The best ranch campgrounds near Capitan, New Mexico

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States. If you're looking to experience the rugged beauty of a ranch setting near Capitan, New Mexico, we've got you covered. With over 120 options in the area that cater specifically to your ranch-loving heart, you'll have plenty to choose from. Whether you prefer a rustic cowboy experience or a more modern glamping vibe, we have options to suit every taste and budget. And don't just take our word for it - check out top campsites like Dusty Rabbit Van Life (53 reviews), A True Cold War Relic..Missile Silo (51 reviews), and Stargazers Mountain Camping Retreat (47 reviews). With amenities like trash disposal, showers, and toilets, as well as activities like whitewater paddling and climbing nearby, your camping experience is sure to be unforgettable. So pack your bags, grab your cowboy hat, and get ready to experience the best of ranch camping near Capitan, New Mexico!

98% (107)

Top-rated campgrounds near Capitan

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States. If you're looking to experience the rugged beauty of a ranch setting near Capitan, New Mexico, we've got you covered. With over 120 options in the area that cater specifically to your ranch-loving heart, you'll have plenty to choose from. Whether you prefer a rustic cowboy experience or a more modern glamping vibe, we have options to suit every taste and budget. And don't just take our word for it - check out top campsites like Dusty Rabbit Van Life (53 reviews), A True Cold War Relic..Missile Silo (51 reviews), and Stargazers Mountain Camping Retreat (47 reviews). With amenities like trash disposal, showers, and toilets, as well as activities like whitewater paddling and climbing nearby, your camping experience is sure to be unforgettable. So pack your bags, grab your cowboy hat, and get ready to experience the best of ranch camping near Capitan, New Mexico!

98% (107)

Top-rated campgrounds near Capitan

1. 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.

2. Edge of the Rez

98%

(67)

37mi from Capitan · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land:Its dark, try to setup your camp before the sunsets. No light pollution unless there is a full moon. We are a primitive site with safe well water drawn from a sandstone bed. Walking distance to National Forest and 8 miles from Cloudcroft.  Free-roaming horses, elk, mule deer, whitetail, turkey, and all critters in between. Awesome sunsets and perfect for stargazing.  

3. Cienega Arroyo Ranch

100%

(27)

18mi from Capitan · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

On a working ranch, this campsite is located up a secluded arroyo off of the Hondo Valley and Rio Ruidoso in San Patricio, NM. This ranch is nearly 1400 acres total that is available for exploring and wildlife watching. During wildlife watching, it is possible that you could see roadrunners, squirrels, coyotes, rabbits, hawks, deer, elk, lizards, foxes, and many different types of song birds. A road south of the campsite is available for hiking down.Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs are just over a 20 minute drive from this campsite. Historic Lincoln and Fort Stanton are a quick drive from this area as well. The Hurd Gallery can be visited by driving down the highway a couple miles. A fishing spot open to the public on the Rio Ruidoso is available for fishing just a few miles down the highway as well. It has been reported that this arroyo contained a cienega many years ago which was a marshy area fed by a spring, before groundwater wells ran it dry. Most cienegas are now extinct in the southwest. Sheep and Firewood were the main commodities produced off of this ranch before cattle became dominant. NM State Land is 640 of these acres which requires an annual permit for recreational use. 

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

Karissa

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Cienega Arroyo Ranch

Was the first place I’ve ever tried on Hipcamp. Only stayed for one night. Had more than enough room for my truck and rooftop tent. Road to find it was harder than expected but no issue for a smaller vehicle like mine. Land owner does mention free roaming cattle, but I had no issue with them. Overall would recommend as a place to stay.

A

Ashley

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Edge of the Rez

The surrounding land, the hospitality and kindness of Depree, the bugling elk, and the endless views of stars made for such a special and memorable camping adventure for our family. Coyote Bluff is a spacious camping set up with a gorgeous view. We appreciated how helpful Depree was during our stay and the wonderful communication regarding the weather and direction before hand. We love the space that Depree has been nurturing and would absolutely recommend staying here- I know we will next time we are in the area!

I

Irma

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

29 nights at Cienega Arroyo Ranch

Beautiful beyond words. The night stars were amazing. I saw a Ram! I would recommend to all nature lovers.

A

Anthony

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Edge of the Rez

We really appreciate camping here! Hospitality was amazing and she was super friendly and kind!

H

Heather

September 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Cienega Arroyo Ranch

Excellent view of the stars! Seemed remote for where it is, was very quiet.

A

Anna

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Edge of the Rez

Beautiful land! Quiet and peaceful. Depree is amazing

L

Laura

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Edge of the Rez

We really enjoyed our stay! Dupree was a great host. She was so welcoming to all of us, including my teenage daughter and our two dogs. She knew how to make herself accessible, and also give us our space at the same time, perfect balance! We felt so lucky to experience such a beautiful, serene and safe gem of a spot. We came up from Las Cruces spontaneously, and she accommodated us on short notice. Two beautiful nights tent camping, daytimes sprinkled with wanderings through her incredible surroundings. We went to sleep to sounds of coyotes and wild horses, ended up spotting a herd during a lovely hike up the hill through velvety green grasses and sweet smelling pines. An 8 mile drive from Cloudcroft, a world away, beautiful.

J

Jennifer

June 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Edge of the Rez

Lovely area where the air is perfumed by the ponderosa pines and wild horse wander through the valleys with deer and bear. Host is friendly and helpful. A quiet spot in nature.

C

Catherine

June 2025

32 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Edge of the Rez

Depree’s land is 8000ft up in the mountains next to Lincoln National Forest. The camping spot is down the hill from Depree’s summer home, was flat for my 15 ‘ travel trailer, and has a great view of the mountains, the sunset, and the stars. There is a good firepit at the site. Depree is a lovely, fun, helpful person who is among other things a clay sculptress. She has a charming little terrier named Coco. I plan to stop here again in the future!

M

Mich

June 2025

Tent

2 nights at Edge of the Rez

The land was scenic and peaceful. The hostess was warm and friendly. Perfect location to visit both Ruidoso and Cloudcroft with a short drive.

D

Diane

June 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Cienega Arroyo Ranch

Good location and loved that it's off-leash pet friendly. It's convenient to Riudoso and, since there's a locked gate, very safe to leave your campsite unattended. Just be aware that the campsites are close to the gate and are also right next to each other. We were happy there was no one at the other site during our stay.

Nathan

May 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Cienega Arroyo Ranch

Perfect spot for the ikamper. Secluded camping locations next to a wash with no cell service so be prepared. I had my Starlink Mini so no issues there. At night the sky is amazing with no light pollution around. There is some highway noise which is surprising since the highway is a mile or so away. Overall a great spot for anyone who would like to get away.

V

Valerie

April 2025

Tent

1 night at Cienega Arroyo Ranch

Great private campsite for self-contained campers. We had no problem getting in and out in a 4Runner, just took it slow since it’s a rocky road off the highway. We had campers in the site next to us but there’s good brush between the sites so it still felt secluded. Very cool to hear coyotes in the night!

J

Jocelyne

January 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Cienega Arroyo Ranch

We had a wonderful stay at the working Pancheco Triple-U Ranch. We were greeted by cows, calves and a bull - all keeping respectful distances 👍 - and saw the most amazing night sky ever!!! It is a 100% self sufficient site (no amenities) and if you have this opportunity, and a vehicle that can has higher clearance, then you need to try out this site. We had no regrets and would be happy to return for another stay!

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:

A

Angel

December 2024

20 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Cienega Arroyo Ranch

Location was amazing, very peaceful and nice views, Loved how it was private. GOOD AREA TO CAMP

Adam

November 2024

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Cienega Arroyo Ranch

Pretty close to the other site, but no one seemed to be using it the night I stayed. My phone had zero signal, Sprint towers. Was fine, I didn't need it. Had a great fire and they left a bunch of starter/branches around to get one started. Was very thankful for that in a cold night. Would stay here again.