The best desert campgrounds near Vaughn, New Mexico

Looking for a camping adventure near Vaughn, New Mexico? Hipcamp has over 300 options to choose from, tailored to your accommodation and activity preferences. Whether you're into whitewater paddling, horseback riding, or climbing, there's something for everyone. With options as low as $10 per night and an average price of $35 per night, you can find a campsite that fits your budget. Check out top-rated campsites like Healing on the Rio Grande (128 reviews), Agua de Vida (105 reviews), and Mesa top camping (75 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like potable water, toilets, and pet-friendly sites. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

95% (6)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping adventure near Vaughn, New Mexico? Hipcamp has over 300 options to choose from, tailored to your accommodation and activity preferences. Whether you're into whitewater paddling, horseback riding, or climbing, there's something for everyone. With options as low as $10 per night and an average price of $35 per night, you can find a campsite that fits your budget. Check out top-rated campsites like Healing on the Rio Grande (128 reviews), Agua de Vida (105 reviews), and Mesa top camping (75 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like potable water, toilets, and pet-friendly sites. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

95% (6)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Route 66 Skyview Camp

90%

(5)

46mi from Vaughn · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Moriarty, NM

Welcome to Route 66 Skyview Camp, where the essence of the open road meets the boundless beauty of New Mexico's landscape. Situated just off I-40 in New Mexico, before reaching Albuquerque in the westward direction, our campsite offers a serene retreat from the daily hustle and bustle. Positioned directly along the historic Route 66, our camp boasts two expansive one-acre campsites, tailor-made for #vanlife enthusiasts seeking a connection with nature while immersing themselves in the art of boondocking. Set off on a celestial voyage, tracing the stars like a wandering cowboy beneath the vast expanse of the open sky. We'll even refund up to $5 when you share your picturesque camping photos! Check out our Drone Video of Camp: youtube/@Route66SkyviewCamp Campsite Highlights: Remote ambiance with proximity to numerous attractions Perfect for self-sufficient van-life adventurers or primitive camping enthusiasts Each campsite offers a generous one-acre expanse No electricity or restroom facilities, just pure, untouched nature Attractions and Distances: 15 minutes (or less) from various gas stations, water sources, restaurants, and stores 17 minutes (13.5 miles) to a FREE RV dump station 44 minutes (41.5 miles) from Skate-O-Mania, featured in Netflix's Stranger Things 47 minutes (36.8 miles) to hiking at the Ancestral Pueblo source of salt 52 min (50.3 miles) from the I-40 and I-25 junction in Albuquerque 59 min (55.6 miles) from Petroglyph National Monument 1 hr 9 min (62.6 miles) from the Santa Fe Plaza

2. Serenity Off Grid

100%

(1)

45mi from Vaughn · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Moriarty, NM

Welcome to Serenity Off Grid, where nature meets comfort in a secluded desert oasis. Nestled on 2 acres in the high desert of New Mexico. Just 3.5 miles from hwy 40 our off grid camping site offers breathtaking sunsets, endless stargazing, and a peaceful retreat from the everyday hustle. Unplug, unwind, and experience the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, our serene campsite provides the perfect backdrop. Come reconnect with nature, recharge your spirit, and embrace off-grid camping— Book your stay today and discover the magic of Serenity Off Grid!

3. Salt Missions Park

49mi from Vaughn · 25 sites · Estancia, NM

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Estancia, NM, Salt Missions RV Park stands out as a serene retreat for RV enthusiasts seeking both comfort and tranquility. This unique campground offers spacious RV sites equipped with full hookups, accommodating vehicles of all sizes with 20, 30, and 50 amp services available. The park's quiet country setting provides a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Guests can enjoy the privacy and natural beauty that surrounds them, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. Salt Missions RV Park is conveniently located near the historic Quarai Mission Ruins, allowing visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of the area. Additionally, the stunning Cibola National Forest is just a stone's throw away, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. For those looking to venture further, Albuquerque is only an hour's drive away, providing easy access to local museums, diverse dining options, vibrant nightlife, and unique shops. Whether you're seeking adventure or a peaceful getaway, Salt Missions RV Park is the perfect destination for your next RV trip.

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Potable water

Toilets

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.

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5. Sumner Lake State Park

69%

(4)

13 sites · Lake Sumner, New Mexico

Sumner Lake State Park: A Haven for Water Sports and Wildlife Watching.

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Toilets

6. Zia RV Park

48mi from Vaughn · 25 sites · Moriarty, NM

Zia RV Park stands out as a unique pet-friendly destination in Moriarty, New Mexico, nestled along the historic Route 66 Highway. Once a favored stop for travelers on I-40 and part of the renowned Longhorn Ranch, this park offers a serene escape with expansive grass plains, stunning views of the Sandia Mountains, and breathtaking sunsets that create a picturesque backdrop for your stay. Conveniently located just off exit 203 on I-40, Zia RV Park is the ideal spot for travelers looking to rest and recharge. Its central location in New Mexico makes it a perfect base for exploring the state's diverse attractions. You’ll find yourself just an hour away from the cultural richness of Santa Fe, forty minutes from the vibrant city of Albuquerque, and within two to three hours of popular destinations like White Sands, Taos, and Ruidoso. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, local dining experiences, or simply a peaceful retreat, Zia RV Park provides the perfect blend of privacy and accessibility, ensuring a memorable stay in the heart of New Mexico.

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Public campgrounds near Vaughn

100%

(1)

Red Cloud Campground

41mi from Vaughn · 5 sites · in Cibola National Forest

75%

(3)

Pecos Campground

47mi from Vaughn · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sumner Lake State Park

Mesquite Campground

47mi from Vaughn · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sumner Lake State Park

Shady Side Campground

47mi from Vaughn · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Sumner Lake State Park

Raccoon Campground

47mi from Vaughn · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Sumner Lake State Park

East Side Campground

47mi from Vaughn · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Sumner Lake State Park

Stories from the community

Angela

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Serenity Off Grid

Gorgeous sky views here! It was tricky to find after dark, as the host warned us, and we took a wrong turn, but once we got straightened out it was easy to find, as it's in the literal middle of nowhere with nothing around.

Well-maintained and wide county road in, located just off I-40 and historic Route 66.

Glenn

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Route 66 Skyview Camp

The pictures on the listing don't do this place justice. Beautiful location. I followed the GPS coordinates to find the spot and easily found my camp. This is the west and there are plants that will get you, so if you're tent camping, you better get there before sun down to clear a site. I was in the bed of my truck so had no worries. I'd recommend if you're traveling along the 40 and need a camp near Albuquerque.

Sean

May 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Route 66 Skyview Camp

Craig is undeniably thee greatest host ever n than sum!!!!🤓 im awkward AF and he got me right to the spot!!!! Hands down the best, if USA government needed to give out millions to individuals, each and every person that’s on here is exactly where I’d atleast start it. Each and everyone is just a notch above the rest and out of em all, this guy right here Is Top Dog Number 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woot woot 🤓