The best pets off leash campgrounds near Thoreau, New Mexico

Looking to go camping near Thoreau, New Mexico? Hipcamp has over 350 options for you to choose from in that area! With options as low as $10 per night and an average price of $25 per night, you're sure to find something that fits your budget. Check out some of the top campsites like Star Gazer Ranch (141 reviews), Desert Skies (136 reviews), and Healing on the Rio Grande (128 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities like trash, showers, and are pet-friendly. Whether you're into surfing, swimming, or paddling, there's something for everyone at these campsites!

92% (10)

Top-rated campgrounds near Thoreau

Looking to go camping near Thoreau, New Mexico? Hipcamp has over 350 options for you to choose from in that area! With options as low as $10 per night and an average price of $25 per night, you're sure to find something that fits your budget. Check out some of the top campsites like Star Gazer Ranch (141 reviews), Desert Skies (136 reviews), and Healing on the Rio Grande (128 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities like trash, showers, and are pet-friendly. Whether you're into surfing, swimming, or paddling, there's something for everyone at these campsites!

92% (10)

Top-rated campgrounds near Thoreau

1. Blue Water Camp And Boondocking

100%

(1)

7.7mi from Thoreau · 1 site · Tent, RV

Escape to a secluded and peaceful property surrounded by tall trees and flat terrain—perfect for both tent and RV camping. Just 7 miles off I-40 at the Thoreau exit, the site is easily accessible for any type of vehicle. A convenient pull-around loop with makes setting up camp simple. Only 5 minutes from Bluewater Lake State Park, you can spend your day fishing, boating, or hiking, then return to your own quiet, scenic forest retreat. Park your RV right on the loop or just off it on level ground, and soak in the tranquility of nature.

2. Stargazer Ranch

88%

(12)

39mi from Thoreau · 41 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

3. Dancing Juniper Gardens

39mi from Thoreau · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging

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

4. Little Iron Campground

30mi from Thoreau · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jeremy

September 2025

30 ft toy hauler

With pets

1 night at Blue Water Camp And Boondocking

This was an excellent site if you like to be in a private setting. We had no issues finding it. There are all kinds of places to set up camp here as there are no “designated” campsites. It worked great for our 30ft toyhauler.