Lake Camping Near Chimayo, New Mexico, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Camping near lakes in Chimayo puts you close to cool water, clear skies, and the sharp scent of piñon. With over 900 options matching lakeside terrain, you’ll find sites where sunrise hits the water and evenings echo with bird calls. Nightly rates start at $20, and the average sits around $50. Top-rated spots like Enchanted Circle Campground (579 reviews), Agua de Vida (238 reviews), and Mesa Top camping (143 reviews) draw campers for their lake access and room to roam. Expect toilets and showers on site. Campfires are allowed, so bring marshmallows. Between fishing, wildlife-watching, and horseback riding, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your day. Pack layers—the temperature swings keep things interesting.

99% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camping near lakes in Chimayo puts you close to cool water, clear skies, and the sharp scent of piñon. With over 900 options matching lakeside terrain, you’ll find sites where sunrise hits the water and evenings echo with bird calls. Nightly rates start at $20, and the average sits around $50. Top-rated spots like Enchanted Circle Campground (579 reviews), Agua de Vida (238 reviews), and Mesa Top camping (143 reviews) draw campers for their lake access and room to roam. Expect toilets and showers on site. Campfires are allowed, so bring marshmallows. Between fishing, wildlife-watching, and horseback riding, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your day. Pack layers—the temperature swings keep things interesting.

99% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Mesa Top camping

96%

(183)

42mi from Chimayo · 1 site · Tent, RV · Los Cerrillos, NM

Set above the historic town of Madrid N.M. is Waldo Mesa, the location of past mining operations and stunning Vista's.

2. Agua de Vida

97%

(337)

38mi from Chimayo · 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!

3. Jemez Mountains A-Frame Cabin

100%

(23)

40mi from Chimayo · 1 site · Lodging · Jemez Springs, NM

We are excited to share our little A-frame cabin in the woods! The cabin is quite rustic ( and quite cute). Think of it like glamping -- outhouse, wood burning stove, dirt roads, and beautiful trees and mountains included. ** To keep the cabin affordable, all guests are responsible for cleaning up the cabin at the end of the stay and making it ready for the next guest. There are no cleaners coming in after you. ** The cabin is a 432 square foot A-frame in a small mountain community, which is surrounded by the Jemez National Forest. There are a few places to hike right from the front door, and many, many trailheads within a 20 minute drive. Fenton Lake is a short drive away, and the San Antonio Hot Springs is a 2.5 mile hike, bike, or ski away right out the front door for the confident adventurer. Located 1.5 hours from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, a few miles off of NM-4 between the town of Jemez Springs and the Valles Caldera National Preserve. No outdoor fires in the fire pit are permitted at this time. WATER HAS BEEN SHUT OFF FOR THE SEASON - YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN WATER.

4. Plaza Blanca Retreat

26mi from Chimayo · 1 site · Lodging · Abiquiu, NM

Want time away? Escape to this charming bungalow in picturesque Abiquiu. In the rugged desert environment, the secluded casita is located on Plaza Blanca (“the white place”), memorialized in countless paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe. On a remote mesa with spectacular views at the end of a steep dirt roadway, the 200 square foot Casita Samuel is a modernist jewel that blends native rock and local materials and with architectural details that pay homage to my architect father. Large windows let the outside in; real cork floors; and terrazzo in the kitchen and bath—all materials remembered from 60s LA. Includes a light-filled, restful salon with full-size bed and air conditioning and heat; a Prep Room (small kitchen); and a Wet Room, with Ruvatti sink, shower, and toilet. Livening up the Prep and Wet Rooms are murals by artist Scooter LaForge. With 9 acres of pristine natural landscape surrounding it all, the casita Is a space of deep solitude and silence—offering an ideal location to retreat, rest, write, and dream in the midst of a pristine enchanted landscape. This modernist jewel sits at the end of a steep and rocky dirt road. Though graded and well maintained, this road is rough so slow driving is recommended. Once you reach it, the casita is a still point in a churning and turning world. Located 150 feet above an arroyo on the edge of the Carson National Forest. Petroglyphs and pictograms abound, acres of trails, the village of Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu Lake, and nine northern pueblos are nearby. Special long-term rental rates. Please inquire.

5. Abiquiu Tiny House

100%

(108)

18mi from Chimayo · 1 site · Lodging · Abiquiu , NM

Situated at 6300 ft. above sea level the Chama River Valley is surrounded by forested mountains. There is white water rafting on the Rio Chama and Rio Grande Rivers nearby during spring and summer. Within an hour there are ski areas at Taos and Santa Fe during the winter. Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is 17 miles away and has a full spa and restaurant. There are beautiful hiking trails throughout the area and Abiquiu Lake is less than 20 minutes away. The location of the Tiny House is in a quiet, private and beautiful setting. Abiquiu Lake is only 15 minutes away for fun swimming, Ghost Ranch is 20 minutes away and has 3 beautiful hikes. Santa Fe and Taos are 60 minutes away. The tiny house is a healthy house built on the golden mean and has no electrical radiation inside except wi-fi. All material used are nontoxic.Notable aspect. There are no pets allowed on the property.

6. Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<)

99%

(1453)

43mi from Chimayo · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

7. the LAND

31mi from Chimayo · 1 site · Tent, RV · Canones, NM

Welcome to the LAND — 43 private acres of high desert magic nestled at the base of Cerro Pedernal, where canyons cradle the sky and Polvadera Creek flows year-round, drawing beavers, birds, and the occasional awe-struck traveler. This is a place for those seeking the essence of the wild, with just enough comfort to stay awhile. With a one-of-a-kind view of Georgia O’Keeffe’s mountain muse in front of you and the ancient Tsi’pin village site to your left, this sacred land echoes with both artistic legacy and ancestral presence. Camp beside the creek beneath cottonwoods and piñon. Gaze into a night sky free from all light pollution — a dome of stars unlike anywhere else. Walk quiet roads through ancient canyon paths. Listen to the hush. Here, the stillness speaks. While rustic and off-grid in spirit, the LAND offers: • Private, creekside tent sites with canyon views • Fast Wi-Fi if you need it — or want to forget it • A hot shower under open skies • Peaceful access roads for all vehicles • Easy wildlife spotting (beavers, deer, birds of prey) • Nearby hikes, labyrinth walks, and sacred stone outcroppings • 30 minutes from Abiquiú • 2 hours from Santa Fe Whether you're journaling by the creek, meditating at sunrise, or watching the Milky Way unfurl above your tent, this is a place to remember what matters. Come camp at the LAND. Stay for the peace. Return for the stars.

Camper favorites near Chimayo

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Plaza Blanca Retreat

26mi from Chimayo · 1 site · Lodging · Abiquiu, NM

Want time away? Escape to this charming bungalow in picturesque Abiquiu. In the rugged desert environment, the secluded casita is located on Plaza Blanca (“the white place”), memorialized in countless paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe. On a remote mesa with spectacular views at the end of a steep dirt roadway, the 200 square foot Casita Samuel is a modernist jewel that blends native rock and local materials and with architectural details that pay homage to my architect father. Large windows let the outside in; real cork floors; and terrazzo in the kitchen and bath—all materials remembered from 60s LA. Includes a light-filled, restful salon with full-size bed and air conditioning and heat; a Prep Room (small kitchen); and a Wet Room, with Ruvatti sink, shower, and toilet. Livening up the Prep and Wet Rooms are murals by artist Scooter LaForge. With 9 acres of pristine natural landscape surrounding it all, the casita Is a space of deep solitude and silence—offering an ideal location to retreat, rest, write, and dream in the midst of a pristine enchanted landscape. This modernist jewel sits at the end of a steep and rocky dirt road. Though graded and well maintained, this road is rough so slow driving is recommended. Once you reach it, the casita is a still point in a churning and turning world. Located 150 feet above an arroyo on the edge of the Carson National Forest. Petroglyphs and pictograms abound, acres of trails, the village of Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu Lake, and nine northern pueblos are nearby. Special long-term rental rates. Please inquire.

Abiquiu Tiny House

100%

(108)

18mi from Chimayo · 1 site · Lodging · Abiquiu , NM

Situated at 6300 ft. above sea level the Chama River Valley is surrounded by forested mountains. There is white water rafting on the Rio Chama and Rio Grande Rivers nearby during spring and summer. Within an hour there are ski areas at Taos and Santa Fe during the winter. Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is 17 miles away and has a full spa and restaurant. There are beautiful hiking trails throughout the area and Abiquiu Lake is less than 20 minutes away. The location of the Tiny House is in a quiet, private and beautiful setting. Abiquiu Lake is only 15 minutes away for fun swimming, Ghost Ranch is 20 minutes away and has 3 beautiful hikes. Santa Fe and Taos are 60 minutes away. The tiny house is a healthy house built on the golden mean and has no electrical radiation inside except wi-fi. All material used are nontoxic.Notable aspect. There are no pets allowed on the property.

Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<)

99%

(1453)

43mi from Chimayo · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

the LAND

31mi from Chimayo · 1 site · Tent, RV · Canones, NM

Welcome to the LAND — 43 private acres of high desert magic nestled at the base of Cerro Pedernal, where canyons cradle the sky and Polvadera Creek flows year-round, drawing beavers, birds, and the occasional awe-struck traveler. This is a place for those seeking the essence of the wild, with just enough comfort to stay awhile. With a one-of-a-kind view of Georgia O’Keeffe’s mountain muse in front of you and the ancient Tsi’pin village site to your left, this sacred land echoes with both artistic legacy and ancestral presence. Camp beside the creek beneath cottonwoods and piñon. Gaze into a night sky free from all light pollution — a dome of stars unlike anywhere else. Walk quiet roads through ancient canyon paths. Listen to the hush. Here, the stillness speaks. While rustic and off-grid in spirit, the LAND offers: • Private, creekside tent sites with canyon views • Fast Wi-Fi if you need it — or want to forget it • A hot shower under open skies • Peaceful access roads for all vehicles • Easy wildlife spotting (beavers, deer, birds of prey) • Nearby hikes, labyrinth walks, and sacred stone outcroppings • 30 minutes from Abiquiú • 2 hours from Santa Fe Whether you're journaling by the creek, meditating at sunrise, or watching the Milky Way unfurl above your tent, this is a place to remember what matters. Come camp at the LAND. Stay for the peace. Return for the stars.

Public campgrounds near Chimayo

Borrego Mesa Campground

9.1mi from Chimayo · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(1)

Aspen Basin Campground

16mi from Chimayo · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

Safe and easy enough to camp with a toddler.

100%

(2)

Big Tesuque Campground

17mi from Chimayo · 6 sites · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(3)

Jacks Creek Group Campground

19mi from Chimayo · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(1)

Panchuela Campground

19mi from Chimayo · 6 sites · in Santa Fe National Forest

Jacks Creek is a great jumping off point for backcountry adventure. This is camping at nearby Lake Katherine.

Jacks Creek Campground

19mi from Chimayo · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

95%

(13)

Santa Barbara Campground

19mi from Chimayo · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carson National Forest

Lots of space for yourself at the big camp sites.

100%

(6)

Black Canyon Campground

19mi from Chimayo · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(2)

Cowles Campground

20mi from Chimayo · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

Holy Ghost Group Campground

20mi from Chimayo · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Santa Fe National Forest

Holy Ghost Campground

20mi from Chimayo · 41 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(1)

Iron Gate Campground

21mi from Chimayo · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

Stories from the community

Ashley

3 weeks ago

45 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Agua de Vida

Beautiful location and spacious campsite!! Host has 2 sweet and friendly dogs that love to linger around camp, but take note that the dogs wandered off with our doormat and we weren't able to find it- host said this is something that happens here but we wished that was communicated in advance so we didn't set that out as usual (was a sentimental gift from my grandmother). Otherwise loved being so close to Santa Fe and would stay again!!

s

seth

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Jemez Mountains A-Frame Cabin

We had such a great relaxing time at Jen’s cabin. Everything is as advertised. The sheets and beds were very comfortable! Wish we could have stayed longer.

J

Jessica

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Agua de Vida

Amazing pretty piece of paradise not far from Santa Fe. Very accommodating host. We felt safe :) We will be booking again

Amanda

November 2025

20 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Agua de Vida

This place is a gem!! Great location close to Santa Fe and the surrounding area. Super quiet and peaceful. The campsites are so lovely and easy to get into. I would have loved to stay and explore longer. We will 100% be back! Also we absolutely adored the farm dogs.

Suzanne

October 2025

44 ft travel trailer

1 night at Agua de Vida

we had a great time at one of the RV sites. We stayed one night on our way back home. I would recommend arriving before dark. Some nights it can be very dark out. Brenda made sure we made it to out spot and was super fast with communication. Thanks for the pleasant quiet stay.

F

Frank

October 2025

23 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Mesa Top camping

Great proximity to Madrid! Unique and beautiful camp with sweeping 270 degrees views! Fun vibe—about a 20 minute nice walk into town-no need to move your rig. Thanks Kim!

Kevin

October 2025

Tent

4 nights at Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<)

I don't know what I can say that I haven't already said in my other three reviews. This is my fourth time to the cliffs Camp 8 very private very secluded very quiet. Landon is great very hospitable. This is definitely a place of peace. I will always be back. All the campsites are very far from each other which is something that I like. It's just a nice piece of property. They have done well

R

Rachel

October 2025

1 night at Jemez Mountains A-Frame Cabin

This A-frame was quite an interesting drive from Santa Fe. I don’t think we would’ve made it without our 4 wheel drive. The cabin was beautiful and Clean. We love the wood burning stove. Overall it was a great stay for a quick evening getaway from it all!

J

Jesus

October 2025

6 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<)

Private beautiful space full of pines and a nice fire pit to stay warm. The stars were amazing. Can't wait to come back

M

Megan

October 2025

16 ft car

3 nights at Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<)

This is such a beautiful spot we can’t wait to come back when it’s a little warmer! Thank you for sharing your land with us. Highly recommend this campground. It was nice having wood available for delivery and a bathroom close by.

W

Willie

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Mesa Top camping

Cool, funky spot. Nice and secluded. Would come again!

P

Phyllis

October 2025

22 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Agua de Vida

The views are amazing. There is a nice walk with a pond. Quiet and peaceful with full hookups. Easily the best place we've ever stayed.

D

Debbie

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Agua de Vida

It was such a great spot. We stayed a 3rd night. Our host were great. It was quite and beautiful. Full hook ups was a plus!

Don

October 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<)

A beautiful property! Nice and quiet, no hook ups, but thoughtful touches everywhere.

C

Cecile

October 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Agua de Vida

Brenda is very quick to respond and solve any problem arising. Very welcoming as well.

C

Clay

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<)

Amazing view and great tent set up spot. Fire pit is perfect and the drive up is smooth. The hosts are very helpful and provide basic elements to help your stay much more comfortable. Will definitely use again.

M

Mark

October 2025

12 ft campervan

With pets

4 nights at Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<)

The space was awesome and we will be staying here everytime we visit Angelfire

A

Angela

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Agua de Vida

This spot was wonderful!! So quiet and super clean. The landscape was beautiful. The hosts were available, attentive and super friendly. I will definitely be back!!

C

Caleb

October 2025

4 nights at Abiquiu Tiny House

Great little house with all of the basic amenities someone looking for a place not too rustic would love. Harvey was extremely friendly, and gave us any and all of the privacy we could want. The dirt roads are pretty bumpy, so if you come in a standard height car take it slow.

K

Kim

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

5 nights at Agua de Vida

UpperEdge is a quiet, private site on a large peaceful property. With full hookups, and easy access to all the best places in NW New Mexico, we would definitely stay here again whether we’re visiting the area or just passing through.