Discover the best mountainous campgrounds in New Mexico

United States
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New Mexico

95% (4773 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New Mexico

Under $50

12 top mountainous campgrounds in New Mexico

98%

(1169)

Santa Fe Treehouse Camp

58 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents156 acres · Santa Fe, NM

This is a non-smoking, no candle facility. The camp was founded 40 years ago as a summer camp for kids. Now we welcome adults, and other groups to enjoy the vast and wild high desert nature up on this ridge. 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). NOTE: We are up 1.3 miles of dirt road 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.

River Sanctuary by Ojo Hot Springs

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · La Madera, NM

Learn more about this land: Lush high desert river oasis nestled in a fertile valley in the Carson National Forest right between the fiery expanse of Taos and the rolling colorful formations of Abiquiu. Peaceful and private 3 acres right by the river at the edge of a little quaint town called La Madera (145 people, no shops)- just 6 miles to the healing mineral Hot Springs of Ojo Caliente, a place of emergence or rebirth as known to the local Natives. Right by the river, held by a ridge (that makes for amazing sunset hikes), I have a 16ft Yurt Canvas set up with furnishings (desk, couch, wash stand) and a wooden Queen Bed with down bedding. This site can only be reached by foot across the river via stumps- a car can be parked near by.. approx. 50ft. I also have a Vintage Camper that can be heated, has a kitchen, electricity and plenty of outdoor furniture with a fire pit and serene mountain views. As well as a monastic and very grounding Ensuite Bedroom, or a simple campsite if you want to bring your own camper or tent. All facilities have access to a guest bathroom inside the main house. I offer dog sitting while you soak at Ojo, healing modalities that you'll find in the Extras section, and my dear neighbor Jackie takes appointments for massages with homemade essential oils. +++ 6 miles to Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. There you will find the best restaurant in the area, with locally/organically farmed produce. Very yummy! The land is naturally and beautifully wild- it is not a manicured campsite. The dirt rd down to the property is best suited for higher clearance vehicles, but is manageable for city cars. Waterhole, Waterfall and climbing sites near by, as well as Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch and the Taos Gorge are 30 mins drive away. *No cell service in the greater area. WiFi reaches around the house/deck and allows for WiFi Calling: that’s a setting in your phone that enables phone calls & texts beside usual internet access.

Camp Rio

59 sites · Lodging, Tents9 acres · Mayhill, NM

Camp Rio, formerly named Camp @ Cloudcroft is located in beautiful SE New Mexico! The park is surrounded by thousands of acres of the Lincoln National Forest. The forest is laced with small villages, picturesque roads, riding, hiking, golf, and walking trails. Small valleys, surrounding mountains, racing streams, wildlife, birds, mountain glens and outdoor activities are available to Camp Rio guests. The small towns around us are Mayhill, Cloudcroft, Weed, and Pinion. These towns have scheduled activities such as arts and craft fairs, car shows, bluegrass festivals, dog shows, and Lumberjack days. Additional day trips to Alamogordo, Capitan (Smokey the Bear), Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Lincoln (Billy the Kid), Ruidoso (skiing), Sunspot (National Solar Observatory, Truth or Consequences (Hot Springs) and White Sands National Monument! Guests enjoy our upgraded free wifi to have the best of both worlds, surrounded by beautiful nature, while still being able to connect with family/friends/work. Our location is superb to use as a base camp for numerous attractions as a centralized location to have many adventures.

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1972 Winnebago Convert to Tiny Home

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Truth Or Consequences, NM

Learn more about this land:Relax and be inspired during your stay in the renovated Winnebago at, The Western Star. This is a quaint, cozy space designed and decorated with a mix of natural materials, old desert wood and old metal found on the property or nearby. There are 2 beds (full and a twin), 10 ft sloped ceiling, sink with cold running water- no hot water, flushing toilet, mini-refrigerator, electric 2 burner stove, toaster oven, heater, plates, forks, cups, cookware and electricity. There are curtains and sun blockers for privacy. When you wake up in the morning you will watch the sun rise over Turtleback Mountain. 1 block away is the Rio Grande and Rotary Park. It's 4 blocks to the main. Located in the downtown area and hot springs district, the property has a well that draws out the hot springs at about 98 degrees and pours it in to an outdoor tub- perfect for a warm winter day or summer evenings. It can be reserved for an additional fee upon arrival. 4 blocks from the downtown area you can easily access other spas, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, thrift shops, and the grocery store. Wake up in the morning, walk down to the river and you'll see heron, coots, osprey, sandhill crane, red wing black birds, and so many more wildlife. The coyotes regularly sing throughout the night. I tend the property and you may see me around if I need to do light repair work. There is a care taker for the property who lives there and may be another guest as well. The property is 1/2 a city block. Your living quarters are private but the land is shared space. I'm available to engage if desired and I respect your privacy. The property is 6 city lots large and you will have access to 4 of them. Dogs are allowed for an additional fee. You must be responsible to clean up after them and they must be friendly with strangers.

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!

Peace Farm-4/20+Pet friendly!

10 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Moriarty, NM

WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY OFFERING POWER. WE TRULY APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE. Hey hey! Welcome to Peace Farms. My wife,Jay and I, love meeting new people so come say hi! We offer farm tours at the low cost of KINDNESS! We’re 4/20 friendly and can’t wait to meet you! •Upon arrival: You will be greeted by the welcoming committee. The committee contains 7 chickens and a single goat. They’re extremely friendly but don’t let them out of the gate..no matter what they say! •The goat: His name is Gus & he’s a Nigerian dwarf goat! He absolutely loves fruits and crunchy snacks so please feel free to give him a snack. He’s a good boy and will come to his name!! Our place is fully fenced & equipped with security cameras so no need to worry. We’re LEASHED pet friendly-ALL breeds welcome. Yes, even your cat! Please be aware of your surroundings when walking around as you may see our beautiful snakes or loud coyotes! We offer water for every stay-although not drinkable(well water). It’s still great to cook and bathe in. We are 420 friendly but be responsible & respectful. No ashing directly on the ground-we’d like to prevent a fire! Absolutely no butts in the ground-pack in, pack out. NO alcohol allowed outside of your tent/van/camper-there will be no tolerance for disorderly conduct. Please be respectful of our home so we can continue to share our beautiful views with everyone! We are conveniently located between 2 cities with Dollar general’s, gas/grocery stores, restaurants, etc. Although, the house is pretty secluded. Come stargaze or enjoy the sunrise! We have the best! •campers of all sizes are welcome. •tent campers will have the option of camping where they please (you will not be close to large campers) •please clean up after your pets and yourself! No poo or trash please! •please do not open any gates pertaining to the animals. We will kindly ask you to leave. This is for their safety and my sanity! •please keep your fur-baby on a leash and away from the chickens/goats. We don’t want any injuries or incidents! •quiet hours are 10pm- 5am •late arrivals are welcome. We’ll be there to welcome you in! •please do not dump any liquid from your rigs! We will take legal action. This contaminates the well water!

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Camp Darkmoon

2 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Madrone, NM

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. Camp Darkmoon is a school of alternative architecture. On site are a handful of earthen structures. Lodging and tent site are available to book.

97%

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Vida Bonita Ranch

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1670 acres · Wagon Mound, NM

Escape to Vida Bonita Ranch, a 1670-acre nature haven in northern New Mexico, where diverse landscapes of mesas, meadows, forests, and awe-inspiring cliffs create a breathtaking backdrop for your next adventure. With two miles of the Mora River winding through our property, immerse yourself in outdoor experiences like fishing, swimming, and floating. Our off-grid ranch boasts world-class stargazing and is home to an array of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, mountain lions, turkeys, and mountain goats. Discover the remnants of old ruins, explore canyons, and visit our friendly farm animals. Bring your bikes, horses, or off-road vehicles for endless exploration – and don't forget, horseback riding is coming in 2023! Roam freely across the entire property, and enjoy your campsite equipped with a heavy-duty metal fire ring, swivel grate for grilling, and a picnic table with an umbrella. As we're off-grid, lanterns and flashlights are strongly encouraged for navigating the darkness. A porta-potty is conveniently located nearby. We have a few essentials at our on-site store, offering charcoal, eggs, snack foods, drinks, and more. Keep in mind that the nearest gas station is 75 minutes away, and cell service can be intermittent. Please arrive before sunset, as the roads leading to the property are dark and isolated, and be prepared for loose gravel that may affect your vehicle. At Vida Bonita Ranch, we're committed to preserving the land's pristine beauty. As a trash-free campsite, we ask that you take out any trash you bring in, or face a $50 fee. Embrace the spirit of sustainability and make lasting memories in our undisturbed wilderness. Book your stay now at Vida Bonita Ranch – the ultimate off-grid adventure awaits!

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Star Dance High Desert Retreat

9 sites · Tents100 acres · Youngsville, NM

Visit the startling beauty of the plateaus above Lake Abiquiu in northern New Mexico. Star Dance provides a secluded experience for travelers, artists, fishermen, birdwatchers, stargazers, and more. Star Dance sits above the upper Rio Chama canyons on 30 acres of trails and undisturbed natural terrain.

97%

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Mesa top camping

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Madrid, NM

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

90%

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Rio Grande Gorge National Monument

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Embudo, NM

Learn more about this land:We are at the entrance to the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument. The Rio Grande River is a quarter mile away. Fishing Hiking Biking Boating Climbing. Historic Taos NM is 15 miles to the North. Santa Fe Nm is 50 miles to the south.

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Star Gazer Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · To'hajiilee, NM

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. Most of your questions are answered in this listing. Text me for any additional concerns.

Mountainous camping in New Mexico guide

Overview

In the southwestern US, New Mexico offers a distinct vibe not found elsewhere in the country, or even in the region. Here you’ll find Old West mining towns, restorative hot springs, and all sorts of historic sites, including ancient pueblos and protected national monuments, not to mention a distinct cuisine that borrows elements from Tex-Mex and Indigenous culinary traditions. You won’t be disappointed with the camping—the state offers a variety of terrains, from quiet forests to vast expanses of desert, and with five national forests, 30 state parks, and lots of untouched private land, there's no shortage of spots to set up a tent.

Where to go

Central and North Central New Mexico

New Mexico's Central and North-Central regions are home to many of the state's most popular cultural attractions, and both Albuquerque and Santa Fe are here. Area highlights include Bandelier National Monument and Petroglyph National Monument, as well as numerous pueblos. The most famous of these—the Taos Pueblo—is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years.

Northwest New Mexico

Cultural attractions abound in Northwestern New Mexico. Highlights include the Zuni Pueblo and the Acoma Pueblo—both the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Navajo Nation call this region home. Other points of interest include the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Aztec Ruins National Monument, and El Mapais National Monument.

Northeast New Mexico

Situated where the Rocky Mountains give way to the Southwestern plains, this area is characterized by prairies, ranches, and Western charm. Popular historic and natural attractions include the Fort Union National Monument and the Capulin Volcano National Monument. Conchas Lake State Park and Ute Lake State Park offer ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and lakeside camping.

Southwest New Mexico

For a Wild West experience, head to the southwestern corner of the state. Here you'll find plenty of old ghost towns, historic mission communities, and pristine natural areas. The area is also rich with hot springs, particularly in the low-key spa town of Truth or Consequences.

Southeast New Mexico

Culture, history, and the great outdoors converge in southeastern New Mexico, home to both of the state's national parks (White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns) as well as a host of museums, from the New Mexico Museum of Space History to the Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner. Fans of the paranormal won't want to miss Roswell, the site of the famous Area 51 UFO sightings and a de facto pilgrimage site for all things alien.