The best desert campgrounds near Pie Town, New Mexico

Camping in Pie Town’s desert means wide horizons, red dust, and nights lit by stars you actually notice. You’ll find over 130 places to pitch a tent or park an RV, all in the thick of high desert country. Expect average rates around $30, but you can score a spot for as little as $10. Top picks include Apache RV Park with Tent sites (8 reviews), Mujeres Valley Campground (4 reviews), and Hills of High Country (3 reviews). Most sites let you build a campfire, and showers and toilets are common. Hike dusty trails, watch for jackrabbits, or swim where you can find water. Bring layers—the sun bakes by day, but the temperature drops fast once it sets. Pie Town’s desert isn’t for everyone, but if you want open space and quiet, it delivers.

93% (31)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camping in Pie Town’s desert means wide horizons, red dust, and nights lit by stars you actually notice. You’ll find over 130 places to pitch a tent or park an RV, all in the thick of high desert country. Expect average rates around $30, but you can score a spot for as little as $10. Top picks include Apache RV Park with Tent sites (8 reviews), Mujeres Valley Campground (4 reviews), and Hills of High Country (3 reviews). Most sites let you build a campfire, and showers and toilets are common. Hike dusty trails, watch for jackrabbits, or swim where you can find water. Bring layers—the sun bakes by day, but the temperature drops fast once it sets. Pie Town’s desert isn’t for everyone, but if you want open space and quiet, it delivers.

93% (31)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Mountain Vista Trails

100%

(6)

13mi from Pie Town · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Quemado, NM

Ten minutes of single-lane dirt roads lead you to your own private 30-acre campground at 7600 feet overlooking the mountain valley. We offer 3 kinds of gigantic secluded pristine sites: A tiny glamping shuttle bus cabin, 2 car/suv/campervan spots, & several remote hike/bike in dispersed camping options. With any choice, you get the whole place and can enjoy a network of bike trails in untouched mature forest, several unique mountain vistas, outdoor shower and toilet, extra optional amenities, active wildlife, and unmatched peacefulness and quiet. The whole 'campground' is all yours! - Because we don't want crowds and we only accept 1 reservation (up to 6 guests as a single party) at any given time. Super private wooded surroundings with mountain views. Our home is only slightly visible from 2 sites. We can be social hosts, or leave you completely undisturbed. Quiet hours after 9pm either way. Access to Toilet, outdoor heated shower, small gas burner or wood-fired grill are included with any confirmed reservation. Guests may opt additional $ for many extras including firewood by the bundle, Potable Water in 5 gallon jugs, Camping equipment rental, and small use of Laundry (by appointment - water supply permitting) . Pets are welcomed and can be allowed off leash here but should not roam without supervision because we do have coyotes and pets can get lost.

2. Apache RV Park

100%

(14)

46mi from Pie Town · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Reserve, NM

Learn more about this land: Apache RV Park is a quiet and spacious RV Park with beautiful Mountain View’s in Gila National Forest. We have full hookups, clean bathrooms with showers, Wi-Fi, Laundromat, propane, tent sites, and country hospitality. Our lots are extra wide with plenty of space for your trailer and any extra vehicles. Paint the nearby village of Reserve red by stopping by the local watering holes and eating some great New Mexico cuisine. There is close access to local trail heads, side by side trails, Gila National Forest, Petroglyphs, historic ruins and the continental divide trail. We are your home away from home for hunting, rock hounding, fishing and hiking adventures. As always, your furry friend is always welcome to stay with us.

3. Mujeres Valley Campground

81%

(8)

22mi from Pie Town · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Fence Lake, NM

This is a drycamping venue that has gravel roads leading up to the venue. Fresh well water can be provided for small groups without a fee but guests will need to provide their own containers to use during their stay. The campground has a fairgrounds across the road that is not part of registration access through this site. Please contact us directly for booking options for the fairgrounds and please make sure to only access the property pinned in the location provided to you through this site. This property was obtained around 60+ years ago via the Homestead Act by a family who we have become very close friends with. Over the last 60 years it's only been used sparingly as grazing land for cattle. Since we've obtained the land we've been focused on learning it's history from those who have been here the longest while also being proud BIPOC owners of land in this area. We've also connected with the original people's of this land who were here during the time the land was colonized. We've found ceremonial and everyday pottery, crystals, and underground caves throughout the surrounding properties which we own. Over the last 2 years we've learned about the Redwoods that have been wiped out of the area and that the mountain is eroding quickly. It has become our mission to plant indigenous plants and trees that are extinct from the area, reviving the plant like, reviving the mountain and doing what we can to encourage the water table to rise! Our plans for the 12 acres the campground occupies is to add an outdoor shower that can be used all year, installing solar powered water heaters & bathrooms as well as establishing a community meeting space and a greenhouse where we can host gardening classes and provide fresh fruits and veggies in this food desert! This land is sacred and we intend to continue treating it as such!

4. Carson National Forest

91%

(40)

463 sites · La Madera, New Mexico

Come get lost in the wild, enchanted lands of New Mexico! One of five unearthly National Forests in this great state, Carson National Forest is open for business all year round, and never fails to bring the heat with magnificent mountain scenery and some seriously stunning natural features. If solitude is your muse than look no further! Cold mountain streams, ample trout fishing, and out of sight camping is sure to give you your fix. With over 1.5 million acres laden with high ridges, dense vegetation and some of the cleanest air you’re likely to find west of the Mississippi, Carson is simply the epitome of Southwestern frontier!

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. Little Iron Campground

46mi from Pie Town · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Pinehill, NM

Little Iron Campground Little Iron Campground sits on 5 acres of undeveloped land, with a single road running through the property. Vehicles with higher clearance are recommended, and 4x4 may be required depending on the time of year and weather conditions. Multiple campsites are available to choose from among the piñon-juniper trees. The campground is located in Pine Meadow Ranches, behind El Morro National Monument (about 25 minutes away). Little Iron Campground is located in Game Unit 12. Campsites are marked and include established fire pits. Be smart, stay safe, and always check local fire advisories before lighting a fire. Explore the grounds and surrounding areas, or spend the day visiting one of the nearby national monuments. Getting outdoors and enjoying nature is what Little Iron Campground is all about. Things to Do Nearby • El Morro National Monument • El Malpais National Monument • The Ice Caves • Wolf Spirit Wolf Sanctuary Nearby Lakes & Reservoirs • Ramah Lake – 30 min • Nutria Lakes – 1 hr Nearby Services • Closest Gas Station: Lewis Trading Post – 25 min • Grants: 1 hr • Gallup: 1 hr 20 min • Albuquerque: 2.5 hrs

7. Dancing Juniper Gardens

44mi from Pie Town · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Pine Hill, NM

DJG is a respite nestled at 7500 ft in the arid mountains amongst the Piñon-Juniper-Ponderosa forest of west-central New Mexico. The property has a garden, greenhouse, the owners trailer, a 10' guest bell tent, and outdoor kitchen. Plenty of tent camping space available. Relaxing vibe, lots of sitting spaces, fire pit benches, chairs, hammocks. Very rural so walking the dirt roads of the neighborhood is akin to hiking in the back country with a house every now and then. Located in historic Candy Kitchen which is also home to the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary. About 25 minute drive to El Morro National Monument and two local cafes. 1 hr drive to the Ice Caves and volcano hike. 2 hrs west of Albuquerque, 3 hrs west of Santa Fe. 3 mile dirt road in is a tad rough, high clearance recommended. Seasonal monsoons possible June through September

8. Hills of High Country

83%

(3)

45mi from Pie Town · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Escudilla Bonita, NM

We arrived at this beautiful property at the end of 2023 and have since worked diligently to create a space that we and others would love. Our location boasts a stunning views with hills all around and beautiful views of both sunrise and sunsets. We're working on adding showers and hot/cold plunge tubs for your enjoyment. Notably, we have a composting toilet that efficiently turns waste into fertilizer in just 3 weeks! We have two very sweet dogs that are off leash that may come up and say hello. If that is a bother please let us know in advance and we will try and accommodate your preferences. The property is accessible using 2WD, weather permitted, and when it is muddy or snowy we offer shuttle services. About us I specialize in building vans and RVs, so if you need any assistance with your rigs, I'm here to help. We are planning to expand our offerings in the future to include organic coffee, food, and a variety of fun activities. Join us in this evolving adventure!

Public campgrounds near Pie Town

Laguna Larga Campground

39mi from Pie Town · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carson National Forest

Hughes Mill Campground

49mi from Pie Town · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cibola National Forest

Bear Trap Campground

49mi from Pie Town · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cibola National Forest

Stories from the community

This is the actual campsite. Drive entrance is on the left side and is more visible in the other photos.

Chenoa

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Mountain Vista Trails

This is a beautiful, private site! Ben and Danielle are very friendly and helpful. This is a little detail, but I appreciated that they have a sink set up with the composting toilet for hand-washing. They had the chiminea prepared for a fire when I arrived.

R

Rachel

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Mountain Vista Trails

The campsite offers a truly remarkable experience for anyone seeking solace in nature. The sunrises paint the sky with vibrant hues, casting a magical glow over the entire landscape. Every evening, the sunsets create a breathtaking spectacle, as the sun dips below the horizon. The outdoor shower and toilet provide a unique way to connect with the natural environment, enhancing the overall camping adventure. The campsite offers a truly breathtaking experience for anyone seeking respite. Majestic mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the grounds, fostering a sense of tranquility. The hosts' gracious hospitality further enhances the welcoming atmosphere of the site. You can quickly settle into a feeling of serene peace at this beautiful location. This campsite is a fantastic escape from the everyday world. This campsite is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to unwind.

R

Rachel

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Mountain Vista Trails

The campsite offers a truly remarkable experience for those seeking a natural escape. The beauty of both the sunrises and sunsets paints the sky with breathtaking colors each day. Moreover, the unique outside shower and toilet add an element of rustic charm to the experience. This feature allows one to connect with nature in a very special way. Majestic mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the grounds, fostering a sense of tranquility. The hosts' gracious hospitality further enhances the welcoming atmosphere of the site. You can quickly settle into a feeling of serene peace at this beautiful location. This campsite is a fantastic escape from the everyday world. Overall, it is a highly recommended destination.

B

Brandyn

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Mujeres Valley Campground

Loved every second of our stay! The owners were extremely friendly and helpful! The site was stunning! Will definitely return soon!

D

Donna

April 2025

4 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Apache RV Park

Lovely location, very quiet. Restrooms and showers were clean.

Susie

March 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Apache RV Park

This place has the best vibes. Laundry, full hookups, a library, and super cool people! Big campsite too! Our host, Adam, was very helpful with whatever questions we had!

Susie

March 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Apache RV Park

The sites are bigger than they look in the pics. Loved how spacious it was. We didn't use the amenities, but there's laundry and a bathhouse. check in was easy and hist was very nice!