The best desert campgrounds near Capitan, New Mexico

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking to camp near Capitan, New Mexico and explore the desert terrain? We've got you covered with over 140 options specifically tailored to your preference. With options as low as $10 per night and an average price of $30 per night, you'll find a campsite that suits your budget. Check out our top campsites for the area, including Hot Springs Glamp Camp (101 reviews), Quail Run Tiny Guesthouse (74 reviews), and Dusty Rabbit Van Life (53 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, showers, and trash facilities, and engage in exciting activities such as wildlife watching, swimming, and whitewater paddling. Start planning your desert adventure now!

98% (52)

Top-rated campgrounds near Capitan

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking to camp near Capitan, New Mexico and explore the desert terrain? We've got you covered with over 140 options specifically tailored to your preference. With options as low as $10 per night and an average price of $30 per night, you'll find a campsite that suits your budget. Check out our top campsites for the area, including Hot Springs Glamp Camp (101 reviews), Quail Run Tiny Guesthouse (74 reviews), and Dusty Rabbit Van Life (53 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, showers, and trash facilities, and engage in exciting activities such as wildlife watching, swimming, and whitewater paddling. Start planning your desert adventure now!

98% (52)

Top-rated campgrounds near Capitan

1. Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

98%

(24)

39mi from Capitan · 4 sites · RVs

We are a winery and vineyard that offers RV parking, with 20/30/50 electrical hook ups. We have a tasting room and retail shop, our hours currently are 12-5 daily CLOSED on TUESDAY. (you can still stay onsite Tuesday, we just wont offer tastings). Our Estate grown wines are produced and bottled on our site. We have pistachio trees and pecan trees, tranquil property that offers a beautiful redwood deck enclosed with Ivy outdoor patio with tables and chairs. Attractions located nearby include White Sands 30 miles away and Ruidoso. RV Parking Pad with 20/30/50 Electricity is $45 / night. Check in noon, check out 11 am No water hook - ups Bring your picnic, we do not have food.

2. El Mistico

96%

(42)

6mi from Capitan · 7 sites · Lodging

Unplug from the city to soak up in nature and experience El Mistico Ranch. El Mistico Ranch consist of 30 acres of natural high desert land with natural spring waters, nearby Lincoln National Forest as our next door neighbor, you are actually just a short drive to Capitan for basic services and shopping; Ruidoso for arts, golf, dining, skiing, and more. The climate is mild here and the property is vegetated with pinon pine, juniper, and a variety of cacti. We're delighted to introduce you to Chester, our friendly Saint Bernard. At just a year old, Chester is a gentle giant with a heart of gold, spreading joy to all who visit. Chester not only brings warmth and joy to our guests but also plays an important role in taking care of the property. He roams around the ranch, ensuring that everything is in order and providing a sense of security to our guests. Sometimes, he even accompanies guests to their units to ensure they arrive safely.

3. Three Rivers Trading Post

31mi from Capitan · 21 sites

The Three Rivers Trading Post in Tularosa, New Mexico, stands out as a unique destination for travelers seeking an authentic experience near the renowned Three Rivers Petroglyph Site. This trading post is not just a shop; it offers a curated selection of local arts and crafts, each piece reflecting the rich history and cultural significance of the region. Visitors can immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Southwest at this park, where nature beckons with endless opportunities for exploration. Hike through stunning desert landscapes or take on the challenge of mountain biking along the scenic hills surrounding the campground. As night falls, the area transforms into a stargazer's paradise, allowing guests to unwind and witness the vibrant reds and oranges of a classic New Mexico sunset, followed by a spectacular display of stars. Our campground features full 30/50 amp sites and includes a well-stocked general store for your convenience. Whether you're planning a short stay or a longer retreat, we look forward to welcoming you to this remarkable destination soon!

4. Lincoln National Forest

92%

(31)

386 sites · Twin Forks, New Mexico

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

5. Cibola National Forest

88%

(8)

245 sites · Magdalena, New Mexico

America the beautiful, indeed! Don’t miss out on the wild and scenic slice of New Mexico.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Boutique Barns & Capitan RV Park

1.8mi from Capitan · 12 sites

Boutique Barns & Capitan RV Park stands out as a unique destination in Capitan, New Mexico, offering a blend of spacious, big rig-friendly sites and cozy cabins for a distinctive camping experience. With six pull-through sites equipped with 20/30/50 amp hookups, guests can enjoy the convenience of modern amenities while surrounded by the beauty of nature. Visitors to the park can indulge in stargazing under the clear New Mexico skies and explore the nearby walkable markets and restaurants, making it easy to enjoy local cuisine and shopping. Capitan is famously known as the home of Smokey Bear, and history enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to learn more about this beloved character at the Smokey Bear Historical Park. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, Boutique Barns & Capitan RV Park promises a memorable experience filled with outdoor adventures and local charm. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

7. White Sands Manufactured Home & RV

100%

(2)

50mi from Capitan · 1 site

White Sands Community is an award-winning property offering RV spaces in the scenic town of Alamogordo. The community offers dramatic views of the 9,000-foot Sacramento Mountains. The pull-through RV spaces feature full hookups (30 and 50 amps), paved lots, privacy walls, and free cable TV. Amenities include a spacious clubhouse with large-screen TV and billiards, resort-style swimming pool, playground, basketball court, shuffleboard, and laundry facilities. Walking distance to major stores and restaurants Flexible lot rental options Ideal location for Snow Birds 15 minutes from White Sands National Park Amazing views! Professional onsite management team On site amenities: Clubhouse Potable water Dog park Laundry facilities Showers Game room Garbage Bathrooms Picnic area Playground Cable TV Outdoor pool Nearby amenities: Disc golf swimming Basketball golf hiking biking walking trails wineries

Public campgrounds near Capitan

Monjeau Campground

11mi from Capitan · 4 sites · in Lincoln National Forest

Sierra Blanca from Windy Point (copyright Jeff Rauland)

100%

(1)

Monjeau Lookout

11mi from Capitan · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Lincoln National Forest

100%

(1)

South Fork Campground

11mi from Capitan · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

Skyline Campground

11mi from Capitan · 17 sites · in Lincoln National Forest

100%

(1)

Oak Grove Campground

13mi from Capitan · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

100%

(2)

Sam Tobias Memorial Group Campground

13mi from Capitan · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

100%

(1)

Baca Campground

14mi from Capitan · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

94%

(10)

Three Rivers Campground

19mi from Capitan · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

Silver Overflow Campground

40mi from Capitan · 52 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

Silver Campground and Amphitheater

40mi from Capitan · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

Saddle Campground

40mi from Capitan · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

Upper Fir Group Campground

40mi from Capitan · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Lincoln National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

S

Susan

October 2025

31 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

Site was clean and level. Vineyard was nice, wine was excellent. The owners, both old and new, were welcoming and friendly. Patio was a great place to hang out and meet people.

S

Sue

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

Nice gravel back in sites with 50 amp. No water or sewer hookups so come prepared. (There is a DK on 54 toward Alamogordo that has water and a dump station in back.) Sites are close together. Separated by grape vines! The winery is in full gear with planting and harvesting happening. Danette was a great host and we had a wonderful time at the tasting and talking all things wine! Close to Alamogordo, White Sands, Cloudcroft and Ruidoso.

K

Kristi

April 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at White Sands Manufactured Home & RV

We stayed 4 nights here in a 25ft travel trailer. It's a very functional RV park. It's not glamorous, but it checked all the efficiency boxes. Level pads and easily accessible hook ups. It's very clean and quiet and it's very close to the National Park. The laundry facility at this place is the biggest bonus IMO. They have a huge laundry facility. We were able to get ALL our laundry done including blankets and linens in under 2 hours. The management is top notch! Would stay again.

Shirley

April 2025

20 ft Class C

1 night at Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

Easy to get to, clean and quiet grounds. I would camp here again.

S

Sue

March 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

We had some truck issues that precluded us from staying at the winery. Danette was so helpful and understanding in handling our reservation. We will be visiting soon!

David

March 2025

22 ft Class C

1 night at Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

We loved this place! It was clean and secure and felt very safe. the host was very responsive. Would definitely return!

E

Elisabeth

February 2025

17 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

Great little spot to stop and would stay here again

T

Taylor

December 2024

1 night at El Mistico

Such a cool spot to stay! We will be going back to back out some of the other places they have on the property. Gated and secure spot to stay on a road trip. Beautiful starry nights:

R

Richard

December 2024

20 ft travel trailer

1 night at Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

Great prepared and level campsites at Tularosa Winery. Campsite was quiet and dark. Meet the previous owner who helps out around the vineyard during our wine tasting. Wines were good, on the sweeter side.