The best campgrounds near Roswell, New Mexico with hiking

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're a hiking enthusiast looking for the perfect campsite near Roswell, New Mexico, we've got you covered. With over 150 options available, you're sure to find the ideal spot to set up your tent and hit the trails. Looking for recommendations? Check out Camp Rio (95 reviews), Quail Run Tiny Guesthouse (74 reviews), and Dusty Rabbit Van Life (53 reviews) for top-rated campsites. And with popular amenities like toilets, campfires, and pet-friendly accommodations, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. So get ready to explore the great outdoors and book your perfect hiking getaway today!

99% (151)

Top-rated campgrounds near Roswell

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're a hiking enthusiast looking for the perfect campsite near Roswell, New Mexico, we've got you covered. With over 150 options available, you're sure to find the ideal spot to set up your tent and hit the trails. Looking for recommendations? Check out Camp Rio (95 reviews), Quail Run Tiny Guesthouse (74 reviews), and Dusty Rabbit Van Life (53 reviews) for top-rated campsites. And with popular amenities like toilets, campfires, and pet-friendly accommodations, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. So get ready to explore the great outdoors and book your perfect hiking getaway today!

99% (151)

Top-rated campgrounds near Roswell

1. Dusty Rabbit Van Life

99%

(238)

12mi from Roswell · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

STARGAZING & MYSTERIOUS LIGHTS ABOUND! Dusty Rabbit Van Life @ Schrimsher Ranch is an alternative camping and Star Gazing location just outside of ROSWELL, yet close to the open road. A great place to relax under the stars, have a camp fire, and kick back next to your travel rig after a long day. You might just want to crash for the night in a safe location out on the rangeland or stay a day or two to enjoy the land to walk, mountain bike antelope trails, and maybe even Sniffers the pronghorn antelope will find ya before you head out. This is a primitive site, so leave no trace practice is appreciated and pack in/out is how we do it here. If you come in the summer prepare the morning coffee early and enjoy the desert sun's rays hit the Capitan, but by 9am it will be hot, so be ready! Best star gazing and satellite watching in the world! I have several sites to choose from. But remember to keep an eye on the wind and weather as it can get crazy out here sometimes…..!!! I try to keep the sites stocked with firewood, but fill free to bring your own. Lonely Bull Camp 1 is my most popular site. It is very private and is easily accessible by most vehicles and campers. Ask about Lonely Bull Camp 4x4 if you have a capable vehicle. Amazing stars!! Old Highway Camp is a great alternative if you want something closer to the highway and have a safe private place to pull over, camp, kickback, make a fire and get back to your life on the on the road in the morning. It is closer to the highway, but is quite at night and has great star gazing. Enjoy being greeted by The Mountain in the morning. Let me know where you would like to stay and I will do my best to accommodate you! Safe travels!

2. Cienega Arroyo Ranch

100%

(27)

47mi from Roswell · 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. 

3. Bottomless Lakes State Park

95%

(11)

16 sites · Midway, New Mexico

Swimming, sailing, scuba diving…and mythical monsters?!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

4. Lincoln National Forest

92%

(31)

386 sites · Twin Forks, New Mexico

Lincoln National Forest is a delight for the senses! Gaze upon cacti, smell the spruce at the top of the Sierra Blanca mountains, and feel the cool water on your skin relaxing at Sitting Bull Falls. With a range of elevation comes a range of activities; trails for both beginner and experienced hikers or hop on your horse and explore Dog Canyon Trail that traverses up over 2,000 feet (gnarly!). Camping is cushy and available year round, allowing you to experience the vast array of wildflowers at Bluff Springs in the springtime, or surf the snow in the winter at Ski Apache. With scenic mountain views, ranger programs to brush up on the area, and easy access to the town of Ruidoso, Lincoln is a mountain lovers dream without the crowds!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Roswell

Early morning at one of the other lakes in the area.

100%

(1)

Devil's Inkwell Campground

12mi from Roswell · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Bottomless Lakes State Park

100%

(2)

Figure 8 Lake Campground

12mi from Roswell · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Bottomless Lakes State Park

Pasture Lake Campground

12mi from Roswell · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Bottomless Lakes State Park

Definitely hike around the bottomless lakes, and read about the history of the formations.

94%

(8)

Lea Lake Campground

12mi from Roswell · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bottomless Lakes State Park

100%

(1)

Baca Campground

49mi from Roswell · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Courtney

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

Such an amazing place. Never seen that many stars literally ever. Host was super awesome, he answered any questions I had within a few hours of our spontaneous arrival. We will come back here without question, it was such a beautiful spot.

c

charles

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dusty Rabbit Van Life

Great location from downtown. Great for stargazing.

C

Charles

October 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

Convenient, private, quiet site underneath an amazing starry sky

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.

J

Jeff

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

Beautiful location and easily found. The seclusion is ideal for just relaxing. Already planning another trip to stay here

J

Jeff

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

Nathan was quick to respond and helpful. Camp was exactly as described and very peaceful. Already planning another trip and will be staying here again

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.

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.

Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet from the ranch! Amazing

L

Leah

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

Conveniently of highway but still felt quiet and isolated! Easy access, level site. Enjoyed the sky and sunrise!

B

August 2025

19 ft Class B

1 night at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

Great spot! Just what I expected and looks better than the pictures

H

Hailey

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

This site is a MUST! My 2 pups and I have e been on the road for 13 days so far and this place was by far the nicest ive been. Id come back 1000 times. The landscape was beautiful the site was cute (there was a little lasso setup which made for a good laugh. The sunset was something to write home about for sure. Sunrise was nearly just as magical. Got the best sleep of my life and took some of the prettiest photos. I could not recommend this site enough.

Rick

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

Delightful spot for an overnight trip. I saw lots of nice wildflowers on the path in. Site was well stocked with firewood -- beautiful drive from here to White Sands.

R

Rorey

July 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

The site is nice and remote but not far from Main Street. Be careful if you arrive at night. The turn is before the big rock. A big caution about the area. When we arrived the picnic table was COVERED in thick spider web. There was a huge black wooden spider who have turned the whole table into its nest. Also be aware there are cattle on this land. We were awoken one morning by 5 of them scratching their heads on the side of our camper. Not a big deal and my wife found it funny but just FYI. There is a fire pit and a cooking grate on site. Which was nice. Overall a good spot. Just could benefit from the host doing some checking on it before people arrive to clear out any dangerous spiders that have setup shop.

J

Jeff

June 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

Exactly what I was looking for. Wide open space, far enough from town to avoid light pollution. Outstanding stargazing. Easy access. Easy host. Thanks!

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.

C

Chloe

May 2025

Tent

1 night at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

This was so amazing for us to adventure through New Mexico and end the day by staying the night on the land. We were able to have a small fire, star gaze, and be in near silence. Would definitely recommend staying here!

B

Bryan

May 2025

Tent

1 night at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

Easy to get to and very relaxing. Beautiful sunrise and sunsets and stars everywhere at night.

J

Jason

May 2025

16 ft car

With kids

1 night at Dusty Rabbit Van Life

Easy directions and instructions. Excellent campsite with a table and wood for a fire. Love the seclusion and the beautiful night sky.

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.

Nathan

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dusty Rabbit Van Life

Great camping spot that isn’t far off of the main road but far enough to not hear any of the traffic, I was looking for a quick evening out in my iKamper and this was it. I will definitely be back.