Golden Dawn - #1 HipCamp NM
Refund Hassles
We arrived excited about the prospect of camping out in a re-fabbed bus, but our expectations were dashed upon viewing.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s a perfectly acceptable site, but not what we were expecting, nor was it where we wanted to stay.
On the way down the mountain, through texts and phone calls I tried to work out an accommodation with the owner, who wasn’t on site. She insisted that we must contact Hipcamp; Hipcamp told me it was necessary to contact the owner directly.
Since we didn’t want to spend our vacation struggling with bureaucratic nonsense, I contacted my Amex rep and had the funds disputed which, since we didn’t stay the night, has been refunded.
I understood that we had made a reservation, but the blankets, firewood and morning tacos obviously shouldn’t have been charged, and any reasonable compromise by the owner would’ve been acceptable to us. There was no need for it to escalate into a battle.
Why it become that is beyond me. Caveat emptor.
Nicole C.recommendsOctober 10, 2022
Tortilla Bus - Voted #1 HipCamp NM!
Such a great little spot! So cozy and great sunset and sunrise views. Shelly was very communicative before we arrived and Jake was really friendly during our stay. Following Google maps took us straight there and our little hatchback hybrid managed the rocky road in just fine, it’s lots of small rocks not big boulders.
Lynsey G.recommendsOctober 8, 2022
Freedom at Shanti - #1 HipCamp NM
Heaven on earth
What a beautiful place! We felt so at peace during our stay. The vintage camper was so cozy and warm. Shelly and Jake were extremely kind and helpful. An absolute must book!
Gabrielle F.October 1, 2022
Tortilla Bus - Voted #1 HipCamp NM!
Not worth the money.
Problem 1. False pricing. This bus was listed as $55/night before fees, but the price was $70 when I went to check out. This was still before other fees. The bus ended up costing $82.
Problem 2. The road says it's dirt but it is VERY rocky. This should be emphasized much more. We succeeded in a prius going about 2 miles an hour to attempt to protect the car. Highly recommend a car that is lifted. This also added about 30 mins to our entrance time.
Problem 3. The interior pictures of the bus are lacking. It is very minimal. I like roughing it, but for over 80 bucks I was expecting to be able to shut some curtains (there are no curtains.) The door doesn't open on one side and only half of the string lights worked. Be prepared with everything you need because it's $10 for sheets.
Tip. Take route 14 from 40. If you come from the south east on route 344 and not route 14, the last spot to gather supplies is the giant Walmart off of 40. You drive about another hour with nothing around you but tall grasses.
Tip. Arrive during the day. The unfamiliar rock road is difficult to navigate at night.
We were very excited to stay here and felt tricked upon arrival. Maybe if we had stayed longer we would have enjoyed ourselves more, but I would not stay here again or recommend it, especially after the price switch.
Lea B.recommendsSeptember 20, 2022
Golden Dawn - #1 HipCamp NM
Best of both worlds!
Absolutely beautiful view and amazing stay! Jake was so welcoming and gave great suggestions! The common area was a nice treat and rest rooms/shower were convenient and clean. Not to mention The hosts were very responsive. Going into town to grab a bite, meeting the locals and then coming back to the bus and listening to the coyotes at night was something I will never forget! Perfect for either a secluded getaway or something more social. The drive up is rocky but easily executed while the right vehicle. Be sure to use google maps as directed and you’ll get there no problem! Planning planning to stay longer next time!
Stacy H.recommendsSeptember 13, 2022
Silver Linings - #1 HipCamp NM
Very cozy campsite
First of all, I love the whole camp. What Shelly has built there is truly special, and Jake is a fantastic caretaker and host. It’s a great place if you want to meet other campers because the community kitchen and the occasional yoga and breakfasts attract really great folks. But there’s also enough privacy that it will work for you if you need that too! Especially Silver Linings, which has not only the teardrop with its own kitchenette, but also a cafe table and a hammock all to itself. The teardrop camper was super cozy. I was alone but you could have someone else in there if you’re very close. There are warnings about the road up, but I have no trouble getting there in my little Honda HR-V (it does have AWD). Definitely pay attention and follow the directions on Hipcamp. Make sure to screenshot or download them in case you don’t have a signal. You can’t go wrong here - it’s an amazing place I will be returning to again and again.
Teresa C.recommendsSeptember 7, 2022
Tortilla Bus - Voted #1 HipCamp NM!
We loved every minute. The sunrise was beautiful!
The bus was clean and the bed was very comfortable. We met several others in the outdoor kitchen. We became friends
Corinne M.recommendsSeptember 5, 2022
Golden Dawn - #1 HipCamp NM
Hidden Gem
Our mission is to find a unique location. Somewhere that will leave a special place in our memories and this WAS IT!! A hidden gem nestled in the mountains with an one of a kind property. It's off the grid away from the noise of the busy roads. If you are looking for place that you will never forget this is it.
Love it ❤️
Hanna G.recommendsSeptember 5, 2022
Freedom at Shanti - #1 HipCamp NM
My partner and I stayed at Freedom @Shanti one night and Golden Dawn bus the second night. We preferred Freedom at Shanti because of the table and stove inside. So glad we stayed at the Shanti community, met new awesome people and enjoyed the peaceful landscape. Hope to come back someday!
Sara L.recommendsSeptember 2, 2022
Golden Dawn - #1 HipCamp NM
Thursday Night Vibes
Great place with exceptional costumer service for the hosts.
Tracy T.recommendsAugust 29, 2022
Freedom at Shanti - #1 HipCamp NM
View is AMAZING! There was a scheduling mix up but they made it work. Great weekend away not far from Santa Fe at all with so much interesting stuff in the area.
Deborah B.recommendsAugust 22, 2022
Dusk till Dawn - #1 HipCamp NM
The property was thoughtfully laid out and we had a blast school bus camping! We really enjoyed getting to chat with Shelly, she was a very generous & fun and host! & Jake's breakfast burritos are a must!
Phillip M.recommendsAugust 14, 2022
Freedom at Shanti - #1 HipCamp NM
Wow absolutely spectacular place to experience true peace relaxation and Adventure. The yoga deck is absolutely serene and the yurt and buses are spectacular. It’s a one of a kind space and the hiking trail is amazing as well.
I’ll be coming back soon
Stacy H.recommendsAugust 14, 2022
Golden Dawn - #1 HipCamp NM
This was fantastic and I will definitely be back. Made it easily up to the camp in my little Honda HR-V. Stayed perfectly comfortably in Golden Dawn. Shelly and Jake were terrific and there were a lot of super friendly campers, so if you want a social experience this is definitely great for that. There was a group breakfast and yoga that were unexpected and amazing. I will definitely return.
George C.recommendsAugust 13, 2022
Tortilla Bus - Voted #1 HipCamp NM!
Loved it!
I only stayed for 1 night but I wish I had booked a longer stay! The campground has such a peaceful & friendly feel.
The tortilla bus was a really fun place to stay. It was quite warm when I arrived but it cooled off by the evening & was very comfortable with toilet/shower & kitchen facilities ready close by.
The accommodations are really well spread out so it feels nice & private but knowing there are people not too far away!
Madrid is a little town very close by & a good spot to grab some food or a drink.
Would highly recommend a stay here & id love to come back some day!
Britni M.recommendsAugust 8, 2022
Dusk till Dawn - #1 HipCamp NM
Off the grid wonderland
My partner and I were on a road trip and needed a place to stay on our way home and ended up finding a magical place that we cannot wait to return to. We stayed in Dusk till Dawn bus and had such a blast. The directions to get out there were very clear, the road is rocky but we had no issues what so ever. Shelly is such a beautiful human and was an absolute pleasure to chat with. The bus it self was so fun and very comfortable, but the crowning glory of this place were the view. We were fortunate enough to catch a lightening storm while relaxing outside. We went on a walked around the property and met the awesome caretaker Jake and had a lovely chat. After a night's sleep, we enjoyed breakfast burritos made by Jake and they were delicious. This was paired with some coffee and some great conversation! We are already planning our next trip back. What we thought was a pit stop, turned out to be a sanctuary that we cannot wait to share with out friends.
I do recommend either bringing meals with you or grabbing an early dinner in Madrid. The Mine Shaft was awesome but they stop serving food a few hours before they close.
Jen F.recommendsAugust 7, 2022
Tortilla Bus - Voted #1 HipCamp NM!
Perfect, dreamy, gorgeous
I loved the Tortilla Bus! I stayed there as a solo traveler and found nearly everything ideal. The hosts were kind and thoughtful. The bus was adorable, and well situated near Madrid. The property is clean and well maintained. This was the perfect way to experience the NM desert without having to commit to camping. I'll definitely be back.
Ollia R.recommendsAugust 1, 2022
Freedom at Shanti - #1 HipCamp NM
Slice of Heaven
There was a small mixup with my reservation and the Freedom Canper, it was actually double booked. Shelly was so kind enough to accommodate me with a much larger space, a Yurt; but I chose to stay in two of the available spots over the weekend, The Silver Linings Teardrop Camper and The Golden Dawn! When I tell you that this was the most serendipitous occasion, I had a wonderful time taking a tour of the property as this was my second time visiting. The teardrop is perfect for a solo trip, it has the best views a Hamic and a table and an outdoor kitchen to die for. The Golden Dawn was my absolute favorite spot to stay at, near the kitchen and the shower… And very secluded even for being in the middle. I cannot wait to go back, I’m contemplating doing the yoga teacher training in November. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this magical location.
Christy K.recommendsJuly 19, 2022
Tortilla Bus - Voted #1 HipCamp NM!
Rustic Calm w/Just Enough Amenities
Such a beautiful area with friendly caretakers and gorgeous mountain views. If you're used to backpacking, this will seem like glamping. If you're used to full-service glamping, understand that this site is very rustic. In my opinion, it perfectly mixes the joy and peace of true camping with just the right touch of glamping. You get to sleep in a shelter you can stand up in, and even catch a bar or two of cell service. But it's also very quiet, you can see a bazillion stars, and you must be intentional about how you prepare food and use water.
There are hammocks, spacious decks, and a little free library. The composting toilets are so clean and pleasant. The kitchen is well stocked and easy to use. It's a short drive into Madrid for coffee, pastries, souvenirs, art galleries, etc. You can make Santa Fe or even Taos a day trip, and still have a lazy morning and an early bedtime. But you should also make a point to spend a whole day and night on the land, because it will do you good.
The hosts provide pitchers of potable water in the kitchen and bus, which if you've bummed around the southwest for a couple of decades, you understand what a nice gesture that is. The whole site has a spirit of "leave it better than you found it". We can't wait to go back.
Ollia R.recommendsJuly 11, 2022
Dusk till Dawn - #1 HipCamp NM
Best Off Gridish experience to date
This space is beautiful!! From the badass bus we stayed in to the little thoughtful details! Shelly ( and Jake) have created this majestic camping wonderland that we enjoyed coming home to every night. We got the best views from Dusk til Dawn, hiked the trail, showered with the mountains and the moon, and literally melted away the stress from our regular lives. I can not wait to come back with friends and share with them this hidden gem!
Lance L.recommendsJuly 8, 2022
Dusk till Dawn - #1 HipCamp NM
Beautiful location and great views from atop a mesa.
Rhiannon C.recommendsJuly 7, 2022
Dusk till Dawn - #1 HipCamp NM
This campsite was so much fun! The entire place was gorgeous! The hosts were very kind and helpful as well.
Tarina B.recommendsJune 24, 2022
Tortilla Bus - Voted #1 HipCamp NM!
The road was a bit rough but the stay was worth it. Host was accommodating: we were running behind and she left lights on for us even after check in time. The stars were beautiful and the sunrise just as gorgeous. It was a unique experience I would definitely recommend.
Shane O.recommendsJune 22, 2022
Golden Dawn - #1 HipCamp NM
Such a cool and unique experience