The best waterfall campgrounds near Santa Fe, New Mexico

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for a camping experience near Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a preference for waterfall activities, you're in luck. With over 69 options specifically catered to this combination, you're sure to find the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Whether you're an experienced camper or a beginner, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Santa Fe Treehouse Camp (512 reviews), Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<) (397 reviews), and Hermitory (202 reviews) for highly recommended options. With amenities like showers, trash facilities, and pet-friendly spaces, your camping experience will be both comfortable and enjoyable. And with popular activities such as swimming, exploring historic sites, and even surfing, you'll have plenty of opportunities to make incredible memories. So start planning your camping adventure today and discover the wonders of Santa Fe, New Mexico!

99% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Fe

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for a camping experience near Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a preference for waterfall activities, you're in luck. With over 69 options specifically catered to this combination, you're sure to find the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Whether you're an experienced camper or a beginner, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Santa Fe Treehouse Camp (512 reviews), Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<) (397 reviews), and Hermitory (202 reviews) for highly recommended options. With amenities like showers, trash facilities, and pet-friendly spaces, your camping experience will be both comfortable and enjoyable. And with popular activities such as swimming, exploring historic sites, and even surfing, you'll have plenty of opportunities to make incredible memories. So start planning your camping adventure today and discover the wonders of Santa Fe, New Mexico!

99% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Fe

1. Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

98%

(1647)

9.3mi from Santa Fe · 58 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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.

2. Jemez Mountains A-Frame Cabin

100%

(23)

41mi from Santa Fe · 1 site · Lodging

We are excited to share our little A-frame cabin in the woods! The cabin is quite rustic ( and quite cute). Think of it like glamping -- outhouse, wood burning stove, dirt roads, and beautiful trees and mountains included. ** To keep the cabin affordable, all guests are responsible for cleaning up the cabin at the end of the stay and making it ready for the next guest. There are no cleaners coming in after you. ** The cabin is a 432 square foot A-frame in a small mountain community, which is surrounded by the Jemez National Forest. There are a few places to hike right from the front door, and many, many trailheads within a 20 minute drive. Fenton Lake is a short drive away, and the San Antonio Hot Springs is a 2.5 mile hike, bike, or ski away right out the front door for the confident adventurer. Located 1.5 hours from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, a few miles off of NM-4 between the town of Jemez Springs and the Valles Caldera National Preserve. No outdoor fires in the fire pit are permitted at this time. WATER HAS BEEN SHUT OFF FOR THE SEASON - YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN WATER.

3. Santa Fe National Forest

94%

(42)

444 sites · Rio En Medio, New Mexico

Santa Fe National Forest isn’t just a cool spot in New Mexico, it’s a place that painters, poets, photographers and adventurers have waxed poetic about since...well, forever. It’s easy to see why, with over 1.6 million acres and over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. Whether it’s an autumn day trekking under trees blazing gold, or taking turns down the slopes at Santa Fe Ski Basin, the forest is a year round wonderland! Spring and Summer offer thrilling whitewater rafting down the Rio Grande, trout fishing, hunting, and nights under the stars. It’s easy to set up camp here too in one of the forests many campgrounds, and if you plan on staying away, be sure visit the town of Santa Fe, one of the most artistic and beautiful towns in America. This trip is bound to have you channeling your inner artist in no time!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

4. Bandelier National Monument

100%

(8)

5 sites · White Rock, New Mexico

Discover ancient Native American history in these sublime Southwestern lands.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

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

Toilets

Campfires

6. 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

Public campgrounds near Santa Fe

Lots of space for yourself at the big camp sites.

100%

(6)

Black Canyon Campground

9.1mi from Santa Fe · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

Safe and easy enough to camp with a toddler.

100%

(2)

Big Tesuque Campground

12mi from Santa Fe · 6 sites · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(1)

Aspen Basin Campground

13mi from Santa Fe · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(1)

Field Tract Campground

16mi from Santa Fe · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

Holy Ghost Campground

17mi from Santa Fe · 41 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

Holy Ghost Group Campground

18mi from Santa Fe · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Santa Fe National Forest

Fire after the junior ranger experience... fresh paved road in background.

100%

(8)

Juniper Campground

19mi from Santa Fe · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bandelier National Monument

Links Tract Campground

19mi from Santa Fe · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(2)

Cowles Campground

21mi from Santa Fe · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(1)

Panchuela Campground

21mi from Santa Fe · 6 sites · 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

22mi from Santa Fe · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

100%

(3)

Jacks Creek Group Campground

22mi from Santa Fe · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Fe National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

s

seth

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Jemez Mountains A-Frame Cabin

We had such a great relaxing time at Jen’s cabin. Everything is as advertised. The sheets and beds were very comfortable! Wish we could have stayed longer.

R

Rachel

October 2025

1 night at Jemez Mountains A-Frame Cabin

This A-frame was quite an interesting drive from Santa Fe. I don’t think we would’ve made it without our 4 wheel drive. The cabin was beautiful and Clean. We love the wood burning stove. Overall it was a great stay for a quick evening getaway from it all!

Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve

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.

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.

K

Khambache

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Jemez Mountains A-Frame Cabin

Adorable and cozy cabin perfect for a fsmall amily of four — a true Shangri-La, tucked away in nature and far from the noise.” would definitely go back again.

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.

K

Ken

October 2025

2 nights at Jemez Mountains A-Frame Cabin

A great retreat into the mountains. We hiked from the cabin and also drove to and hiked in Valles Caldera. Magical location. Beds were very comfortable. Cabin amenities were good. Just take care driving on the unpaved road up to the cabin. Stay center when possible to avoid ditches on the right.

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.