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% (5.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Agua de Vida

1. Agua de Vida

97%
(337)
10 sites · Tents, RVs · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Communal use Firepit

3. Plateau Hame De Colquhoun

100%
(36)
5 sites · Tents, RVs · Bosque, NM
Welcome to Plateau Hame De Colquhoun — or as we call it, Ka-Hoon Tucked away on the edge of the Mesa with sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley and distant mountain ranges, Ka-Hoon is a unique off-grid destination in the New Mexico desert. Whether you’re seeking solitude or community, a short escape or a longer stay, this is a space where you can just be. **Please read before booking:** The road here is unpaved and a bit bumpy—washboarded with dips—but passable by most vehicles, including low-clearance ones, if you go slow and take your time. We strongly encourage reading our reviews and full description to make sure this adventure fits your comfort level. **What we’re about:** Ka-Hoon is a judgment-free zone built on one simple rule: **respect**. Respect yourself, others, the land, and local laws. That’s it. Our family began this journey in 2020 with the goal of living simply, sustainably, and authentically. We now share this land with others who value connection, nature, and freedom. You can come here to disconnect and find privacy, or to connect with like-minded folks in a laid-back, off-grid community. **What to expect:** * Wide-open skies, breathtaking sunsets, and peaceful mountain views * A developing tiny homestead with rustic, private campsites * Ongoing land projects—this place is a work in progress and full of character * Occasional creative gatherings like open mic nights, bingo, and seasonal events * 420-friendly and inclusive of all lifestyles and backgrounds * Wildlife, including snakes—please be aware and respectful of nature * A simple shower facility (available soon for a small fee per use) Ka-Hoon isn’t fancy—but it’s real, raw, and beautiful. Come as you are. Whether you're passing through or staying awhile, you’re welcome here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$12
 / night
Dragonfly Mountain Ranch

5. Dragonfly Mountain Ranch

99%
(69)
7 sites · Tents, RVs · Arroyo Seco, NM
Instagram - dragonflymountainranch Enjoy the majestic beauty of the Taos Valley from the verdant fields and cerros of the Dragonfly Mountain Ranch! Whether a seasoned traveler or one's first visit to Taos our goal is to exceed expectations. With site options to accommodate various needs and tastes within the Rio Grande Del Norte Nat’l Monument that encompass the Taos Volcanic Plateau or the pastoral fields of Des Montes, just 10 minutes from Arroyo Seco. While here one can see history come to life by way of our living history ranch and historic home, one of the first homesteads in Des Montes owned by the same family for over 150 years. See firsthand how the unique Acequia system of New Mexico has given life to the surrounding pastoral fields and the agricultural practices of the past still relevant in today’s Taos Valley. For those wanting the best of both worlds, access to in-town activities as well as trail/hiking/river adventures, the Des Montes sites would be the best selection. Close enough to town for groceries and conveniences along with other sought after tourist attractions such as the Taos Pueblo, Taos Plaza and surrounding galleries/shops. In addition, Arroyo Seco and Arroyo Hondo are quaint little villages less than 10 minutes away for for addt'l groceries/market/restaurant options. The John Dunn Recreation Area is also less than 15 minutes drive from the campsites. Despite accessibility to endless activities just minutes away there remains a sense of solitude, space and privacy that one would be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Cerro Chiflo, Cerro Montoso and the Miner's Trail are within driving/hiking distance. Spend a day down on the banks of Rio Grande and unwind around the campfire and while stars light up the dark skies. Your next adventure awaits...hope to see you soon! Please see Sol at Rio Grande Balloons to book your hot air balloon ride while in Taos! 575-208-1888. https://www.riograndeballoons.com Taos Pueblo - 15min Taos Plaza and Business District - 15min The Gorge Bridge - 20 min Ojo Caliente Hot Springs - 1hr Carson National Forest - 10min Rio Grande Del Norte Nat'l Monument - 20min Arroyo Hondo - Midtown Market 10min Arroyo Seco - 10min Taos Ski Valley - 30min
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / 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% (5.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Agua de Vida

1. Agua de Vida

97%
(337)
10 sites · Tents, RVs · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Communal use Firepit

3. Plateau Hame De Colquhoun

100%
(36)
5 sites · Tents, RVs · Bosque, NM
Welcome to Plateau Hame De Colquhoun — or as we call it, Ka-Hoon Tucked away on the edge of the Mesa with sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley and distant mountain ranges, Ka-Hoon is a unique off-grid destination in the New Mexico desert. Whether you’re seeking solitude or community, a short escape or a longer stay, this is a space where you can just be. **Please read before booking:** The road here is unpaved and a bit bumpy—washboarded with dips—but passable by most vehicles, including low-clearance ones, if you go slow and take your time. We strongly encourage reading our reviews and full description to make sure this adventure fits your comfort level. **What we’re about:** Ka-Hoon is a judgment-free zone built on one simple rule: **respect**. Respect yourself, others, the land, and local laws. That’s it. Our family began this journey in 2020 with the goal of living simply, sustainably, and authentically. We now share this land with others who value connection, nature, and freedom. You can come here to disconnect and find privacy, or to connect with like-minded folks in a laid-back, off-grid community. **What to expect:** * Wide-open skies, breathtaking sunsets, and peaceful mountain views * A developing tiny homestead with rustic, private campsites * Ongoing land projects—this place is a work in progress and full of character * Occasional creative gatherings like open mic nights, bingo, and seasonal events * 420-friendly and inclusive of all lifestyles and backgrounds * Wildlife, including snakes—please be aware and respectful of nature * A simple shower facility (available soon for a small fee per use) Ka-Hoon isn’t fancy—but it’s real, raw, and beautiful. Come as you are. Whether you're passing through or staying awhile, you’re welcome here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$12
 / night
Dragonfly Mountain Ranch

5. Dragonfly Mountain Ranch

99%
(69)
7 sites · Tents, RVs · Arroyo Seco, NM
Instagram - dragonflymountainranch Enjoy the majestic beauty of the Taos Valley from the verdant fields and cerros of the Dragonfly Mountain Ranch! Whether a seasoned traveler or one's first visit to Taos our goal is to exceed expectations. With site options to accommodate various needs and tastes within the Rio Grande Del Norte Nat’l Monument that encompass the Taos Volcanic Plateau or the pastoral fields of Des Montes, just 10 minutes from Arroyo Seco. While here one can see history come to life by way of our living history ranch and historic home, one of the first homesteads in Des Montes owned by the same family for over 150 years. See firsthand how the unique Acequia system of New Mexico has given life to the surrounding pastoral fields and the agricultural practices of the past still relevant in today’s Taos Valley. For those wanting the best of both worlds, access to in-town activities as well as trail/hiking/river adventures, the Des Montes sites would be the best selection. Close enough to town for groceries and conveniences along with other sought after tourist attractions such as the Taos Pueblo, Taos Plaza and surrounding galleries/shops. In addition, Arroyo Seco and Arroyo Hondo are quaint little villages less than 10 minutes away for for addt'l groceries/market/restaurant options. The John Dunn Recreation Area is also less than 15 minutes drive from the campsites. Despite accessibility to endless activities just minutes away there remains a sense of solitude, space and privacy that one would be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Cerro Chiflo, Cerro Montoso and the Miner's Trail are within driving/hiking distance. Spend a day down on the banks of Rio Grande and unwind around the campfire and while stars light up the dark skies. Your next adventure awaits...hope to see you soon! Please see Sol at Rio Grande Balloons to book your hot air balloon ride while in Taos! 575-208-1888. https://www.riograndeballoons.com Taos Pueblo - 15min Taos Plaza and Business District - 15min The Gorge Bridge - 20 min Ojo Caliente Hot Springs - 1hr Carson National Forest - 10min Rio Grande Del Norte Nat'l Monument - 20min Arroyo Hondo - Midtown Market 10min Arroyo Seco - 10min Taos Ski Valley - 30min
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
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.