Camping near Farmington, New Mexico

Where to Go

Navajo Lake State Park

Along the northern reaches of the San Juan River, Navajo Lake is the second largest lake in New Mexico. This is a paradise for boaters who can hit the waves on personal watercraft for sailing, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. An annual camping pass (valid for all New Mexico state parks) gives campers access to marinas and docks for boat-in beach camping, RV sites with electrical hookups and dump stations, group campsites, and a playground for the kiddos. Rent boats at the visitor’s center and purchase guides for San Juan river fly fishing. At sunset, wind down with a leisurely trek along the riverside trail.

Mesa Verde National Park

To the north sits Mesa Verde National Park, a once-thriving community of ancestral Pueblo peoples and current World Heritage Site. Morefield Campground, Mesa Verde’s only campground, has sites with full hookups for RVs, including water, electric, and sewer, as well as dry tent sites—find fire pits, barbecue grills, and picnic tables at each. Snag an annual pass to experience the mysteriously abandoned ancient city dwellings, hike over 30 miles of trails, or observe mule deer, whiptail lizards, and colorful tanagers in their natural habitat. Mesa Verde is an International Dark Sky park, which means campers sleeping under the stars are in for an incredible cosmic view.

Lake Farmington

Lake Farmington features beachside experiences within city limits, where tent campers and RVers can enjoy year-round camping using a season pass. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, barbecue grill, and picnic table. Go swimming, grab a fishing license for from-shore fishing and night fishing, launch a motorless boat beginning in April, hike the shoreline, or rent pedal boats from Floatsome & Jetsome, a local adventure company.

When to Go

Farmington is most enjoyable during warmer months, even though spring is the busiest tourism time for the area. The warmer summer temperatures see campers flocking to the area for watersports and camping experiences in a diverse ecological region. The autumn months feature very comfortable temperatures between 50°F and 88°F, with inclement weather and crowds kept to a minimum.