The best desert campgrounds near Las Vegas, New Mexico

Looking for a camping adventure near Las Vegas, New Mexico, with a preference for a desert terrain? You're in luck! Hipcamp offers over 430 camping options specifically tailored to your preferences. From desert campsites to treehouse retreats, there's something for everyone. Plus, with average prices starting at $35 per night and options as low as $10, you can find a campsite that fits your budget. Looking for recommendations? Check out the top-rated Santa Fe Treehouse Camp (512 reviews), Star Dance High Desert Retreat (271 reviews), and Sunny Mellow Eco Villa (179 reviews). With popular amenities like showers, campfires, and toilets, and activities such as paddling, whitewater paddling, and swimming, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience.

98% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping adventure near Las Vegas, New Mexico, with a preference for a desert terrain? You're in luck! Hipcamp offers over 430 camping options specifically tailored to your preferences. From desert campsites to treehouse retreats, there's something for everyone. Plus, with average prices starting at $35 per night and options as low as $10, you can find a campsite that fits your budget. Looking for recommendations? Check out the top-rated Santa Fe Treehouse Camp (512 reviews), Star Dance High Desert Retreat (271 reviews), and Sunny Mellow Eco Villa (179 reviews). With popular amenities like showers, campfires, and toilets, and activities such as paddling, whitewater paddling, and swimming, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience.

98% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Piñon Pine And Prickly Pear

100%

(3)

43mi from Las Vegas · 1 site · Tent, RV · Santa Fe, NM

Piñon Pine and Prickly Pear -Secluded hillside retreat just minutes from downtown Santa Fe 🌲 -Escape into nature without giving up convenience, hidden gem just off Hwy 599 and only 7–10 minutes from Santa Fe’s historic Plaza. -Surrounded by piñon and juniper trees this private, lightly rustic site offers sweeping views and peaceful surroundings. -Depending on the season you might see jack rabbits, woodpeckers, owls, coyotes, hawks, lizards, and more What to Expect: • Type of site: Mulched hillside for RVs, vans, or tents • Sleeps: Up to 5 guests • Vehicle size: Best suited for rigs under 24 ft and that have a bit of clearance (backup parking may allow slightly larger) • Terrain / access: Please be aware this site is more challenging than typical campgrounds 4×4 isn’t required but is recommended, approach angles are a bit steep, turns are a bit tight, and it can be a bit muddy with heavy rain. Helps to have a spotter for bigger vehicles. Many vans and cars have had no issues, one has gotten a little stuck when it was muddy. • Amenities: • Potable water available via hydrant near house (~100 ft from site) • No hookups (electricity, on-site water, or sewer) • No toilets • You must be self-contained with your own supplies Vibe: Extremely private and tree-surrounded — host’s home is just up the hill and barely visible depending on orientation Ideal For • Adventurers who prefer quieter, off-grid stays • Campervans, trucks and campers with mild ground clearance • Tent camping under the canopy of piñon and juniper • Travelers wanting a base close to Santa Fe but still in a more natural, secluded setting

2. Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

98%

(1647)

35mi from Las Vegas · 58 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Santa Fe, NM

Brad and Ciana welcome you to the Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve, managed by The Wilderness Institute. 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 lead by The Wilderness Institute (available for all of our guests). 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. This is a non-smoking, no candle facility.

3. Santa Fe Ridgetop Oasis - Hike In

100%

(7)

36mi from Las Vegas · 1 site · Lodging · Santa Fe, NM

Indulge in captivating sunrises and enchanting sunsets at your own private campsite. Nestled atop a ridgeline, this oasis is a mere 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe and 10 minutes from the village of El Dorado, Our secluded campspot in the heart of the high desert is a fantastic basecamp for all your outdoor adventures. World-class mountain biking, epic rock climbing, rafting, kayaking, and hikes for all levels are all within an hour drive or less. Or choose to stay close and hike the trails on "our land." Your lodging experience includes an enclosed shelter with windows/sliding door, a cozy bed, solar power for lighting and charging phones, a propane camp stove, and an outhouse equipped with a composting toilet. A one lb Coleman propane bottle is available for $18. You are welcome to bring your own. Please only cook outside. Please read the following details carefully: This site requires a hike in. No vehicles are permitted beyond the cattle gate. Potable water is available upon request, but we prefer that you BYO. Since I have to hike it out there, you must let me know what you need at the time of your booking. This is a primitive shelter. There is no running water nor electricity (aside from a solar light). The solar will charge your phone so bring your cord! It's just like camping but with walls and a roof over your head - and the benefit of having no other campers around. You might see an occasional hiker with their dog. If you have a dog, take note. This site is completely fenced in so that your fur baby can safely roam. There is no heating or cooling. The desert can get cold at night. With enough notice, a portable propane heater can be provided with for an additional charge. Hipcampers are kindly asked to park just outside our gate and embark on a picturesque 3/4 mile hike back to the shelter. The flat hike offers scenic views and adds to the adventure of your stay. PLEASE clean up after your pup.

4. Ridgetop Oasis Private Tent Site

36mi from Las Vegas · 1 site · Tent · Santa Fe, NM

Enjoy sunrises, sunsets and a sky full of stars in your own private and fenced tent site. This site is one and the same with our cabin site. Rest assured that only one will be rented at a time so that you are guaranteed privacy. This site can also provide the perfect opportunity for small groups (up to 4) with some campers who prefer to glamp and others who prefer to rough it. Please contact me if you'd like to rent both sites simultaneously. There is a composting toilet beside the cabin that tent campers may use. There is no running water or electricity. Please adhere to Leave No Trace Policies; Take only pictures and leave only shoe prints.

5. Las Sabinas Ranch

93%

(30)

20mi from Las Vegas · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Ribera, NM

Learn more about this land:Beautiful views of Rowe Mesa, very quiet, hiking on ranch permitted, horses, stargazing, Tellington Training with horses available. Pecos River nearby (not on property) 40 miles from Santa Fe, 20 Miles from Las Vegas and Hot springs.

6. Two Hawk Ranch

99%

(36)

47mi from Las Vegas · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Peñasco, NM

Two Hawk Ranch is comprised of 12 acres of high mountain valley meadows, hay fields, Acequias, trees and the Rio Chiquito. Yes, we are located at approximately 7,800ft elevation. My husband and I stumbled across this beautiful and serene property by accident in 2020 just as Covid hit. We feel blessed to be here and feel the need to share it’s calming, restful qualities. We have three adult children and have three grandchildren. We also have eight international children as we hosted international students for four years. You are welcome to come sit by the fire and be social or just do your own thing. Learn more about this land: Sites located across the property for up to 8 groups. The RV camping is located near one of our horse corrals and above our irrigation Acequia, above or next to the house, or in the field down by the arena after haying is complete (usually after the first week of July as long as the rain cooperates). Can back in or pull through and has 110v power nearby. No water to hook up to, but we can fill your tanks via hose by the house or arena. Other sites available if you don’t need power, or have a generator. Property is within a 100yds of national forest service that gives access to off-roading, hiking, biking, horse riding, fishing, and winter snowshoeing, cross country skiing, etc. We are located just off the High Road to Taos in Llano, 29 miles south of Taos and 55 miles north of Santa Fe. We are eight miles from Ski Sipapu and eight miles from Rio Santa Barbara Canyon. Your well-behaved pets are welcome. We also have one great dane (Raggy), a great dane mix (The Morrigan), one ranch cat (Sasha) and four horses (Gentry, Shadow, Mattie & Jr G). The dogs are a rescue of some kind. The Morrigan is black, 3.5 yrs old and comes out of a rescue in AZ. She went in with her litter as a 5 month old puppy, and she came here about a year later. She is reticent and suspicious, so ignore her and she will come up to you on her own; continue to ignore her. Ragnar (Raggy) is our most recent rescue and is from Las Cruces. He's 3 yrs old and a merle. He suffers from anxiety and fears children. We are working him through his fears, and he is doing really well. The weather here tends to run cooler, as we are located in the mountains in a small valley at approximately 7,800 ft above sea level. In the spring through fall, temps will average from mid 40°F up to mid 60°F at night and mid 60°F up to mid 90°F during the day. Temps can get into the 100°F's in the summer, but that is rare. Generally if the sun is out, it is warm or hot even tho the actual temps are not. It's a high-altitude affect. The opposite is true as well. Cloud cover will feel cooler. We also experience monsoon style rains that occur in the afternoon generally starting in July and running into August or later. In the late fall through early spring during winter, the average temps usually run from 0°F up to mid 20°F at night with occasional dips into negative temps and in the day generally run from mid 20°F up to the mid 40°F range. Same as above - if the sun is out, it will feel warmer, etc. We do hay the fields, so we may have tractor activity going on in the late spring and early summer. In the winter we will be clearing snow from the roads and feeding hay. Can't wait to see everyone this year!

7. Little Canyon

94%

(32)

34mi from Las Vegas · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Santa Fe, NM

The property is part of a large, old land trust and ranch. There is plenty of hiking, some wild animals and birds, and the stars at night are phenomenal. Learn more about this land:We have simple accessible flat camping tent sites that are drive up and walk-in depending on your needs for privacy and access. There is a shaded cottonwood grove or sunnier spots depending on the season. The canyon is in the foothills of the Sangres and there is a seasonal creek that runs through the land. Family friendly! Private disc golf course is on property. We are approximately 5 miles from I-25 exit and 17 miles from center of Santa Fe.

8. Airstream de Luxx

100%

(1)

44mi from Las Vegas · 1 site · Lodging · Santa Fe, NM

Airstream de Luxx is location on the highest point of the 1 area space with 360 views. You can see Ski Santa Fe from the property. Located between the Historic Plaza and Meow Wolf. Mountain bike and hike from the property or drive to river rafting, rock climbing, fishing, swimming, shopping, dining, art and museums. $69 pet fee per week.

Camper favorites near Las Vegas

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Ridgetop Oasis Private Tent Site

36mi from Las Vegas · 1 site · Tent · Santa Fe, NM

Enjoy sunrises, sunsets and a sky full of stars in your own private and fenced tent site. This site is one and the same with our cabin site. Rest assured that only one will be rented at a time so that you are guaranteed privacy. This site can also provide the perfect opportunity for small groups (up to 4) with some campers who prefer to glamp and others who prefer to rough it. Please contact me if you'd like to rent both sites simultaneously. There is a composting toilet beside the cabin that tent campers may use. There is no running water or electricity. Please adhere to Leave No Trace Policies; Take only pictures and leave only shoe prints.

Las Sabinas Ranch

93%

(30)

20mi from Las Vegas · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Ribera, NM

Learn more about this land:Beautiful views of Rowe Mesa, very quiet, hiking on ranch permitted, horses, stargazing, Tellington Training with horses available. Pecos River nearby (not on property) 40 miles from Santa Fe, 20 Miles from Las Vegas and Hot springs.

Two Hawk Ranch

99%

(36)

47mi from Las Vegas · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Peñasco, NM

Two Hawk Ranch is comprised of 12 acres of high mountain valley meadows, hay fields, Acequias, trees and the Rio Chiquito. Yes, we are located at approximately 7,800ft elevation. My husband and I stumbled across this beautiful and serene property by accident in 2020 just as Covid hit. We feel blessed to be here and feel the need to share it’s calming, restful qualities. We have three adult children and have three grandchildren. We also have eight international children as we hosted international students for four years. You are welcome to come sit by the fire and be social or just do your own thing. Learn more about this land: Sites located across the property for up to 8 groups. The RV camping is located near one of our horse corrals and above our irrigation Acequia, above or next to the house, or in the field down by the arena after haying is complete (usually after the first week of July as long as the rain cooperates). Can back in or pull through and has 110v power nearby. No water to hook up to, but we can fill your tanks via hose by the house or arena. Other sites available if you don’t need power, or have a generator. Property is within a 100yds of national forest service that gives access to off-roading, hiking, biking, horse riding, fishing, and winter snowshoeing, cross country skiing, etc. We are located just off the High Road to Taos in Llano, 29 miles south of Taos and 55 miles north of Santa Fe. We are eight miles from Ski Sipapu and eight miles from Rio Santa Barbara Canyon. Your well-behaved pets are welcome. We also have one great dane (Raggy), a great dane mix (The Morrigan), one ranch cat (Sasha) and four horses (Gentry, Shadow, Mattie & Jr G). The dogs are a rescue of some kind. The Morrigan is black, 3.5 yrs old and comes out of a rescue in AZ. She went in with her litter as a 5 month old puppy, and she came here about a year later. She is reticent and suspicious, so ignore her and she will come up to you on her own; continue to ignore her. Ragnar (Raggy) is our most recent rescue and is from Las Cruces. He's 3 yrs old and a merle. He suffers from anxiety and fears children. We are working him through his fears, and he is doing really well. The weather here tends to run cooler, as we are located in the mountains in a small valley at approximately 7,800 ft above sea level. In the spring through fall, temps will average from mid 40°F up to mid 60°F at night and mid 60°F up to mid 90°F during the day. Temps can get into the 100°F's in the summer, but that is rare. Generally if the sun is out, it is warm or hot even tho the actual temps are not. It's a high-altitude affect. The opposite is true as well. Cloud cover will feel cooler. We also experience monsoon style rains that occur in the afternoon generally starting in July and running into August or later. In the late fall through early spring during winter, the average temps usually run from 0°F up to mid 20°F at night with occasional dips into negative temps and in the day generally run from mid 20°F up to the mid 40°F range. Same as above - if the sun is out, it will feel warmer, etc. We do hay the fields, so we may have tractor activity going on in the late spring and early summer. In the winter we will be clearing snow from the roads and feeding hay. Can't wait to see everyone this year!

Little Canyon

94%

(32)

34mi from Las Vegas · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Santa Fe, NM

The property is part of a large, old land trust and ranch. There is plenty of hiking, some wild animals and birds, and the stars at night are phenomenal. Learn more about this land:We have simple accessible flat camping tent sites that are drive up and walk-in depending on your needs for privacy and access. There is a shaded cottonwood grove or sunnier spots depending on the season. The canyon is in the foothills of the Sangres and there is a seasonal creek that runs through the land. Family friendly! Private disc golf course is on property. We are approximately 5 miles from I-25 exit and 17 miles from center of Santa Fe.

Airstream de Luxx

100%

(1)

44mi from Las Vegas · 1 site · Lodging · Santa Fe, NM

Airstream de Luxx is location on the highest point of the 1 area space with 360 views. You can see Ski Santa Fe from the property. Located between the Historic Plaza and Meow Wolf. Mountain bike and hike from the property or drive to river rafting, rock climbing, fishing, swimming, shopping, dining, art and museums. $69 pet fee per week.

Public campgrounds near Las Vegas

El Porvenir Campground

13mi from Las Vegas · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

E.V. Long Campground

13mi from Las Vegas · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

Johnson Mesa Campground

16mi from Las Vegas · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Santa Fe National Forest

Links Tract Campground

27mi from Las Vegas · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(1)

Field Tract Campground

27mi from Las Vegas · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(1)

Iron Gate Campground

28mi from Las Vegas · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(2)

Cowles Campground

29mi from Las Vegas · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

Holy Ghost Campground

29mi from Las Vegas · 41 sites · Tents, RVs · 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

29mi from Las Vegas · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(3)

Jacks Creek Group Campground

29mi from Las Vegas · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(1)

Panchuela Campground

29mi from Las Vegas · 6 sites · in Santa Fe National Forest

Holy Ghost Group Campground

29mi from Las Vegas · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Santa Fe National Forest

Stories from the community

Colleen

October 2025

21 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Piñon Pine And Prickly Pear

Ben's camp location was perfect. Access was great, yet secluded, quiet and private. He had a campfire kit set up and ready, which was great and an added bonus.

H

Hilda

October 2025

16 ft car

3 nights at Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

I can see why Santa Fe Treehouse is number 1 for Hipcamp in NM: the land is spacious, well taken care of and Ciana, Brad and Jonathan were exceptional. I felt super safe staying solo. Trails right from the campsites, heated bathrooms, tasty water and breathtaking views. I will without a doubt be back to stay here the next time I visit Santa Fe.

M

Marquitta

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

What a wonderful campsite! Loved everything about it. How remote it felt. Staff all super nice and helpful. Sunsets there are not to be missed. Clean birdbath house. Gorgeous property.

Blair

October 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Piñon Pine And Prickly Pear

Great spot, close to town but felt like wilderness!

j

jen

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

Ciana was very welcoming. The spot is a perfect wilderness dream with epic mountain views & hiking trails. The shared kitchen makes it great to store, reheat & cook food. The shower has great pressure and gets hot!!! I just spent a night but what an amazing night sky it was.

L

Lisa

October 2025

10 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

It was like backpacking with my van! So peaceful and serene.

Mike

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

This was a great stop on our roadtrip. I wish we had more time to enjoy the property. There was lots to see and do. The hosts were very responsive and friendly.

Amy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

Beautiful area. Very clean and quiet. Hiat was very friendly. I loved the common areas. Close to hiking areas

I

Ivan

October 2025

16 ft car

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

We enjoyed our stay. Ciana was even kind enough to come out in the rain to check us in early when we arrived before check in time. The clean showers and restroom were a plus and much appreciated. We did not utilize the outdoor kitchen, but it was fully stocked and a nice touch. Our only regret was that we couldn't build a campfire at our personal campsite, but understand that rule is for everyone's safety. The camp is nice and quiet and we felt very safe camping here. The camp host and staff were friendly as well. Thank you for having us. We hope to come back in the future.

Lindsey

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

The Tecolotes are amazing and the camp hosts are all very welcoming and friendly. Highly recommend this place. It has everything you need and is a wonderful place to disconnect.

Jackée

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

Loved the warm greeting when I arrived about 6 with a last second booking. Cool space up on a mountain with great views, clean facilities, and friendly staff! Would stay again to get more time to hike. The night sky was beautiful!! And it gets chilly at night brrrr. I was there with my small dog and we felt very safe here

M

MJ

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

Ciana and Brad have a wonderful property with terrific sites and views and all the accommodations needed to make a trip into the outdoors fun and enjoyable. Great place, great hosts. Grateful!

C

Chloe

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

Friendly service, excellent amenities, and perfect spots for car camping!

Jo Ann

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

We loved staying at Pegasus 1! Great fire pit, comfy beds, cool night breezes. We’ll be back!

T

Thomas

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

Ciana was a very kind host and the campground was perfect for our overnight trip. The fun of tent camping but the convenience of a full kitchen and bathrooms made this an enjoyable stay

E

Erika

October 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

Beautiful place. I’m going to stay longer the next time. The tree house is big and clean. Mattress are good. The kitchen and Comunity areas are big, clean, and have everything that you need. Kid and dog friendly. You can hike, archery, or just relax. Easy to arrive. Wonderful views.

J

John

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Piñon Pine And Prickly Pear

Nice little mulched pad with fire ring. Level spot for a tent or camper. Feels secluded with big view, but in town. Host was very helpful and accommodating with quick responses to questions.

K

Kristie

October 2025

Tent

5 nights at Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

Absolutely L❤️VED this hipcamp!! Very private, 2 kitchens, shower, toilets!! Super quiet!!

David

October 2025

15 ft Class B

3 nights at Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

This camp site was beautiful. Such a nice launching point for a lot of different hikes. Very clean facilities. Very nice drive up to the property and very kind and helpful hosts. I will be staying here again.

S

Scott

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

We enjoyed our stay! Ciana and Brad were super welcoming and educated us about the surrounding area, as well as recommended Harry’s Road House to have a local eat, which became a highlight of our trip- cheers