The best star host camping in New Mexico

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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.

99% (5.5K) 196 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near New Mexico

Camp Across From Pecos River

1. Camp Across From Pecos River

96%
(25)
4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Tererro, NM
Escape the crowds and reconnect with nature at Vida Bonita Pecos. Tucked deep in the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest, our three private campsites offer quiet seclusion, stunning views, and exclusive access to a peaceful slice of Northern New Mexico wilderness. Full Description: Welcome to your own private forest escape. At Vida Bonita Pecos, our two campsites are designed for those seeking quiet, space, and solitude. Set apart from each other and completely removed from any other campers, you’ll feel like you have the entire forest to yourself. Each site is nestled beneath towering Ponderosa and Blue Spruce pines and Aspens. They offer level ground for tents, grill for cooking, and easy access to nearby hiking trails, Cowles Ponds, and the soothing sounds of the Pecos River. Whether you’re stargazing by your campfire or sipping coffee with the morning breeze, this is where relaxation lives. Your campsite is part of the Vida Bonita Pecos complex, which includes beautifully remodeled cabins and the remodeled Ponderosa Lodge. While you’ll have total privacy at your site, guests are welcome to explore designated areas of the property, our trout pond, and free roaming chickens and turkeys. We don’t pack campers in. No RVs. No generators. Just you, the trees, and a sky full of stars. What’s Included: Two secluded tent campsites (book one or both) Access to filtered spring drinking water Campfire ring (fire restrictions may apply) Access to clean outhouse toilet. Cell service is spotty—perfect for unplugging, but we have free WiFi at the main cabin. Things to Know: No other campers will be placed near you—guaranteed privacy. Firewood available on request. Check-in at our main lodge before heading to your site. Come experience the slower pace of mountain life. Whether you’re here to hike, fish, write, or simply breathe, our campsites at Vida Bonita Pecos are the perfect place to begin your New Mexico adventure.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$41
 / night
Organ Mountain Views

2. Organ Mountain Views

100%
(8)
1 site · Tent, RV · Organ, NM
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.
Pets
from 
$30
 / night
Mesa Top camping

3. Mesa Top camping

96%
(186)
1 site · Tent, RV · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Ridgetop Oasis Private Tent Site

4. Ridgetop Oasis Private Tent Site

1 site · Tent · Santa Fe, NM
Enjoy sunrises, sunsets and a sky full of stars in your own private and fenced tent site. This site is one and the same with our cabin site. Rest assured that only one will be rented at a time so that you are guaranteed privacy. This site can also provide the perfect opportunity for small groups (up to 4) with some campers who prefer to glamp and others who prefer to rough it. Please contact me if you'd like to rent both sites simultaneously. There is a composting toilet beside the cabin that tent campers may use. There is no running water or electricity. Please adhere to Leave No Trace Policies; Take only pictures and leave only shoe prints.
Pets
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Art City Tucumcari

5. Art City Tucumcari

99%
(305)
56 sites · Tents, RVs · Tucumcari, NM
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 twelve large-scale sculptures crafted by internationally renowned artists, making it an ideal backdrop for photography and a source of creative inspiration. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

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.

99% (5.5K) 196 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near New Mexico

Camp Across From Pecos River

1. Camp Across From Pecos River

96%
(25)
4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Tererro, NM
Escape the crowds and reconnect with nature at Vida Bonita Pecos. Tucked deep in the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest, our three private campsites offer quiet seclusion, stunning views, and exclusive access to a peaceful slice of Northern New Mexico wilderness. Full Description: Welcome to your own private forest escape. At Vida Bonita Pecos, our two campsites are designed for those seeking quiet, space, and solitude. Set apart from each other and completely removed from any other campers, you’ll feel like you have the entire forest to yourself. Each site is nestled beneath towering Ponderosa and Blue Spruce pines and Aspens. They offer level ground for tents, grill for cooking, and easy access to nearby hiking trails, Cowles Ponds, and the soothing sounds of the Pecos River. Whether you’re stargazing by your campfire or sipping coffee with the morning breeze, this is where relaxation lives. Your campsite is part of the Vida Bonita Pecos complex, which includes beautifully remodeled cabins and the remodeled Ponderosa Lodge. While you’ll have total privacy at your site, guests are welcome to explore designated areas of the property, our trout pond, and free roaming chickens and turkeys. We don’t pack campers in. No RVs. No generators. Just you, the trees, and a sky full of stars. What’s Included: Two secluded tent campsites (book one or both) Access to filtered spring drinking water Campfire ring (fire restrictions may apply) Access to clean outhouse toilet. Cell service is spotty—perfect for unplugging, but we have free WiFi at the main cabin. Things to Know: No other campers will be placed near you—guaranteed privacy. Firewood available on request. Check-in at our main lodge before heading to your site. Come experience the slower pace of mountain life. Whether you’re here to hike, fish, write, or simply breathe, our campsites at Vida Bonita Pecos are the perfect place to begin your New Mexico adventure.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$41
 / night
Organ Mountain Views

2. Organ Mountain Views

100%
(8)
1 site · Tent, RV · Organ, NM
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.
Pets
from 
$30
 / night
Mesa Top camping

3. Mesa Top camping

96%
(186)
1 site · Tent, RV · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Ridgetop Oasis Private Tent Site

4. Ridgetop Oasis Private Tent Site

1 site · Tent · Santa Fe, NM
Enjoy sunrises, sunsets and a sky full of stars in your own private and fenced tent site. This site is one and the same with our cabin site. Rest assured that only one will be rented at a time so that you are guaranteed privacy. This site can also provide the perfect opportunity for small groups (up to 4) with some campers who prefer to glamp and others who prefer to rough it. Please contact me if you'd like to rent both sites simultaneously. There is a composting toilet beside the cabin that tent campers may use. There is no running water or electricity. Please adhere to Leave No Trace Policies; Take only pictures and leave only shoe prints.
Pets
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Art City Tucumcari

5. Art City Tucumcari

99%
(305)
56 sites · Tents, RVs · Tucumcari, NM
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 twelve large-scale sculptures crafted by internationally renowned artists, making it an ideal backdrop for photography and a source of creative inspiration. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host camping 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.