The best safari tent rentals in New Mexico

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.

100% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

100% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

98%

(1647)

58 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Santa Fe, NM

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. 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, Qigong, Climbing Into The Heart of the Mother Tree, Star talks and more! 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.

2. Field Trip NM

97%

(16)

24 sites · Lodging · NM

We are located in the Santa Fe National Forest, on 6 acres right on the Pecos river and El Macho creek. You can fish right off the property and explore local hikes. The elevation is 7200 feet in a gorgeous setting surrounded by mountains. We have a pavilion and a huge outdoor kitchen for you to enjoy.

3. RoadRunner Coyoté Retreat

100%

(8)

6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Coyote, NM

Nature's allure knows no bounds at RoadRunner Coyoté Retreat: Embrace Mother Nature as she guides you to discover the depths of your soul. Find sanctuary here, tailored to your desired level of comfort and simplicity. Choose accommodations that resonate with you, whether you seek comfort or a closer connection to nature. With 40 gated acres, come with just your basic needs, and let RRCR cater to your wide range of accommodation preferences. Tents and a small camper are even available when arrangements are confirmed well in advance. As part of your booking, consider the extras offered for Interspiritual Companioning or An Encounter With the Land.

Stories from the community

M

MJ

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

Ciana and Brad have a wonderful property with terrific sites and views and all the accommodations needed to make a trip into the outdoors fun and enjoyable. Great place, great hosts. Grateful!

Allegra

October 2025

With kids

2 nights at Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

Beautiful and peaceful land and wonderful hosts! We will be back for sure.

D

David

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Field Trip NM

My 2 boys, 9 & 11, and I stayed here for 3 nights and it far exceeded expectations. Comfy beds, amazing sound of river rushing nearby, clean communal restrooms and showers. The beds even have heated mattress covers if it gets a little chilly at night. Amazing experience and can’t wait to come back.

J

Jacob

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

The trip was amazing. The staff was very accommodating and it was very nice to connect to nature and still have simple things like a shower and a bathroom. The Star Walk was extra fun!

I

Isabelle

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

It was exactly what we needed. The space was simple but cozy and the showers were very clean and hot. Ciana was an amazing host! Very kind and welcoming.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents in New Mexico guide

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.