The best mountainous camping near Zuni Pueblo

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Mountain camping around Zuni Pueblo means big skies, rocky mesas, and crisp night air. With over 350 options, you’ll find everything from secluded pine groves to red rock outcrops—many spots start at just $10 a night, with the average around $30. Hikers hit winding trails that climb through sandstone and piñon forests. Snow-sport fans sneak in winter trips when conditions allow, while summer swimmers cool off in hidden creeks. Top picks like Raven's Nest On Route 66 (171 reviews), Donald B.’s Land (9 reviews), and Flying Horse Retreat (4 reviews) draw campers looking for a real taste of high desert. Most sites allow pets and campfires; toilets are standard. Bring layers, pack for elevation, and don’t be surprised if the stars steal the show.

94% (19) 11 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Zuni Pueblo

Flying Horse Retreat

1. Flying Horse Retreat

100%
(13)
34mi from Zuni Pueblo · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
El Morro is rich with history. Home to the ancient Pueblo Indians, what is now the monument was once their settlement and visited by Conquistador's and explorers during early explorations. It's famous Inscription Rock has over 2000 names carved in sandstone, including one from Conquistador Coronado. Geronimo, and Billy the Kid are said to have frequented the area and even lived in nearby Candy Kitchen. But today, a rich group of homesteader's make up the community. Artisan's, actors, musician's, writers, spiritual healers, organic farmers, and free thinkers inhabit the Valley. The land here hosts retreats and workshops for those wishing to enrich their nighttime dream life. We provide a place for vision quest and have an emphasis on sound healing. Our SolTec Lounge is perfect for stress relief and can help induce lucid dream experiences. Sitting near the top of Oso Ridge at approximately 7700', we have one of the most inspiring views in the area. From our firecircle, El Morro Monument, Los Gigantes, and numerous mesas are in complete view. Learn more about this land: Flying Horse Retreat is a place for spiritual seekers to find vision and renewal through sound healing and retreat. We offer private retreat, sound healing chair sessions, vision quests, and Summer Camp (coming soon), but we are very excited about opening up the land to campers. It is a unique opportunity to experience normally private areas of this sacred land. Our remote and quiet 20 acres of heavily forested mountainside includes deep gorges and rocky terrain, while Ponderosa Pine canopies offer shade from the sometimes intense NM sun. Wildlife is plentiful, though sometimes elusive. Deer, Elk, Fox, Bobcat, Lynx, Wild Turkey, Roadrunners and Coyotes are all regularly seen on the land. El Morro Monument, easily seen from our Firecircle on the opposite end of the Valley, is a world class travel destination. The water tank at the base of it's rock was a relied upon water source during early expeditions. Conquistador Coronado, Lt. Beale and other famed explorers stopped here before traveling further west. Flying Horse Retreat is across El Morro Valley, near the top of Oso Ridge in the Zuni Mountains, and has a panoramic view of the surrounding mesas. You may want to get a closer view of Los Gigantes - amazing sand sculptures carved by the wind and sacred to ancient tribes. We're just a few miles from the Continental Divide and Pie Town is a couple of hours further south. Two art galleries, a Feed Store, a Holistic Food Store, and a gift/coffee shop are right across the highway and next door to the Cafe. Come visit our eclectic community of actors, healers, artisans, writers, organic farmers, and unique thinkers. (We are 50 miles from a town where supplies can be purchased, though the nearby Feed Store has a few camp related supplies and their holistic and organic food selections may surprise you.) You may also want to visit the local Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Candy Kitchen. At any one time they are host to 50+ Wolves and Hybrids. Note: The Google Maps indicator is at the gate. There is an additional 3 mile drive up the mountain to my home. (Special pricing for longer stays. Campers can add $25 for a dream chair session, regularly $50.) Projects under way: Outdoor Solar Shower B&B Room nearing completion Note: Sorry, no after dark arrivals.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Stargazer Ranch

2. Stargazer Ranch

88%
(12)
22mi from Zuni Pueblo · 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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night
Mujeres Valley Campground

3. Mujeres Valley Campground

81%
(8)
42mi from Zuni Pueblo · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a drycamping venue that has gravel roads leading up to the venue. Fresh well water can be provided for small groups without a fee but guests will need to provide their own containers to use during their stay. The campground has a fairgrounds across the road that is not part of registration access through this site. Please contact us directly for booking options for the fairgrounds and please make sure to only access the property pinned in the location provided to you through this site. This property was obtained around 60+ years ago via the Homestead Act by a family who we have become very close friends with. Over the last 60 years it's only been used sparingly as grazing land for cattle. Since we've obtained the land we've been focused on learning it's history from those who have been here the longest while also being proud BIPOC owners of land in this area. We've also connected with the original people's of this land who were here during the time the land was colonized. We've found ceremonial and everyday pottery, crystals, and underground caves throughout the surrounding properties which we own. Over the last 2 years we've learned about the Redwoods that have been wiped out of the area and that the mountain is eroding quickly. It has become our mission to plant indigenous plants and trees that are extinct from the area, reviving the plant like, reviving the mountain and doing what we can to encourage the water table to rise! Our plans for the 12 acres the campground occupies is to add an outdoor shower that can be used all year, installing solar powered water heaters & bathrooms as well as establishing a community meeting space and a greenhouse where we can host gardening classes and provide fresh fruits and veggies in this food desert! This land is sacred and we intend to continue treating it as such!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$18
 / night
Little Iron Campground

4. Little Iron Campground

32mi from Zuni Pueblo · 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
Pets
Campfires
from 
$18
 / night
Dancing Juniper Gardens

5. Dancing Juniper Gardens

22mi from Zuni Pueblo · 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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$18
 / night
Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout

6. Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout

42mi from Zuni Pueblo · 1 site · Tent
** ATTENTION: If you do not have a high clearance 4-wheel drive do not book this site! The Hiker Hideout is an in-holding inside El Malpais National Monument. The Continental Divide Trail goes through the property. The Hiker Hideout was purchased by the Lava Flow Hostel to be a place for hikers to rest, congregate, and socialize. The property once had a cabin and an outhouse, unfortunately a wildfire in June of 2022 burnt the cabin and outhouse. The property now has just primitive campsites. Lava Flow Hostel is working on rebuilding the cabin and water storage. There is an outdoor composting toilet.
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
$5
 / night
Arizona 🏕️ Campers

7. Arizona 🏕️ Campers

43mi from Zuni Pueblo · 1 site · Tent, RV
Beautiful, spacious, luscious land in Arizona near highway 🛣️ I-40 with beautiful 🤩 mountains ⛰️ views. Creating camp fire 🔥 is allowed.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$81
 / night
San Isidro Farm

8. San Isidro Farm

28mi from Zuni Pueblo · 1 site · Lodging
Working farm/ranch with 4 mile trail on property and easy access to Zuni Mountain trail system.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$90
 / night

Mountain camping around Zuni Pueblo means big skies, rocky mesas, and crisp night air. With over 350 options, you’ll find everything from secluded pine groves to red rock outcrops—many spots start at just $10 a night, with the average around $30. Hikers hit winding trails that climb through sandstone and piñon forests. Snow-sport fans sneak in winter trips when conditions allow, while summer swimmers cool off in hidden creeks. Top picks like Raven's Nest On Route 66 (171 reviews), Donald B.’s Land (9 reviews), and Flying Horse Retreat (4 reviews) draw campers looking for a real taste of high desert. Most sites allow pets and campfires; toilets are standard. Bring layers, pack for elevation, and don’t be surprised if the stars steal the show.

94% (19) 11 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Zuni Pueblo

Flying Horse Retreat

1. Flying Horse Retreat

100%
(13)
34mi from Zuni Pueblo · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
El Morro is rich with history. Home to the ancient Pueblo Indians, what is now the monument was once their settlement and visited by Conquistador's and explorers during early explorations. It's famous Inscription Rock has over 2000 names carved in sandstone, including one from Conquistador Coronado. Geronimo, and Billy the Kid are said to have frequented the area and even lived in nearby Candy Kitchen. But today, a rich group of homesteader's make up the community. Artisan's, actors, musician's, writers, spiritual healers, organic farmers, and free thinkers inhabit the Valley. The land here hosts retreats and workshops for those wishing to enrich their nighttime dream life. We provide a place for vision quest and have an emphasis on sound healing. Our SolTec Lounge is perfect for stress relief and can help induce lucid dream experiences. Sitting near the top of Oso Ridge at approximately 7700', we have one of the most inspiring views in the area. From our firecircle, El Morro Monument, Los Gigantes, and numerous mesas are in complete view. Learn more about this land: Flying Horse Retreat is a place for spiritual seekers to find vision and renewal through sound healing and retreat. We offer private retreat, sound healing chair sessions, vision quests, and Summer Camp (coming soon), but we are very excited about opening up the land to campers. It is a unique opportunity to experience normally private areas of this sacred land. Our remote and quiet 20 acres of heavily forested mountainside includes deep gorges and rocky terrain, while Ponderosa Pine canopies offer shade from the sometimes intense NM sun. Wildlife is plentiful, though sometimes elusive. Deer, Elk, Fox, Bobcat, Lynx, Wild Turkey, Roadrunners and Coyotes are all regularly seen on the land. El Morro Monument, easily seen from our Firecircle on the opposite end of the Valley, is a world class travel destination. The water tank at the base of it's rock was a relied upon water source during early expeditions. Conquistador Coronado, Lt. Beale and other famed explorers stopped here before traveling further west. Flying Horse Retreat is across El Morro Valley, near the top of Oso Ridge in the Zuni Mountains, and has a panoramic view of the surrounding mesas. You may want to get a closer view of Los Gigantes - amazing sand sculptures carved by the wind and sacred to ancient tribes. We're just a few miles from the Continental Divide and Pie Town is a couple of hours further south. Two art galleries, a Feed Store, a Holistic Food Store, and a gift/coffee shop are right across the highway and next door to the Cafe. Come visit our eclectic community of actors, healers, artisans, writers, organic farmers, and unique thinkers. (We are 50 miles from a town where supplies can be purchased, though the nearby Feed Store has a few camp related supplies and their holistic and organic food selections may surprise you.) You may also want to visit the local Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Candy Kitchen. At any one time they are host to 50+ Wolves and Hybrids. Note: The Google Maps indicator is at the gate. There is an additional 3 mile drive up the mountain to my home. (Special pricing for longer stays. Campers can add $25 for a dream chair session, regularly $50.) Projects under way: Outdoor Solar Shower B&B Room nearing completion Note: Sorry, no after dark arrivals.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Stargazer Ranch

2. Stargazer Ranch

88%
(12)
22mi from Zuni Pueblo · 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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night
Mujeres Valley Campground

3. Mujeres Valley Campground

81%
(8)
42mi from Zuni Pueblo · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a drycamping venue that has gravel roads leading up to the venue. Fresh well water can be provided for small groups without a fee but guests will need to provide their own containers to use during their stay. The campground has a fairgrounds across the road that is not part of registration access through this site. Please contact us directly for booking options for the fairgrounds and please make sure to only access the property pinned in the location provided to you through this site. This property was obtained around 60+ years ago via the Homestead Act by a family who we have become very close friends with. Over the last 60 years it's only been used sparingly as grazing land for cattle. Since we've obtained the land we've been focused on learning it's history from those who have been here the longest while also being proud BIPOC owners of land in this area. We've also connected with the original people's of this land who were here during the time the land was colonized. We've found ceremonial and everyday pottery, crystals, and underground caves throughout the surrounding properties which we own. Over the last 2 years we've learned about the Redwoods that have been wiped out of the area and that the mountain is eroding quickly. It has become our mission to plant indigenous plants and trees that are extinct from the area, reviving the plant like, reviving the mountain and doing what we can to encourage the water table to rise! Our plans for the 12 acres the campground occupies is to add an outdoor shower that can be used all year, installing solar powered water heaters & bathrooms as well as establishing a community meeting space and a greenhouse where we can host gardening classes and provide fresh fruits and veggies in this food desert! This land is sacred and we intend to continue treating it as such!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$18
 / night
Little Iron Campground

4. Little Iron Campground

32mi from Zuni Pueblo · 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
Pets
Campfires
from 
$18
 / night
Dancing Juniper Gardens

5. Dancing Juniper Gardens

22mi from Zuni Pueblo · 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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$18
 / night
Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout

6. Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout

42mi from Zuni Pueblo · 1 site · Tent
** ATTENTION: If you do not have a high clearance 4-wheel drive do not book this site! The Hiker Hideout is an in-holding inside El Malpais National Monument. The Continental Divide Trail goes through the property. The Hiker Hideout was purchased by the Lava Flow Hostel to be a place for hikers to rest, congregate, and socialize. The property once had a cabin and an outhouse, unfortunately a wildfire in June of 2022 burnt the cabin and outhouse. The property now has just primitive campsites. Lava Flow Hostel is working on rebuilding the cabin and water storage. There is an outdoor composting toilet.
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
$5
 / night
Arizona 🏕️ Campers

7. Arizona 🏕️ Campers

43mi from Zuni Pueblo · 1 site · Tent, RV
Beautiful, spacious, luscious land in Arizona near highway 🛣️ I-40 with beautiful 🤩 mountains ⛰️ views. Creating camp fire 🔥 is allowed.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$81
 / night
San Isidro Farm

8. San Isidro Farm

28mi from Zuni Pueblo · 1 site · Lodging
Working farm/ranch with 4 mile trail on property and easy access to Zuni Mountain trail system.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$90
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field