The best forest campgrounds near Socorro, New Mexico

Looking for a camping adventure in the forest near Socorro, New Mexico? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 400 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your outdoor getaway. Whether you prefer a secluded spot among the trees or a cozy cabin, Hipcamp has you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Sunny Mellow Eco Villa (179 reviews), Healing on the Rio Grande (128 reviews), and Stargazers Mountain Camping Retreat (47 reviews). Plus, enjoy popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and campfires, and take part in activities such as paddling, surfing, and wind sports. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $25 per night. Start planning your forest camping adventure today!

96% (76)

Top-rated campgrounds near Socorro

Looking for a camping adventure in the forest near Socorro, New Mexico? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 400 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your outdoor getaway. Whether you prefer a secluded spot among the trees or a cozy cabin, Hipcamp has you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Sunny Mellow Eco Villa (179 reviews), Healing on the Rio Grande (128 reviews), and Stargazers Mountain Camping Retreat (47 reviews). Plus, enjoy popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and campfires, and take part in activities such as paddling, surfing, and wind sports. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $25 per night. Start planning your forest camping adventure today!

96% (76)

Top-rated campgrounds near Socorro

1. Perry Farms RV Park

93%

(54)

7.5mi from Socorro · 16 sites · Tents, RVs

Perry Farms is the home place of the Perry Family, established in 1980, and provided much open space for the children to grow and play. It is located in the northern edges of the Chihuahuan Desert. Native fauna and flora as well as beautiful blue skies, with millions of stars provide peaceful, quiet moments of nature. Learn more about this land: Desert Camp consists of six RV spots with full hookups (electricity-30 and 50 amp, septic, water, and WIFI) and 11 unimproved tent camping areas on family property of Perry Farms. The land has arroyos, mesas, lots of flat areas to car camp, pitch a tent or sleep on the ground under the beautiful, dark New Mexico skies. There are also a few places to hang a hammock.  To the west, there are miles and miles to hike, mountain bike, or just enjoy the view of the Magdalena Mountains.  Neighbors are quiet and you can choose a spot away from anyone.

2. Thunderbird a frame

100%

(29)

46mi from Socorro · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging

A small A-frame on the Thunderbird Ranch

3. Small Town Memories

49mi from Socorro · 1 site · RV

This is a small private plot of land just outside of town that used to be a homesite. There are NO AMENITIES currently, but possibly in the future. RV site is for DRY CAMPING ONLY. Pets are allowed but must be contained due to the nearby road. The property still has a few areas that need a bit of cleanup, but the advantage is that it’s a private site conveniently located just outside of town. The Town of Mountainair is known for its vibrant arts scene, local studios, and galleries. It offers a true small-town feel with great restaurants, including the famous—and haunted—Shaffer Hotel. There are even rumors of sightings of the ghost of Billy the Kid! While not entirely remote, this is a peaceful spot where you can sit outside and marvel at the galaxy of stars visible on a clear night. You’ll be neighbors with the Forest Service and only a few miles from Cibola National Forest, the Manzano Mountains, and several Park Service sites such as the Abo and Quarai ruins. Nearby, you’ll also find a farmer’s market, a grocery store, and a few dollar stores for essentials. This is a great location for birdwatching, spotting small wildlife, and occasionally seeing deer. My favorite memory growing up here was listening to the great horned owls—you’ll likely find owl pellets and other interesting natural treasures on the lot. While the 4-acre property isn’t large enough for real hiking, it’s perfect for peaceful walks and exploring nature. Please note: there is still some debris left from the old homesite, such as tires, but cleanup can be arranged based on rental interest. Campfires are welcome, as long as they comply with current Forest Service fire bans. You must bring your own water for fire extinguishing.

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

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Manzano Mountains State Park

9 sites · Manzano, New Mexico

Discover the serene beauty of Manzano Mountains State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Socorro

Water Canyon Campground

13mi from Socorro · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cibola National Forest

Water Canyon Group Campground

13mi from Socorro · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Cibola National Forest

Bear Trap Campground

37mi from Socorro · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cibola National Forest

Hughes Mill Campground

39mi from Socorro · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cibola National Forest

Springtime Campground

44mi from Socorro · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cibola National Forest

New Canyon Campground

45mi from Socorro · 10 sites · in Cibola National Forest

Red Canyon Campground

48mi from Socorro · 38 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cibola National Forest

Camp right at the base of the crag or choose a more established spot with a picnic table

100%

(2)

Luna Park Campground

48mi from Socorro · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cibola National Forest

Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

49mi from Socorro · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manzano Mountains State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

T

Tony

November 2025

21 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Perry Farms RV Park

Close to Bosque del Apache, 13 miles down same road. Close to restaurants in San Antonio. Sites have full hookups. Owners do sell firewood. 2nd time staying here and would/will stay again. Good jumping off place. We did day soak in Tor C at Riverbend resort about an hour away and visited Elephant Butte. Lots of wild areas and off roading around Socorro which is close by. Decent views of surrounding mountains and Cranes flying by all day long. Great if doing Festival of Cranes at the wildlife refuge.

Snowy Magdalena Mountains view from the Perry Farms RV Park.

Cort

November 2025

24 ft campervan

1 night at Perry Farms RV Park

Everything will juhgdf up okcde to fdadvgdrthyyhhguh

Mary

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Perry Farms RV Park

Perfect location for being close to Bosque del Apache. Vannetta is so kind. Wonderful directions and a list of things to do around the area.

Nikole

November 2025

24 ft travel trailer

1 night at Perry Farms RV Park

Very nice little spot. It’s tucked in the back of a main road and very dark at night. We loved that part as the sky was so beautiful! This is a perfect stop over spot. The price is fair and having the Owl Restaurant down the street is a bonus. Definitely get the green chili cheese burger! The host was very responsive and nice. We will definitely be staying again sometime in the future.

S

Susan

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

1 night at Perry Farms RV Park

We enjoyed a night right near the Bosque del Apache. Vanetta was very friendly and helpful.

E

Elizabeth

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Perry Farms RV Park

Vanetta was so kind, leading us to her site from the nearby town. The skies were beautiful and we had a peaceful night.

B

Bram

September 2025

29 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Perry Farms RV Park

We had a great stay! Vannetta was a very good host!

When you open up the wall of the a frame you can walk out on the deck

H

Holly

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Thunderbird a frame

Our stay at the A Frame was fantastic! It was quiet, clean, and peaceful. The compost toilet was clean and easy to use, which helped make it for a very comfortable stay, even at 20 weeks pregnant. Would definitely visit again.

MK

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thunderbird a frame

Beautiful tent camping spot and very nice outhouse. Host was very friendly and stopped by to check on us a couple of times. We will definitely be back!

P

Patrick

April 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Perry Farms RV Park

Level sites with room to maneuver. Each site with water, electric, sewer. wi-fi available. Surrounded by native vegetation and enhanced with newly-planted shrubs. Owner very friendly and attentive to our needs. Beautiful views of night sky.

Y

Yvonne

December 2024

28 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Perry Farms RV Park

Very quiet place to park for the night. Great service and full hook-ups… Kind of have to drive through a little ghetto to get there😜.

Gretchen

December 2024

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Perry Farms RV Park

Excellent location for exploring Bosque del Apache - The night sky was AMAZING - We found the spot easily - Turn left at the dip sign and look for the 3 white mailboxes - from there it is a breeze. As Vannetta instructed, we followed the directions she provided closely. Vannetta is an amazing host - the spot was clean, tidy, and we loved having electricity for our Airstream. Thank you, Vannetta, for the great tips about all of the spots to explore and info about the surrounding towns! We'll be back!

K

Katheryn

November 2024

22 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Perry Farms RV Park

Our trailer spot was flat, dark and quiet. Couldn't ask for more! We saw a roadrunner in the morning. Vanetta made sure we could find it, make sure you write the directions down. We went to the Owl Cafe both nights, the green chile burger was that good!

Sara

November 2024

25 ft Class C

With kids

2 nights at Perry Farms RV Park

Our family and pups had a wonderful time at Vanetta's Hipcamp! Full hookups and lots of space to roam. The dark skies are incredible, with the Milky Way on full display. We would absolutely stay there again!