The best desert campgrounds near San Mateo, New Mexico

Looking to go camping near San Mateo, New Mexico? With over 480 options, Hipcamp has got you covered. Whether you're into stargazing at Star Gazer Ranch (141 reviews), finding serenity at Healing on the Rio Grande (128 reviews), or exploring historic sites at Raven's Nest On Route 66 (113 reviews), you'll find the perfect campsite. With popular amenities like toilets, campfires, and potable water, and activities such as fishing, swimming, and visiting historic sites, your camping experience will be one to remember. Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $30 per night. Happy camping!

87% (237)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to go camping near San Mateo, New Mexico? With over 480 options, Hipcamp has got you covered. Whether you're into stargazing at Star Gazer Ranch (141 reviews), finding serenity at Healing on the Rio Grande (128 reviews), or exploring historic sites at Raven's Nest On Route 66 (113 reviews), you'll find the perfect campsite. With popular amenities like toilets, campfires, and potable water, and activities such as fishing, swimming, and visiting historic sites, your camping experience will be one to remember. Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $30 per night. Happy camping!

87% (237)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Star Gazer Ranch

98%

(263)

38mi from San Mateo · 1 site · Tent, RV · Highland Meadows, NM

We are a secluded, one site camp. Our home is 22 miles west of Albuquerque NM. Just 4 miles from i40. Adjacent to Navajo reservation where “Breaking Bad” was filmed. Hundreds of acres of naturalized land. Panoramic view of mountains and unobstructed view of the night sky. Beautiful sunrises, sunsets and starry nights. We would love to share our homestead with you. Come unplug, Safe. Everybody welcome. Most of your questions are answered in this listing. Text me for any additional concerns.

2. Cubero Goat Farm and Gallery

75%

(8)

19mi from San Mateo · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Cubero, NM

Located in the wild Wild West of Northwest New Mexico. The tribes of Navajo, Zuni, Acoma, Apache all surround this wonderful watering hole. Frequented by traders, outlaws, artists and those who appreciate and enjoy nature. Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Mountain Lions, Bobcats and our other relatives frequent this beautiful piece of heaven as well. Old adobe ruins are located on the property to show old architecture and the civilizations that have been here long before the formation of the United States. The view of the stars are unobstructed and the sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking. Come share this piece of heaven with us.

3. Flying Horse Retreat

100%

(13)

38mi from San Mateo · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · El Morro, NM

El Morro is rich with history. Home to the ancient Pueblo Indians, what is now the monument was once their settlement and visited by Conquistador's and explorers during early explorations. It's famous Inscription Rock has over 2000 names carved in sandstone, including one from Conquistador Coronado. Geronimo, and Billy the Kid are said to have frequented the area and even lived in nearby Candy Kitchen. But today, a rich group of homesteader's make up the community. Artisan's, actors, musician's, writers, spiritual healers, organic farmers, and free thinkers inhabit the Valley. The land here hosts retreats and workshops for those wishing to enrich their nighttime dream life. We provide a place for vision quest and have an emphasis on sound healing. Our SolTec Lounge is perfect for stress relief and can help induce lucid dream experiences. Sitting near the top of Oso Ridge at approximately 7700', we have one of the most inspiring views in the area. From our firecircle, El Morro Monument, Los Gigantes, and numerous mesas are in complete view. Learn more about this land: Flying Horse Retreat is a place for spiritual seekers to find vision and renewal through sound healing and retreat. We offer private retreat, sound healing chair sessions, vision quests, and Summer Camp (coming soon), but we are very excited about opening up the land to campers. It is a unique opportunity to experience normally private areas of this sacred land. Our remote and quiet 20 acres of heavily forested mountainside includes deep gorges and rocky terrain, while Ponderosa Pine canopies offer shade from the sometimes intense NM sun. Wildlife is plentiful, though sometimes elusive. Deer, Elk, Fox, Bobcat, Lynx, Wild Turkey, Roadrunners and Coyotes are all regularly seen on the land. El Morro Monument, easily seen from our Firecircle on the opposite end of the Valley, is a world class travel destination. The water tank at the base of it's rock was a relied upon water source during early expeditions. Conquistador Coronado, Lt. Beale and other famed explorers stopped here before traveling further west. Flying Horse Retreat is across El Morro Valley, near the top of Oso Ridge in the Zuni Mountains, and has a panoramic view of the surrounding mesas. You may want to get a closer view of Los Gigantes - amazing sand sculptures carved by the wind and sacred to ancient tribes. We're just a few miles from the Continental Divide and Pie Town is a couple of hours further south. Two art galleries, a Feed Store, a Holistic Food Store, and a gift/coffee shop are right across the highway and next door to the Cafe. Come visit our eclectic community of actors, healers, artisans, writers, organic farmers, and unique thinkers. (We are 50 miles from a town where supplies can be purchased, though the nearby Feed Store has a few camp related supplies and their holistic and organic food selections may surprise you.) You may also want to visit the local Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Candy Kitchen. At any one time they are host to 50+ Wolves and Hybrids. Note: The Google Maps indicator is at the gate. There is an additional 3 mile drive up the mountain to my home. (Special pricing for longer stays. Campers can add $25 for a dream chair session, regularly $50.) Projects under way: Outdoor Solar Shower B&B Room nearing completion Note: Sorry, no after dark arrivals.

4. 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

Potable water

Toilets

5. 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

Potable water

Toilets

6. Stargazer Ranch

88%

(12)

57mi from San Mateo · 41 sites · Tents, RVs · Pinehill, NM

A peaceful and serene camping site. We've built a Zen Garden at the top of the hill. This is a very rustic place to camp up in the Central Mountains of New Mexico. The Stargazing view is stunning! About an hour from Gallup, near the Wolf Sanctuary. All the Land of Enchantment has to offer in the Spring, Summer and fall! A sacred place where your family can go car camping. I like having my 4x4 Truck...right here at my campsite. For others that don't care, there's lots of tent camping available. One must see it to believe it it's absolutely sublime. We're building a retreat for camping with groups it's so peaceful and beautiful. A peaceful Serene setting definitely a getaway spot nestled in 7,300' Mountains.

7. Montoya Land-Secluded Camping

75%

(4)

48mi from San Mateo · 1 site · Tent · Rio Rancho, NM

Looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle? Rent out this private piece of land just 15 minutes away from Rio Rancho! Nestled among beautiful trees, this secluded spot offers the perfect camping experience, far from the crowds and noise. Enjoy nature, stargaze in the clear night skies, and unwind in complete tranquility. Whether you're seeking solitude or a serene camping adventure, this spot has everything you need for a memorable getaway. Book your stay today!

8. Boondocking Out West

100%

(6)

47mi from San Mateo · 1 site · Tent, RV · Rio Rancho, NM

Learn more about this land:We are located on a Mesa with 360* Mountain View’s! The sunrise and sunset is spectacular! The full moon is a great time to camp as well as the new moon if you are into night photos!

9. Little Iron Campground

43mi from San Mateo · 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

10. Starseed Sanctuary

48mi from San Mateo · 1 site · Tent, RV · Rio Rancho, NM

I have oner half acre of land that is open for camping and Air BNB options. The view is amazing, and you can see the Sandia Mountains and the Albuquerque Balloons in the distance. There are neighbors at a distance away which leaves the space private and peaceful. The morning birds are lovely to hear. The sunsets vary each day with vibrant colors and the sunsets are just and grand. Fires are okay if the wind is low or in a contained area. There is wildlife such as owls, crows, hawks, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, badgers, snakes, coyotes and more. The property is not fenced in so you do not want to leave any food out at night if sleeping in a tent. I live a short distance away and I am available if you need anything. The entrance is on Jupiter and Torcido, and that will take you to Venus. Once on Venus, that road will wind around to the camp site. Park anywhere you would like. No human traffic goes through that area. Pick a spot and enjoy! There may or may not be other campers, but so far, it has been pretty quiet around here. Water refill station is not far and available for public use. You will have to sign up for a city water account to fill water. That is free to sign up, and you do not have to be a local. Anyone can do this. The water is one cent per gallon.

Camper favorites near San Mateo

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Stargazer Ranch

88%

(12)

57mi from San Mateo · 41 sites · Tents, RVs · Pinehill, NM

A peaceful and serene camping site. We've built a Zen Garden at the top of the hill. This is a very rustic place to camp up in the Central Mountains of New Mexico. The Stargazing view is stunning! About an hour from Gallup, near the Wolf Sanctuary. All the Land of Enchantment has to offer in the Spring, Summer and fall! A sacred place where your family can go car camping. I like having my 4x4 Truck...right here at my campsite. For others that don't care, there's lots of tent camping available. One must see it to believe it it's absolutely sublime. We're building a retreat for camping with groups it's so peaceful and beautiful. A peaceful Serene setting definitely a getaway spot nestled in 7,300' Mountains.

Montoya Land-Secluded Camping

75%

(4)

48mi from San Mateo · 1 site · Tent · Rio Rancho, NM

Looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle? Rent out this private piece of land just 15 minutes away from Rio Rancho! Nestled among beautiful trees, this secluded spot offers the perfect camping experience, far from the crowds and noise. Enjoy nature, stargaze in the clear night skies, and unwind in complete tranquility. Whether you're seeking solitude or a serene camping adventure, this spot has everything you need for a memorable getaway. Book your stay today!

Boondocking Out West

100%

(6)

47mi from San Mateo · 1 site · Tent, RV · Rio Rancho, NM

Learn more about this land:We are located on a Mesa with 360* Mountain View’s! The sunrise and sunset is spectacular! The full moon is a great time to camp as well as the new moon if you are into night photos!

Little Iron Campground

43mi from San Mateo · 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

Starseed Sanctuary

48mi from San Mateo · 1 site · Tent, RV · Rio Rancho, NM

I have oner half acre of land that is open for camping and Air BNB options. The view is amazing, and you can see the Sandia Mountains and the Albuquerque Balloons in the distance. There are neighbors at a distance away which leaves the space private and peaceful. The morning birds are lovely to hear. The sunsets vary each day with vibrant colors and the sunsets are just and grand. Fires are okay if the wind is low or in a contained area. There is wildlife such as owls, crows, hawks, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, badgers, snakes, coyotes and more. The property is not fenced in so you do not want to leave any food out at night if sleeping in a tent. I live a short distance away and I am available if you need anything. The entrance is on Jupiter and Torcido, and that will take you to Venus. Once on Venus, that road will wind around to the camp site. Park anywhere you would like. No human traffic goes through that area. Pick a spot and enjoy! There may or may not be other campers, but so far, it has been pretty quiet around here. Water refill station is not far and available for public use. You will have to sign up for a city water account to fill water. That is free to sign up, and you do not have to be a local. Anyone can do this. The water is one cent per gallon.

Public campgrounds near San Mateo

Coal Mine Campground

7.5mi from San Mateo · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cibola National Forest

Lobo Canyon Campground

9.7mi from San Mateo · 7 sites · in Cibola National Forest

Ojo Redondo Campground

29mi from San Mateo · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cibola National Forest

Laguna Larga Campground

42mi from San Mateo · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carson National Forest

100%

(1)

McGaffey Campground

49mi from San Mateo · 42 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cibola National Forest

Stories from the community

J

Jennifer

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Star Gazer Ranch

Fantastic spot close to I-40 just west of Albuquerque. Easy to find (even in the dark!) thanks to the very detailed instructions. Would 100% stay again. ✨

r

romeo

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Second time camping here and it was great. Very quiet and relaxed. Hosts were very friendly. Definitely a good place to spend the night or maybe even a few days just outside Albuquerque. This has been a good spot for us to spend the night on our way up to Utah on 2 separate trips.

L

Lea

September 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Beautiful 360 views, sunset and sunrise were amazing.

C

Chris

August 2025

11 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Loved camping here! The stars were incredible, the sand felt soft to my NH feet, and the owners were super kind. 10/10 would stay here again.

Benjamin

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Host was nice and the site was secluded and felt very private. I had a very pleasant stay.

M

Matt

June 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Amazing. Super quaint remote location. The hosts were helpful but not at all up in our business even though this camping spot is situated within 50 yards of the house. Beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and we had the benefit of a super clear night where we could see the an epic number of stars. The little pavilion with a picnic table and a grill was super helpful, and a really nice touch. It had recently rained so we were able to have a bonfire and our host even provided us wood. Overall we really enjoyed our stay.

B

Bryce

May 2025

21 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Star Gazer Ranch

I loved that we were the only ones there and the views were great! Not far off i40, so it was a great pit stop on our way from Utah. Would recommend!

J

Julia

May 2025

Tent

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

This was a great spot. We were driving through and this was perfect for an evening amongst the stars!

C

Catherine

May 2025

17 ft campervan

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Jennie's place is the real desert feel! The campsite is close to the house but you can find privacy and feel in the middle of nowhere. No star gazing for us as it was raining, bit it did not spoil the feeling!

Pat

April 2025

20 ft Class B

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Lovely, peaceful site in which to decompress and rejuvenate.

Desirae

April 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Fantastic spot!!!!! Beautiful and peaceful, we absolutely loved it. Hosts were so communicative and kind. The directions were great! Definitely would stay again. Thank you for having us.

V

Valerie

April 2025

Tent

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Great desert campsite! It’s conveniently close to I-40 if you’re traveling in either direction, but still far enough out that you aren’t bothered by any highway noise. Beautiful sunsets and night sky. The hosts were very welcoming, and so was their pup! Recommend for self-contained campers.

B

Bradford

April 2025

23 ft campervan

With pets

6 nights at Star Gazer Ranch

Needed a quiet place to catch up on work during a road trip and this place was perfect for this!

K

Karen

March 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

3 nights at Star Gazer Ranch

I had a wonderful stay at Jeanie and her husband’s place! The atmosphere was incredibly peaceful and quiet, making it the perfect retreat. I was there to teach my shy dog the joys of camping, and the setting was ideal for our little adventure. Jeanie warmly greeted me upon arrival, which made me feel right at home. I loved having the entire space to myself, allowing for a truly private experience. The weather was absolutely perfect, and the sky was a breathtaking sight, adding to the overall beauty of the location. I highly recommend this site to anyone seeking an easy-to-reach, secluded camping experience. It’s a hidden gem that offers tranquility and the chance to connect with nature. I can’t wait to return!

R

Ricky

January 2025

34 ft Class A

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Jeanie and her husband were awesome hosts and their space is perfect for astronomy. I took my RV and 11" telescope for a night of skywatching and it was perfect. Very dark and quiet at night. Thanks Jeanie !

John

January 2025

27 ft pop-up camper

With kids

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

We had an excellent stay. The hosts were friendly and welcoming, but left us plenty of privacy. The bbq, campfire, and starry night were the best.

Tracy

December 2024

27 ft Class B

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Great directions! Very private and quiet out under the stars! I would definitely book again here!

S

Sara

December 2024

Tent

With pets

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

It was a super easy process and absolutely gorgeous view!

P

Paul

December 2024

32 ft Class A

With pets

3 nights at Star Gazer Ranch

This is an awesome place to camp. The people were great hosts.The sky is as advertised.It was quite And beautiful. I highly recommended it.

D

Debi

December 2024

19 ft campervan

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

The directions were good and our host greeted us as we arrived. There was a nice flat spot to park the van. The location gave us a nice jump traveling west from Albuquerque.