another nearby attraction that was well worth the trip. For those who enjoy scenic drives, the Quebradas Backcountry Scenic Byway is a must-see. The rugged beauty of the landscape is breathtaking, and we highly recommend taking the time to explore it. At night, Perry Farms RV transforms into a stargazer's paradise. The lack of light pollution allows for incredible views of the night sky, and we spent hours marveling at the stars. It's a truly magical experience that you won't find in many places. The host, Vannetta, was incredibly welcoming and went out of her way to ensure we had a comfortable stay. Her hospitality added a personal touch that made our visit even more enjoyable. Overall, Perry Farms RV is a fantastic little spot for anyone loo

Weekend Trip to Agua de Vida

Great location! Hosts were helpful and friendly, site was peaceful and beautiful. Definitely would stay here again

1 night at Mesa Top camping

The site was nice and great for a tent. The view was beautiful. Our kids enjoyed pretending to perform on the stage nearby. The outhouse is kept well. The tavern downtown is open even during the winter season. The food was very good there.

5 nights at Perry Farms RV Park

If you don't need laundry it restrooms, this is a great stop ever stay. Very nice host, but a bit hard to find. We loved the little walls down the trail it back, and it's a very quiet and peaceful place to stay.

1 night at Agua de Vida

Gated property with hookups, very private and peaceful

1 night at Mesa Top camping

Great little spot with a view! Beautiful sunset and sunrise. Kim was a friendly host who provided perfect institutions. Highly recommend! Had a wonderful 1 night stay in my rooftop tent with my son and our dog. Peaceful and quiet aside from the wind. Quick overnight retreat from Santa Fe. A+++

12 top lakeside campgrounds in New Mexico

99%

(1308)

Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<)

13 sites · RVs, Tents161 acres · Angel Fire, NM

The Enchanted Circle Campground sits on the Avalon Ranch. It is 161 owned acres surrounded by a state trust lease. We are very proud to have been voted #1 Campground in NM 4 years in a row and ranked Top 5 by Forbes in the country. We have 8 Sites to choose from. (No large RVs at 4, 7 or 8) Campfires are permitted, and pets are welcome. Free potable water is available as well as a portable toilet. For cooking, you will have a fire pit, with a cast iron grill. Every site (but 7) has a standing charcoal grill, with tongs, a spatula and a grill brush. A fire extinguisher and a shovel. We hang a hand washing jug at every site for your convenience, with potable water, but do not suggest this for drinking water source. The property was originally homesteaded in 1893. It was also the first potato farm in NM. It has seven ground-fed springs that run year-round and is officially the Coyote Creeks Headwaters. The springs converge after filling 4 of our ponds in the marshland where the potatoes were grown. A family of 4 lived in the first dwelling built here, not much larger than a shed. Since that time, 2 homes, 1 of which still stands, a barn, a smokehouse, and 4 other outbuildings were constructed. There are old wagons and farm equipment from the late 1800s and early 1900's still strewn about the ranch. We are home to Huge herds of Elk, mule deer, turkeys, prairie dogs, eagles, black bears, 9 horses, chickens, pigs, goats, our 2 dogs and 4 cats, and the occasional Mountain Lion. We live here year-round. We love our land and want to share it with others. I am a Veteran and our intent is to eventually have a Veterans Retreat facility here. Not a retreat itself, but rather a location for all of the retreats, nationwide, to be able to utilize, so they can use the funds they have to do what they do best. You are helping to make that possible. We do pride ourselves on minimally impacting our land. We strive to keep it clean and as close to nature as we can. And as always, Veterans, LEOs, and Fire Fighters are always free for one night up to 4 guests. Just book your reservation, and show us your ID during your stay, and we will reimburse you for your last night with us.

97%

(258)

Agua de Vida

10 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · NM

This charming land has been in the family since my husband was a young boy. The Indian ruins and artifacts fascinated him then and he is still happy to share this history with whoever shows an interest. With all the improvements made by his father and family through the years, you will also learn to have a love for the history and beauty here on this unique 30-acre treasure. You can explore Native American ruins that were inhabited by some 2,000 people between 700-1100 AD. The grounds are wonderful to walk with a little lake which draws elk, deer, hawks, blue herons, etc. Easy to access just 3 minutes off I-25. We are 5 minutes away from the Pecos Natl Monument and 15 minutes away from the Pecos River with plenty of great fishing spots…Visit Santa Fe (20-minute drive) or Las Vegas (30-minute drive) with dozens of restaurants, museums, art galleries, etc. We look forward to your stay!

95%

(208)

Raven's Nest On Route 66

2 sites · RVs4 acres · Church Rock, NM

A beautiful location located within Cibola National Forest boundaries (Mt. Taylor Ranger District West). Direct access to Six Mile Canyon and Mc Gaffey Lake via improved forest road. We are seasoned camping travelers and enjoy meeting other travelers on their journeys.Learn more about this land:18 miles East of Gallup, NM. Exit 39 on I-40, Jamestown, NM.GPS coordinates: N 35.46445 W 108.44220Beautiful red rock views on the Continental Divide. An amazing vibe delivered by The Land Of Enchantment. Peaceful, yet still connected to the pulse of the old Route 66. This campsite is in a second RV driveway next to our home.

92%

(44)

Perry Farms RV Park

15 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · San Antonio, NM

Perry Farms is the home place of the Perry Family, established in 1980, and provided much open space for the children to grow and play. It is located in the northern edges of the Chihuahuan Desert. Native fauna and flora as well as beautiful blue skies, with millions of stars provide peaceful, quiet moments of nature. Learn more about this land: Desert Camp consists of six RV spots with full hookups (electricity-30 and 50 amp, septic, water, and WIFI) and 11 unimproved tent camping areas on family property of Perry Farms. The land has arroyos, mesas, lots of flat areas to car camp, pitch a tent or sleep on the ground under the beautiful, dark New Mexico skies. There are also a few places to hang a hammock. To the west, there are miles and miles to hike, mountain bike, or just enjoy the view of the Magdalena Mountains. Neighbors are quiet and you can choose a spot away from anyone.

96%

(164)

Mesa Top camping

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Los Cerrillos, NM

Set above the historic town of Madrid N.M. is Waldo Mesa, the location of past mining operations and stunning Vista's.

100%

(97)

Abiquiu Tiny House

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Abiquiu , NM

Situated at 6300 ft. above sea level the Chama River Valley is surrounded by forested mountains. There is white water rafting on the Rio Chama and Rio Grande Rivers nearby during spring and summer. Within an hour there are ski areas at Taos and Santa Fe during the winter. Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is 17 miles away and has a full spa and restaurant. There are beautiful hiking trails throughout the area and Abiquiu Lake is less than 20 minutes away. The location of the Tiny House is in a quiet, private and beautiful setting. Abiquiu Lake is only 15 minutes away for fun swimming, Ghost Ranch is 20 minutes away and has 3 beautiful hikes. Santa Fe and Taos are 60 minutes away. The tiny house is a healthy house built on the golden mean and has no electrical radiation inside except wi-fi. All material used are nontoxic.Notable aspect. There are no pets allowed on the property.

95%

(255)

Healing on the Rio Grande !

19 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Albuquerque, NM

Come to New Mexico ! The Land of Enchantment. Sing Chants to the Moon, The Sun, The Rain, The Stars , The Beautiful Land and the Ancestors ! We won , an award with Hipcamp, Best of 2023 !!!! We are so happy to Host . Come enjoy organic . Urban Permaculture . Awesome, thanks for loving on our peaceful garden. It is an honor to serve the traveler, the camper, sweet tourist , wild vacationer , folks visiting friends and family , the many folks who explore and folks on grand adventures. We love to camp as well. BE OUTSIDE ! Heal from Nature . We have a lot to offer. Our place is good for folks who work on the road, Great WIFI ! Easy to manage a job while on the road . Eat flowers and herbs. There is a great herb store , herbal clinic and more . Just down the road, called, RED ROOT , next to the Food Co-op on Rio Grande Blvd. Our Space is in the heart of the Griegos Neighborhood , A very old style , old world area. Safe area. Same Hispanic families have lived here since 1712, no joke, that is real. Rural feel for an urban / suburban setting , space space, off street parking. We are NOT an RV park nor are we a " camp ground " . We Are an Organic Garden ( Urban Permaculture ) that you can stay inside a magical, growing goodness space . This place is very, very private . The parking area is not private . Our road is dead end , very low traffic . The garden wall around the whole tent area has a 6 foot tall , very thick wall , and trees , surrounding every thing. There is a forest and pond for ducks behind the garden . Our place is for Wildlife, to be fed, and given water and safe space to raise young. We are located in an area where the birds of the world fly from the north to the south and then change direction each season. Many lizards . Many wild mammals . There are many farms in the area. With Horses , goats , chickens , ducks , mules, donkeys , other livestock . We have no pets and no livestock. At night this is dark ( we do have solar lights on walk ways ) and it is peaceful. A safe zone for travelers . Serene , gentle and lovely . You get your privacy . New Mexico is so amazing, all year . We have inside space in Fall / Winter . Welcome to Mother Bosque Garden . Started in Corrales NM in 2010 . We are in the North valley of Albuquerque New Mexico 87107. The same families have lived here for 100, 200, 300 plus years . 1000s of years . Native people have lived in this valley for close to 20,000 years more . The Rio Grande is very close by ( 2 miles west of us ) bike or by car . We are close to route 40 and route 25, just 7 mins. away . There is a Food Co-op with in a 5 mins. drive . And a regular store and gas within one mile of our place. Come eat Traditional New Mexican Foods and Heal with Very Living Traditional New Mexican Herbal Medicines . Relax, rest, find repose. Happy travels, happy hiking, happy sleeping under the stars, happy home made food, happy resting. Old Town is close by, so is the Rio Grande River and Nature Center ( 2 miles up the street ) . So many things in our area to see, to do, learn history . Awesome food, music and arts/ crafts, everywhere. So much activity all over. SO MANY CULTURES and Languages , so much diversity !

89%

(41)

Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Timberon, NM

Timberon, New Mexico, is a charming and peaceful retirement community nestled in the scenic Sacramento Mountains on the southern edge of the Lincoln National Forest. Timberon offers a tranquil escape surrounded by natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities. The town features a 9-hole golf course, two fishing ponds, a lodge, a swimming pool, a church, an airstrip, and a volunteer fire department. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, swimming, golfing, hiking, biking, and ATV/UTV riding areas. During the winter months, the area also offers seasonal activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Cell reception is limited in the town of Timberon but all the local businesses will share their Wi-Fi password. Timberon has a local restaurant Connie's Deli and the High Country Lounge and Grill (Saturday karaoke night 8pm). Two well-equipped stores stocked with groceries, camping supplies, ice, and RV accessories. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Timberon provides the perfect retreat. . For more details, visit Timberon.org.

100%

(1)

El Malpais National Monument Camp

313 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Grants, NM

El Malpais National Monument Private Camping Area in the West Malpais Wilderness, Chain of Craters Wilderness Study Area close to the Continental Divide Trail, Big Tubes Caving Area, Back Country Byway 42, Lava Falls, Ventana Natural Arch, Ice Caves and Bandera Crater, El Morro National Monument, Cibola National Forest, El Malpais Lava Fields, Zuni Acoma Historic Trail

97%

(19)

HAWK RIM RANCH

2 sites · Lodging1250 acres · Trementina, Nm, NM

~THE OLD WEST, A NEW VISION~ This ranch- our family’s legacy of commitment to land stewardship for over 100 hundred years; now with a broader purpose. In a world that is day by day more virtual, this is the real deal. It is our desire to carefully share some of its wonder, its magic and the healing that no modern medicine can offer. Historic, clean, comfortable carefully renovated accommodations in peaceful surroundings. Serenity and clarity at our medicine wheel, recenter/rejuvenate. Guided tours (see EXTRAS) with incredible canyon views, hiking trails to caves, petroglyphs freshwater springs, wildlife and ranch animals.

Booked 6 times

Stone House Lodge

10 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Tierra Amarilla, NM

Discover the beauty of Stone House Lodge nestled between northern New Mexico’s most popular recreation areas, El Vado and Heron Lake State Parks. Come and relax or explore in this beautiful, fun and friendly environment. We are surrounded by mountains, lakes and rivers in a wooded setting. We have five unique rustic cabins, each with their own special features. The cabins have been renovated and have electricity and hot water. Our RV sites are spacious long level pull-throughs and have access to water, septic and electricity. Our premium RV spaces are secluded with mountain and lake views. Community showers and restrooms available. Our Dry Camp Sites are secluded and peaceful with mountain and lake views. Our Lodge amenities include fishing tackle shop, minimart, picnic tables, BBQ grills, fire pits, bikes, kayaks and paddle boards. Check out our website StoneHouseLodge.com for more information and our calendar of events and pavilion available for gatherings!

100%

(1)

The Cockhouse lodge.

16 sites · Lodging15 acres · Navajo Dam, NM

Learn more about this land: The Lodge was a historic Cockfighting arena in the 1970-90’s. Now it’s used as a blast & cast lodge. Surroundings are full of recreation options just 5 miles from Navajo Lake and San Juan River. Has a full kitchen two bathrooms and showers. Open arena with outdoor cooking options and fire pit. RV access for 5 spacious spots w Electrical. Dry camping or glamping areas are available on the 15 acres.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

91%

(39)

Carson National Forest

La Madera, New Mexico

91%

(30)

Lincoln National Forest

Twin Forks, New Mexico

90%

(36)

Santa Fe National Forest

Rio En Medio, New Mexico

100%

(9)

Bottomless Lakes State Park

Midway, New Mexico

100%

(5)

Bluewater Lake State Park

Bluewater Acres, New Mexico

100%

(4)

Brantley Lake State Park

Happy Valley, New Mexico

80%

(5)

Sugarite Canyon State Park

Raton, New Mexico

100%

(6)

Santa Rosa State Park

Santa Rosa, New Mexico

100%

(4)

Kiowa National Grassland

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping in New Mexico guide

Overview

While many people think of New Mexico as having nothing but desert for miles on end, the state actually has plenty of lakes, many of which are surrounded by state park land, complete with lakeside campsites. In fact, nearly half of New Mexico’s state parks have their own lakes. As such, New Mexicans are spoiled for choice when it comes to lakefront camping in areas such as Bottomless Lake outside Roswell, Elephant Butte Lake, Eagle Nest Lake near Taos, and Storrie Lake near Santa Fe. If you’re willing or able to reserve your campsite six months in advance, you'll have a great variety of options to choose from. Alternatively, consider getting off the beaten path with a private Hipcamp near one of the state’s many lakes—not only will you find an abundance of tent and RV sites, but there are also plenty of cozy cabins and glampsites for those in need of a bit of extra comfort.