The best desert campgrounds near Twin Forks, New Mexico

96% (176 reviews)

Looking to go camping near Twin Forks, New Mexico? Hipcamp has over 280 options for you to choose from. Whether you're into glamping at Hot Springs Glamp Camp (101 reviews), camping at Camp Rio (95 reviews), or living the van life at Dusty Rabbit Van Life (53 reviews), we've got you covered. Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price per night of $20. Trash, pets, and campfires are popular amenities, while biking, hiking, and boating are favorite activities. So pack your gear and get ready for an amazing camping experience!

Popular camping styles for Twin Forks

Top-rated campgrounds

96% (176 reviews)

Looking to go camping near Twin Forks, New Mexico? Hipcamp has over 280 options for you to choose from. Whether you're into glamping at Hot Springs Glamp Camp (101 reviews), camping at Camp Rio (95 reviews), or living the van life at Dusty Rabbit Van Life (53 reviews), we've got you covered. Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price per night of $20. Trash, pets, and campfires are popular amenities, while biking, hiking, and boating are favorite activities. So pack your gear and get ready for an amazing camping experience!

Popular camping styles for Twin Forks

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Mars Research Base (MRB)

90%

(93)

9 sites · RVs, Tents · Boles Acres, NM

Nestled amid the breathtaking mountains near Alamogordo, New Mexico, our off-grid camping haven is a gateway to the untamed beauty of the desert. Campers can enjoy the serenity of nature while being just a stone's throw away from the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, offering fantastic hiking opportunities. Whether you choose to pitch a tent or park your RV, our property is the perfect base for outdoor adventures, complemented by wildlife, mesmerizing sunsets, and the warmth of a campfire shared with friends.

2. White Sands Smokehouse

95%

(56)

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Alamogordo, NM

Welcome to White Sands Smokehouse! The summer of ‘25 has seen big changes to our little primitive campsite! We are proud to offer accommodations in our Air Conditioned 16’ diameter bell tent! You’re up off the ground on a sealed deck. The tent is waterproof and highly resilient in winds up to 50mph. **We do not have bedding available in the bell tent yet, so bring your own sleeping bag, cot, etc.** Your Camp Host, Chef Üdø, is onsite most days and evenings, and has 30 years' experience in the catering and private chef biz, and as a camp host. He's happy to coordinate hot meals for you and your companions! No more need to go into town to get a pizza or some icky fast food! We will make you a homemade pizza, dry-aged steak, brined chicken, smoked Wagyu burger, or lasagna...all in-house. Vegan, vegetarian, kosher, low-sodium, and most other dietary restrictions are no problem! We'll bake you a birthday cake, brownies, pie, or even Crème brûlée! Contact Chef Üdø for more details and please check out our menu in the “Extras” section of our campsite listing. We can make just about anything in our sanitary kitchen facilities. We cook with a spirit of Love and inclusion in our kitchen, and it shows! ❤️ Check our reviews! People love my food because I ❤️ to make it! Chef Üdø maintains current local food handler's certification, as well as HAACP federal certification. Prices are friendly and competitive with local restaurants. Vacuum-sealed frozen meals, aka “sous vide” available for most recipes. (Please check “extras” section for more detail) We offer a 15amp electrical connection, access to clean running water, and access to our 4 acre back pasture. We feature unparalleled views of the sunrise over the mountains, as well as convenient access to Lincoln National Forest, White Sands National Monument, BLM off-road parklands, and nearby Alamogordo. Firewood available onsite for friendly prices (provided there isn't a current burn ban). Additional onsite and backcountry packages are available, including fully-catered backcountry excursions in the Lincoln National Forest, wildlife spotting tours, photo tours, and even backcountry drive-in movies are available! Campfire setup, breakfast and omelette bar also available for large groups.

3. El Mistico

96%

(42)

7 sites · Lodging · Nogal, NM

Unplug from the city to soak up in nature and experience El Mistico Ranch. El Mistico Ranch consist of 30 acres of natural high desert land with natural spring waters, nearby Lincoln National Forest as our next door neighbor, you are actually just a short drive to Capitan for basic services and shopping; Ruidoso for arts, golf, dining, skiing, and more. The climate is mild here and the property is vegetated with pinon pine, juniper, and a variety of cacti. We're delighted to introduce you to Chester, our friendly Saint Bernard. At just a year old, Chester is a gentle giant with a heart of gold, spreading joy to all who visit. Chester not only brings warmth and joy to our guests but also plays an important role in taking care of the property. He roams around the ranch, ensuring that everything is in order and providing a sense of security to our guests. Sometimes, he even accompanies guests to their units to ensure they arrive safely.

4. KB Horse Rv/Van/Tent Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents · Orogrande, NM

Experience wide-open skies and mountain views at KB Horse RV/Van/Tent Camp, a peaceful getaway in Southern New Mexico just minutes from El Paso. Perfect for horseback riders, RVers, van-lifers, and tent campers looking for space, quiet, and adventure. Set on 3 acres with access to nearby BLM land and the Jarilla Mountains, you can explore old mines, ride trails, or simply enjoy the desert sunsets. Horses are welcome — one site includes a corral and fenced area, and horses stay free! Each site offers plenty of room to park and relax under the stars. Water available, but no hookups (electric or septic). Campfires are allowed — bring your gear and enjoy a true off-grid escape. Just 50 minutes from El Paso, KB Horse Camp is the perfect blend of rustic freedom and scenic beauty — where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.

5. Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

98%

(24)

4 sites · RVs · Tularosa, NM

We are a winery and vineyard that offers RV parking, with 20/30/50 electrical hook ups. We have a tasting room and retail shop, our hours currently are 12-5 daily CLOSED on TUESDAY. (you can still stay onsite Tuesday, we just wont offer tastings). Our Estate grown wines are produced and bottled on our site. We have pistachio trees and pecan trees, tranquil property that offers a beautiful redwood deck enclosed with Ivy outdoor patio with tables and chairs. Attractions located nearby include White Sands 30 miles away and Ruidoso. RV Parking Pad with 20/30/50 Electricity is $45 / night. Check in noon, check out 11 am No water hook - ups Bring your picnic, we do not have food.

Stories from the community

L

Lisa

3 weeks ago

24 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to White Sands Smokehouse

Awesome people and amazing food! Definitely recommend the smoked pork loin and the cookies!

S

Susan

3 weeks ago

31 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

Site was clean and level. Vineyard was nice, wine was excellent. The owners, both old and new, were welcoming and friendly. Patio was a great place to hang out and meet people.

Tyler

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mars Research Base (MRB)

We enjoyed our camping spot very much! Amazing vistas in every direction. We utilized the picnic table, fire pit and portable toilet. A great location to explore southern NM from. Thanks for hosting.

A

Ava

October 2025

1 night at White Sands Smokehouse

Chef Üdø’s site was a perfect spot for us as we stopped near White Sands NP during a longer camping roadtrip throughout the Southwest! The bell tent was super clean and fresh on a raised platform to keep away the mud and bugs. We enjoyed beautiful views of the Sandia Mountains / Dog Canyon while we ate a most scrumptious meal and woke up to a vibrant sunrise. I highly recommend Chef Udo’s food!! We had the world famous brined chicken, which came with a sweet potato mash and roasted asparagus - expertly seasoned and truly delicious. Udo was super communicative and helpful, reaching out well in advance to coordinate and he provided really useful tips about the area. Don’t skip the cookies! 🍪😋

A

Anthony

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Mars Research Base (MRB)

Really loved it here, beautiful sunset, sunrise, and views all around. Makes you feel like your in the middle of the desert. If your worrying about sun exposure bring a umbrella or some type of shade. Wasn’t an issue at all for me though would camp here again and recommended to all my homies.

Taylor

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Mars Research Base (MRB)

Bare bones, but perfect for car camping. Amazing setting, responsive host and all directions were clear in advance to find the spot easily. Would go back for remote setting 👌🏻

P

Paul

September 2025

20 ft campervan

2 nights at White Sands Smokehouse

We highly recommend Chef Udo’s property for anyone visiting the White Sands area! He provided helpful communication throughout our stay, a beautiful setting, and a delicious meal of brisket nachos, smoked and seared wagyu beef burger, and vegan ice cream. He flawlessly accommodated my wife’s numerous dietary restrictions without missing a step!

Mike

September 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Mars Research Base (MRB)

Nice place to camp. Close proximity to White Sands National Park.

A

Alejandro

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Mars Research Base (MRB)

I loved this campsite very simple and minimal but great location! Isolated from others but close enough to town to stop and grab anything you may need. 10/10

S

Sue

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

Nice gravel back in sites with 50 amp. No water or sewer hookups so come prepared. (There is a DK on 54 toward Alamogordo that has water and a dump station in back.) Sites are close together. Separated by grape vines! The winery is in full gear with planting and harvesting happening. Danette was a great host and we had a wonderful time at the tasting and talking all things wine! Close to Alamogordo, White Sands, Cloudcroft and Ruidoso.

B

BERNARD

August 2025

12 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Mars Research Base (MRB)

Very basic campground with one toilette, so I wanted to have a desert camping experience and I got it without having to search out Blm land. The property has a great view of the mountains and is idealy located close to White Sands national park and Almogordo, which is why I chose to come here. The highway is close by but you canot hear anything. I was fortunate to be the only camper so I got the full experience of isolation . All in all it was it a good stay

A

Adam

August 2025

Tent

1 night at White Sands Smokehouse

This was my first time camping and Udo was a great host. Very friendly and knowledgeable on the local environment. Was great at communicating and making us feel welcome. We got a pizza and a meatball sub which were delicious and highly recommend getting some food while staying here. Was a great location with a beautiful sunrise.

d

danielle

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Mars Research Base (MRB)

We loved setting up our tent here! It was quiet and peaceful ! & we got to wake up with an amazing view !!! it’s also super close to a bunch of cool parks !

V

Vicky

August 2025

Group trip

1 night at White Sands Smokehouse

Staying there was very convenient for us not too far from White sands. The tent was great, the pizza and cookies were fabulous!

宗

宗钦

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at White Sands Smokehouse

Chef Udo is truly one of the best chefs I’ve ever met! Please order some cookies if you like desert. He knows exactly how to make incredible cookie. The fillings and toffee flavor are absolutely amazing. He’s also one of the kindest and most welcoming people I’ve ever met! The campsite itself offers beautiful sunset views (if in a good weather), and if you enjoy nighttime adventures, this is a great place to explore. You might spot some interesting insects. We came across a tarantula. He behaved very well and super friendly! Not friendly enough for you to pet him like a dog but at least he didn’t mind me pausing in front of his hole for a few minutes to see if hes in there. Definitely a unique experience! And the burgers. TRY THE BURGERS TOO.

Rick

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Mars Research Base (MRB)

Had a blast camping here. Very thankful for the opportunity to experience this beautiful place. Check out the state park nearby!

H

Hunter

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Mars Research Base (MRB)

Pretty spot, not hard to get to at all. Bathrooms were clean.

Michael

July 2025

16 ft car

With pets

2 nights at Mars Research Base (MRB)

This place was a great find. The person running it gave clear, easy directions. Letting the dog run loose, he loved it. Thanks again for a great stay

K

Ked

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Mars Research Base (MRB)

Great camp site, very straight forward directions and indications of where to go

Gino

June 2025

Tent

1 night at White Sands Smokehouse

Chef Udo was super friendly, gave clear instructions, and makes a mean Hatch green chili enchiladas. Seeing the sunrise over the mountains in the morning was something real special. Would recommend to anyone passing through.