Camping in New Mexico with wildlife watching

Explore ancient pueblos, soak in restorative springs, and see Mission-style architecture in this southwestern state.

94% (6173 reviews)
  1. New Mexico
94% (6173 reviews)

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Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds in New Mexico with wildlife watching

98%
(1431)

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. 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 available for everyone who stays on the property. 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.
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$25
 / night
97%
(264)

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!
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$35
 / night
99%
(1308)

Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<)

13 sites · RVs, Tents161 acres · Angel Fire, NM
The Enchanted Circle Campground sits on the Avalon Ranch. It is 161 owned acres surrounded by a state trust lease. We are very proud to have been voted #1 Campground in NM 4 years in a row and ranked Top 5 by Forbes in the country. We have 8 Sites to choose from. (No large RVs at 4, 7 or 8) Campfires are permitted, and pets are welcome. Free potable water is available as well as a portable toilet. For cooking, you will have a fire pit, with a cast iron grill. Every site (but 7) has a standing charcoal grill, with tongs, a spatula and a grill brush. A fire extinguisher and a shovel. We hang a hand washing jug at every site for your convenience, with potable water, but do not suggest this for drinking water source. The property was originally homesteaded in 1893. It was also the first potato farm in NM. It has seven ground-fed springs that run year-round and is officially the Coyote Creeks Headwaters. The springs converge after filling 4 of our ponds in the marshland where the potatoes were grown. A family of 4 lived in the first dwelling built here, not much larger than a shed. Since that time, 2 homes, 1 of which still stands, a barn, a smokehouse, and 4 other outbuildings were constructed. There are old wagons and farm equipment from the late 1800s and early 1900's still strewn about the ranch. We are home to Huge herds of Elk, mule deer, turkeys, prairie dogs, eagles, black bears, 9 horses, chickens, pigs, goats, our 2 dogs and 4 cats, and the occasional Mountain Lion. We live here year-round. We love our land and want to share it with others. I am a Veteran and our intent is to eventually have a Veterans Retreat facility here. Not a retreat itself, but rather a location for all of the retreats, nationwide, to be able to utilize, so they can use the funds they have to do what they do best. You are helping to make that possible. We do pride ourselves on minimally impacting our land. We strive to keep it clean and as close to nature as we can. And as always, Veterans, LEOs, and Fire Fighters are always free for one night up to 4 guests. Just book your reservation, and show us your ID during your stay, and we will reimburse you for your last night with us.
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$67.50
 / night
95%
(259)

Healing on the Rio Grande !

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Albuquerque, NM
Come to New Mexico ! The Land of Enchantment. Sing Chants to the Moon, The Sun, The Rain, The Stars , The Beautiful Land and the Ancestors ! We won , an award with Hipcamp, Best of 2023 !!!! We are so happy to Host . Come enjoy organic . Urban Permaculture . Awesome, thanks for loving on our peaceful garden. It is an honor to serve the traveler, the camper, sweet tourist , wild vacationer , folks visiting friends and family , the many folks who explore and folks on grand adventures. We love to camp as well. BE OUTSIDE ! Heal from Nature . We have a lot to offer. Our place is good for folks who work on the road, Great WIFI ! Easy to manage a job while on the road . Eat flowers and herbs. There is a great herb store , herbal clinic and more . Just down the road, called, RED ROOT , next to the Food Co-op on Rio Grande Blvd. Our Space is in the heart of the Griegos Neighborhood , A very old style , old world area. Safe area. Same Hispanic families have lived here since 1712, no joke, that is real. Rural feel for an urban / suburban setting , space space, off street parking. We are NOT an RV park nor are we a " camp ground " . We Are an Organic Garden ( Urban Permaculture ) that you can stay inside a magical, growing goodness space . This place is very, very private . The parking area is not private . Our road is dead end , very low traffic . The garden wall around the whole tent area has a 6 foot tall , very thick wall , and trees , surrounding every thing. There is a forest and pond for ducks behind the garden . Our place is for Wildlife, to be fed, and given water and safe space to raise young. We are located in an area where the birds of the world fly from the north to the south and then change direction each season. Many lizards . Many wild mammals . There are many farms in the area. With Horses , goats , chickens , ducks , mules, donkeys , other livestock . We have no pets and no livestock. At night this is dark ( we do have solar lights on walk ways ) and it is peaceful. A safe zone for travelers . Serene , gentle and lovely . You get your privacy . New Mexico is so amazing, all year . We have inside space in Fall / Winter . Welcome to Mother Bosque Garden . Started in Corrales NM in 2010 . We are in the North valley of Albuquerque New Mexico 87107. The same families have lived here for 100, 200, 300 plus years . 1000s of years . Native people have lived in this valley for close to 20,000 years more . The Rio Grande is very close by ( 2 miles west of us ) bike or by car . We are close to route 40 and route 25, just 7 mins. away . There is a Food Co-op with in a 5 mins. drive . And a regular store and gas within one mile of our place. Come eat Traditional New Mexican Foods and Heal with Very Living Traditional New Mexican Herbal Medicines . Relax, rest, find repose. Happy travels, happy hiking, happy sleeping under the stars, happy home made food, happy resting. Old Town is close by, so is the Rio Grande River and Nature Center ( 2 miles up the street ) . So many things in our area to see, to do, learn history . Awesome food, music and arts/ crafts, everywhere. So much activity all over. SO MANY CULTURES and Languages , so much diversity !
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$45
 / night
95%
(270)

Camp Rio

57 sites · Lodging, RVs, 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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$40
 / night
98%
(164)

HarmonyTaos Regenerative Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Taos, NM
Harmony Taos is a regenerative farm located on approximately 4 acres, just minutes from the town of Taos. We specialize in Permaculture and teaching. Come enjoy the butterflies, raptors, magpies and hummingbirds fluttering throughout the orchards, ponderosas, vegetable gardens, and flowers on our organic community farm. Join us for camping, monthly soup nights, ceremonies, and cultural events throughout the warmer months. Latest Offerings: I hav decided to open up my intuitive practice to visitors. DM Anastasia if you would like an intuitive reading and clearing. 90 minutes long. RENT THE ENTIRE PROPERTY: DM the host for availability and rates. Pitch your tent at one of our 2 drive-in mountain view campsites, located on the lush grounds of our regenerative agriculture farm and gardens. Rest and rejuvenate in this quiet haven, nestled below the canyon yet just minutes from town. Sites Uno and Dos has access to a beautifully equipped bathhouse, picnic tables, and an outdoor cold water washing area . (during winter months, the picnic tables and outdoor sink are not available) Overflow Tres is more primitive with a dirt base and can accommodate larger vehicles. Campsite UNO: Uno fits a small trailer and/ or a RV. You will need to be proficient at backing it into Campsite Uno. This site can accommodate two vehicles. Campsite DOS: It is large enough for a sprinter or smaller camper van. You can pull right in. You will need to back out to depart. It now accommodates two vehicles (two cars, a sprinter and a car, a car with teardrop and another car.) Glampiing Site : Deluxe bamboo encased memory foam king bed (breaks down to two twin beds). Stellar views of the mountains . BYO bedding or DM host for full sheets and towels set up. There is power in the bathhouse for charging phones. but there are no dedicated electrical hook ups for RVs. However, you can text the owner if you want to use a converter and access a nearby ( For Site Uno) outlet with your extension cord for additional fee of $20.00 per day. EVENTS: Harmony Taos Farm is open in 2025 for day long or weekend events. Weddings, family gatherings, teachers. Yoga. There are a number of options including large 12 person tent with heater. The indoor Living room of the main building holds 25-30 for gatherings. There are numerous areas around the farm that lend themselves to ceremony, gathering, etc. Harmony Farm is an excellent wedding venue. There are 4 types of accommodations (hotels, lodges, Inns, rental homes) within 1 mile of the property should you wish to use the site for your wedding and invite guests who require a hotel etc. And of course there are plenty of tent sites available at Harmony. If you rent the entire property, more tent sites can be accommodated than listed here. Harmony host Anastasia can also arrange for catering, flowers, music, party rentals, etc. DM the host with any requests and day use rates. Things to know: This is the hosts homesite and farm. You will be camping near the host's actual home.
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$48
 / night
99%
(40)

Dragonfly Mountain Ranch

7 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Arroyo Seco, NM
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, and we have a variety of campsites to accommodate various needs and tastes. 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/restaurants 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
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$25
 / night
99%
(316)

Sunny Mellow Eco Villa

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Tijeras, NM
Sunny Mellow Eco Villa is the land with a great history. The QUIET, secret Shangra-La Valley just over the ridge from Route 66 (and I-40) was the camping place for Billy the Kid and his gang! They could quickly saddle up when the posted lookout on the ridge above signaled the passing of the stagecoach! Even more stunning, it was the Tijeras Indian Pueblo Tribe's place of roaming and rest. The land now sports an Organic Vineyard, Orchard and Vegetable Garden that guests my forage from when in bloom. A Large, Clean, Secluded Redwood Yoga Deck, Ping-Pong, Horseshoes, and a Giant Swing Set, along with patios and lounges that are found over the 8 acre land, and all joined by a network of Scenic Pathways and Bridges that connect The Vineyard, The Orchard, The Garden, The Solar Array, The Swing, The Yoga Deck, Ping Pong Terrace, Horse shoe Pit... Perfect Place and Feel The Akashic Records of Where Billy the Kid and his gang camped and the Tijeras Indians Lived! 8 Minutes to Albuquerque. 7 minutes to Cedar Crest, 20 minutes to The Infinite View off the Sandia Crest, 10 minutes to Edgewood. 50 minutes to Santa Fe. Located in THE CENTER of The ZIA of NEW MEXICO! Views of meadows, mountains and the Enchanting New Mexico sky from the Every stopping point on the Eco Villa Trail System. Ride a bike, take a sauna, Read a book... Take a nap. Enjoy the Unique Feel and Romance of the Yoga Yurt, The Awesome Modern Outdoor Kitchen, The delicious KING Bed. Watch 4K TV with 900 download and 35 upload! Enjoy Dining at your Private HipCamp Site! Hike into the Cedro National forest a short walk to the end of the road. If you feel sociable, join in a campfire with the guests at The Chi-Treehouse or Invite guests to the Fire-pit at your own Yoga Yurta! Sit in the Secluded "Starchamber" by day for a sun tan, or by night for moon glow and infinite star gazing. Drive to Sandia Peak, Hike, Ski, Mountain Bike (Even out your back door if you do not want to drive). Albuquerque and The East Mountains has more trails in proximity to a metropolis than an city in the country. Pick sandy, rocky, or meadow, or a forest ascent. Grove at top notch restaurants in ABQ and some local ones just down the street.
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$85.55
 / night

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Camping in New Mexico with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States. If you're a wildlife enthusiast looking for a camping adventure in the beautiful terrain of New Mexico, you're in luck! With over 3,400 options specifically tailored to wildlife watching in New Mexico, you'll be spoiled for choice. Whether you're looking for a treehouse experience at Santa Fe Treehouse Camp (512 reviews), a cozy spot at Enchanted Circle Campground (397 reviews), or a retreat at Star Dance High Desert Retreat (271 reviews), you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Plus, with popular amenities like toilets, campfires, and trash facilities, and activities such as biking, horseback riding, and whitewater paddling, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience. And the best part? Prices start as low as $9 per night, with an average price of $11 per night. So why wait? Start planning your wildlife adventure in New Mexico today!

Top parks in New Mexico