The best waterside campgrounds in New Mexico

New Mexico’s waterside campgrounds deliver more than just a spot to pitch your tent—the state’s rivers, lakes, and streams cut through high desert, pine forests, and canyon country. With over 3,000 options tailored for waterside camping, you can wake up to the rush of the Rio Grande or cast a line into a cool mountain lake. Campers come for swimming holes, hiking trails that skirt the water, and horseback rides through cottonwood groves. Top picks include Santa Fe Treehouse Camp (919 reviews), where hammock naps meet forested streams, Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<) (579 reviews) up in the cool northern hills, and Mystical & Enchanted Desert Escape (355 reviews) for desert quiet and sunrise vistas. You’ll find showers, toilets, and pet-friendly spots at most campgrounds. Prices start at $20 a night, with the average site running $50. Pack your swimsuit and hiking boots—New Mexico’s waterside campsites let you cool off and explore, all in the same day.

96% (4.4K) • 90 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in New Mexico

Lincoln National Forest

1. Lincoln National Forest

92%

(31)

National forest in New Mexico · 386 sites

Lincoln National Forest is a delight for the senses! Gaze upon cacti, smell the spruce at the top of the Sierra Blanca mountains, and feel the cool water on your skin relaxing at Sitting Bull Falls. With a range of elevation comes a range of activities; trails for both beginner and experienced hikers or hop on your horse and explore Dog Canyon Trail that traverses up over 2,000 feet (gnarly!). Camping is cushy and available year round, allowing you to experience the vast array of wildflowers at Bluff Springs in the springtime, or surf the snow in the winter at Ski Apache. With scenic mountain views, ranger programs to brush up on the area, and easy access to the town of Ruidoso, Lincoln is a mountain lovers dream without the crowds!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Santa Fe National Forest

2. Santa Fe National Forest

94%

(42)

National forest in New Mexico · 444 sites

Santa Fe National Forest isn’t just a cool spot in New Mexico, it’s a place that painters, poets, photographers and adventurers have waxed poetic about since...well, forever. It’s easy to see why, with over 1.6 million acres and over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. Whether it’s an autumn day trekking under trees blazing gold, or taking turns down the slopes at Santa Fe Ski Basin, the forest is a year round wonderland! Spring and Summer offer thrilling whitewater rafting down the Rio Grande, trout fishing, hunting, and nights under the stars. It’s easy to set up camp here too in one of the forests many campgrounds, and if you plan on staying away, be sure visit the town of Santa Fe, one of the most artistic and beautiful towns in America. This trip is bound to have you channeling your inner artist in no time!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Heron Lake State Park

3. Heron Lake State Park

100%

(2)

State park in New Mexico · 67 sites

Discover Heron Lake State Park's tranquil waters and scenic trails.

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Toilets

Campfires

Navajo Lake State Park

4. Navajo Lake State Park

88%

(8)

State park in New Mexico · 84 sites

Navajo Lake State Park: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.

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Toilets

Campfires

Eagle Nest Lake State Park

5. Eagle Nest Lake State Park

100%

(1)

State park in New Mexico · 19 sites

Eagle Nest Lake State Park: A High-Altitude Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.

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Toilets

Campfires

Fenton Lake State Park

6. Fenton Lake State Park

88%

(4)

State park in New Mexico · 13 sites

Fenton Lake State Park: A serene mountain haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Ute Lake State Park

7. Ute Lake State Park

State park in New Mexico · 50 sites

Ute Lake State Park: A Haven for Water Sports and Scenic Camping.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Sumner Lake State Park

8. Sumner Lake State Park

69%

(4)

State park in New Mexico · 13 sites

Sumner Lake State Park: A Haven for Water Sports and Wildlife Watching.

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Toilets

Campfires

Conchas Lake State Park

9. Conchas Lake State Park

State park in New Mexico · 40 sites

Discover Conchas Lake State Park's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

New Mexico’s waterside campgrounds deliver more than just a spot to pitch your tent—the state’s rivers, lakes, and streams cut through high desert, pine forests, and canyon country. With over 3,000 options tailored for waterside camping, you can wake up to the rush of the Rio Grande or cast a line into a cool mountain lake. Campers come for swimming holes, hiking trails that skirt the water, and horseback rides through cottonwood groves. Top picks include Santa Fe Treehouse Camp (919 reviews), where hammock naps meet forested streams, Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<) (579 reviews) up in the cool northern hills, and Mystical & Enchanted Desert Escape (355 reviews) for desert quiet and sunrise vistas. You’ll find showers, toilets, and pet-friendly spots at most campgrounds. Prices start at $20 a night, with the average site running $50. Pack your swimsuit and hiking boots—New Mexico’s waterside campsites let you cool off and explore, all in the same day.

96% (4.4K) • 90 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in New Mexico

Lincoln National Forest

1. Lincoln National Forest

92%

(31)

National forest in New Mexico · 386 sites

Lincoln National Forest is a delight for the senses! Gaze upon cacti, smell the spruce at the top of the Sierra Blanca mountains, and feel the cool water on your skin relaxing at Sitting Bull Falls. With a range of elevation comes a range of activities; trails for both beginner and experienced hikers or hop on your horse and explore Dog Canyon Trail that traverses up over 2,000 feet (gnarly!). Camping is cushy and available year round, allowing you to experience the vast array of wildflowers at Bluff Springs in the springtime, or surf the snow in the winter at Ski Apache. With scenic mountain views, ranger programs to brush up on the area, and easy access to the town of Ruidoso, Lincoln is a mountain lovers dream without the crowds!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Santa Fe National Forest

2. Santa Fe National Forest

94%

(42)

National forest in New Mexico · 444 sites

Santa Fe National Forest isn’t just a cool spot in New Mexico, it’s a place that painters, poets, photographers and adventurers have waxed poetic about since...well, forever. It’s easy to see why, with over 1.6 million acres and over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. Whether it’s an autumn day trekking under trees blazing gold, or taking turns down the slopes at Santa Fe Ski Basin, the forest is a year round wonderland! Spring and Summer offer thrilling whitewater rafting down the Rio Grande, trout fishing, hunting, and nights under the stars. It’s easy to set up camp here too in one of the forests many campgrounds, and if you plan on staying away, be sure visit the town of Santa Fe, one of the most artistic and beautiful towns in America. This trip is bound to have you channeling your inner artist in no time!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Heron Lake State Park