The best camping in Bandelier National Monument, NM

·
100% (10)

Discover ancient Native American history in these sublime Southwestern lands.  

The best camping in Bandelier National Monument, NM

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
100% (10)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bandelier National Monument adventure.

Camper favorites near Bandelier National Monument

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
Van icon
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Star icon
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Stories from the community

Top-rated campgrounds

Healing on the Rio Grande !

95%
(285)
50mi from Bandelier National Monument · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Albuquerque, NM
Come to New Mexico ! The Land of Enchantment. Sing Chants to the Moon, The Sun, The Rain, The Stars , The Beautiful Land and the Ancestors ! We won , an award with Hipcamp, Best of 2023 !!!! We are so happy to Host . Come enjoy organic . Urban Permaculture . Awesome, thanks for loving on our peaceful garden. It is an honor to serve the traveler, the camper, sweet tourist , wild vacationer , folks visiting friends and family , the many folks who explore and folks on grand adventures. We love to camp as well. BE OUTSIDE ! Heal from Nature . We have a lot to offer. Our place is good for folks who work on the road, Great WIFI ! Easy to manage a job while on the road . Eat flowers and herbs. There is a great herb store , herbal clinic and more . Just down the road, called, RED ROOT , next to the Food Co-op on Rio Grande Blvd. Our Space is in the heart of the Griegos Neighborhood , A very old style , old world area. Safe area. Same Hispanic families have lived here since 1712, no joke, that is real. Rural feel for an urban / suburban setting , space space, off street parking. We are NOT an RV park nor are we a " camp ground " . We Are an Organic Garden ( Urban Permaculture ) that you can stay inside a magical, growing goodness space . This place is very, very private . The parking area is not private . Our road is dead end , very low traffic . The garden wall around the whole tent area has a 6 foot tall , very thick wall , and trees , surrounding every thing. There is a forest and pond for ducks behind the garden . Our place is for Wildlife, to be fed, and given water and safe space to raise young. We are located in an area where the birds of the world fly from the north to the south and then change direction each season. Many lizards . Many wild mammals . There are many farms in the area. With Horses , goats , chickens , ducks , mules, donkeys , other livestock . We have no pets and no livestock. At night this is dark ( we do have solar lights on walk ways ) and it is peaceful. A safe zone for travelers . Serene , gentle and lovely . You get your privacy . New Mexico is so amazing, all year . We have inside space in Fall / Winter . Welcome to Mother Bosque Garden . Started in Corrales NM in 2010 . We are in the North valley of Albuquerque New Mexico 87107. The same families have lived here for 100, 200, 300 plus years . 1000s of years . Native people have lived in this valley for close to 20,000 years more . The Rio Grande is very close by ( 2 miles west of us ) bike or by car . We are close to route 40 and route 25, just 7 mins. away . There is a Food Co-op with in a 5 mins. drive . And a regular store and gas within one mile of our place. Come eat Traditional New Mexican Foods and Heal with Very Living Traditional New Mexican Herbal Medicines . Relax, rest, find repose. Happy travels, happy hiking, happy sleeping under the stars, happy home made food, happy resting. Old Town is close by, so is the Rio Grande River and Nature Center ( 2 miles up the street ) . So many things in our area to see, to do, learn history . Awesome food, music and arts/ crafts, everywhere. So much activity all over. SO MANY CULTURES and Languages , so much diversity !
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night

Mountain View RV/Horse Motels Sites

99%
(62)
46mi from Bandelier National Monument · 2 sites · RVs · Edgewood, NM
Sweet Melody Farm combines our love of music, horses and beautiful spacious landscape of New Mexico. We traveled from Oregon to Pennsylvania and then to New Mexico traveling with our horses and cats. Along the way we stayed at many horse hotels, and wanted to offer weary travelers a place to stop over with their ponies and even without horses. We have 2 Airbnb listings for those needing or wanting to stay with more comfort and space. See our Airbnb links below! Learn more about this land:Sweet Melody Farm has a spectacular view of South Mountain and the stars. Rural residential RV park with full hookups, picnic table and horse shelter. The horse hotel is great for those folks traveling east/west on I-40 that need a safe and secure site to camp in their LQ trailer and rest their horses. The shelter is matted and paddock fenced for safety with 2" x 4" woven wire 4 ft high.100 ft by 100 ft outdoor arena too!We are suited for those that are looking for a base camp to explore the local national forests and eclectic destinations along the Turquoise Trail, Hwy 14. Santa Fe and Albuquerque are easy day trips from here.The map on this site is very old and does not reflect the many improvements and landscaping we have completed since this Google map location. 
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$40
 / night

Agua de Vida

97%
(337)
39mi from Bandelier National Monument · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · NM
This charming land has been in the family since my husband was a young boy. The Indian ruins and artifacts fascinated him then and he is still happy to share this history with whoever shows an interest. With all the improvements made by his father and family through the years, you will also learn to have a love for the history and beauty here on this unique 30-acre treasure. You can explore Native American ruins that were inhabited by some 2,000 people between 700-1100 AD. The grounds are wonderful to walk with a little lake which draws elk, deer, hawks, blue herons, etc. Easy to access just 3 minutes off I-25. We are 5 minutes away from the Pecos Natl Monument and 15 minutes away from the Pecos River with plenty of great fishing spots ;Visit Santa Fe (20-minute drive) or Las Vegas (30-minute drive) with dozens of restaurants, museums, art galleries, etc. We look forward to your stay!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

Piñon Pine And Prickly Pear

100%
(3)
17mi from Bandelier National Monument · 1 site · Tent, RV · Santa Fe, NM
Piñon Pine and Prickly Pear -Secluded hillside retreat just minutes from downtown Santa Fe 🌲 -Escape into nature without giving up convenience, hidden gem just off Hwy 599 and only 7–10 minutes from Santa Fe’s historic Plaza. -Surrounded by piñon and juniper trees this private, lightly rustic site offers sweeping views and peaceful surroundings. -Depending on the season you might see jack rabbits, woodpeckers, owls, coyotes, hawks, lizards, and more What to Expect: • Type of site: Mulched hillside for RVs, vans, or tents • Sleeps: Up to 5 guests • Vehicle size: Best suited for rigs under 24 ft and that have a bit of clearance (backup parking may allow slightly larger) • Terrain / access: Please be aware this site is more challenging than typical campgrounds 4×4 isn’t required but is recommended, approach angles are a bit steep, turns are a bit tight, and it can be a bit muddy with heavy rain. Helps to have a spotter for bigger vehicles. Many vans and cars have had no issues, one has gotten a little stuck when it was muddy. • Amenities:   • Potable water available via hydrant near house (~100 ft from site)   • No hookups (electricity, on-site water, or sewer)   • No toilets   • You must be self-contained with your own supplies Vibe: Extremely private and tree-surrounded — host’s home is just up the hill and barely visible depending on orientation Ideal For • Adventurers who prefer quieter, off-grid stays • Campervans, trucks and campers with mild ground clearance • Tent camping under the canopy of piñon and juniper • Travelers wanting a base close to Santa Fe but still in a more natural, secluded setting
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

Mystical & Enchanted Desert Escape

99%
(814)
35mi from Bandelier National Monument · 9 sites · Tents · Youngsville, NM
Discover the magic of Star Dance High Desert Retreat—a serene haven nestled in New Mexico’s breathtaking high desert. Here, expansive views of rugged canyons, majestic mountains, and a starlit sky set the stage for an unforgettable escape. Whether you choose the convenience of a car camping spot or the secluded charm of a tent site, every space is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in nature’s splendor. At Star Dance, modern comforts blend seamlessly with the wild beauty of the desert. Enjoy a fully stocked, well-equipped kitchen perfect for preparing a cozy meal, and experience the luxury of clean, inviting bathrooms. Imagine stepping into an outdoor shower framed by stunning mountain vistas or relaxing in a hot tub under a canopy of twinkling stars. The retreat’s peaceful atmosphere and gentle, healing energy have touched the hearts of many. Guests have described their stays as “magical,” “healing,” and “beyond words” as they connect with the landscape and embrace the soulful ambiance of the high desert. With warm, welcoming hosts who add personal, thoughtful touches, Star Dance is more than just a place to camp—it’s a sanctuary where nature, comfort, and inspiration dance together. Step into a world of tranquility and wonder at Star Dance High Desert Retreat, and let the beauty of the desert soothe your spirit. Star Dance provides a secluded experience for travelers, artists, fishermen, birdwatchers, stargazers, and more. Star Dance sits above the upper Rio Chama canyons on 30 acres of trails and undisturbed natural terrain. **ATTENTION POTENTIAL GUESTS** Recently we've had a rash of guests who, either through the difficulties with using the mobile app or just not reading our provided information, have been arriving passed our check in time. We require guests to arrive no later than an hour before sundown (summer 7:30pm - winter 5:00pm) We require this because we are very rural and our sites are not lit to keep our property natural and prevent light pollution for ourselves and our neighbors. In the past we've issued refunds for people who have neglected this rule. We will no longer be doing so in the future.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

Jemez Mountains A-Frame Cabin

100%
(23)
23mi from Bandelier National Monument · 1 site · Lodging · Jemez Springs, NM
We are excited to share our little A-frame cabin in the woods! The cabin is quite rustic ( and quite cute). Think of it like glamping -- outhouse, wood burning stove, dirt roads, and beautiful trees and mountains included. ** To keep the cabin affordable, all guests are responsible for cleaning up the cabin at the end of the stay and making it ready for the next guest. There are no cleaners coming in after you. ** The cabin is a 432 square foot A-frame in a small mountain community, which is surrounded by the Jemez National Forest. There are a few places to hike right from the front door, and many, many trailheads within a 20 minute drive. Fenton Lake is a short drive away, and the San Antonio Hot Springs is a 2.5 mile hike, bike, or ski away right out the front door for the confident adventurer. Located 1.5 hours from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, a few miles off of NM-4 between the town of Jemez Springs and the Valles Caldera National Preserve. No outdoor fires in the fire pit are permitted at this time. WATER HAS BEEN SHUT OFF FOR THE SEASON - YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN WATER.
Pets
Toilets
Cooking equipment
from 
$120
 / night

Camp Across From Pecos River

96%
(23)
34mi from Bandelier National Monument · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Tererro, NM
Escape the crowds and reconnect with nature at Vida Bonita Pecos. Tucked deep in the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest, our three private campsites offer quiet seclusion, stunning views, and exclusive access to a peaceful slice of Northern New Mexico wilderness. Full Description: Welcome to your own private forest escape. At Vida Bonita Pecos, our two campsites are designed for those seeking quiet, space, and solitude. Set apart from each other and completely removed from any other campers, you’ll feel like you have the entire forest to yourself. Each site is nestled beneath towering Ponderosa and Blue Spruce pines and Aspens. They offer level ground for tents, grill for cooking, and easy access to nearby hiking trails, Cowles Ponds, and the soothing sounds of the Pecos River. Whether you’re stargazing by your campfire or sipping coffee with the morning breeze, this is where relaxation lives. Your campsite is part of the Vida Bonita Pecos complex, which includes beautifully remodeled cabins and the remodeled Ponderosa Lodge. While you’ll have total privacy at your site, guests are welcome to explore designated areas of the property, our trout pond, and free roaming chickens and turkeys. We don’t pack campers in. No RVs. No generators. Just you, the trees, and a sky full of stars. What’s Included: Two secluded tent campsites (book one or both) Access to filtered spring drinking water Campfire ring (fire restrictions may apply) Access to clean outhouse toilet. Cell service is spotty—perfect for unplugging, but we have free WiFi at the main cabin. Things to Know: No other campers will be placed near you—guaranteed privacy. Firewood available on request. Check-in at our main lodge before heading to your site. Come experience the slower pace of mountain life. Whether you’re here to hike, fish, write, or simply breathe, our campsites at Vida Bonita Pecos are the perfect place to begin your New Mexico adventure.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$41
 / night

Other options near Bandelier National Monument

The best camping in Bandelier National Monument, NM guide

Overview

About

Hipcampers interested in Native American history should definitely schedule a trip through this expansive park. Ancient caves and cliff dwellings abound in this one-time home of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The Ancestral Pueblo ruins date back to 1150, but they weren't the first people here. There's evidence humans lived here as many as 11,000 years ago!

As such, there are multiple trails that take you directly past or through archeological sites. The fairly flat, short Tyuonyi Overlook Trail is a good choice for beginning hikers. Looking for more of a physical challenge? Try the Frijolito Loop Trail. This demanding hike takes you close to the unexcavated Frijolito Pueblo site.

If you're looking to bag a peak, set your sights on the Cerro Grande Route. This one isn't for the faint of foot, though. Cerro Grande Peak's the park's highest point at 10,200 feet, and the terrain can be unforgiving. Bring water and good gear if you want to conquer this one!

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book your campsite well in advance to secure your spot amid the park's popular seasons.
  • Check the park's official website for updates on campground availability and reservation windows.
  • Consider visiting during off-peak times for a better chance at snagging a reservation.
  • Explore nearby camping options if Bandelier's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Bandelier National Monument is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park's full splendor can be enjoyed. Summer brings heat and crowds, while winter may present challenging conditions with snow and ice.

Know before you go

  • Check current conditions and alerts before your visit for any closures or safety information.
  • Pets are not allowed on trails or in buildings, but are welcome in parking areas and the campground.
  • Accessibility varies across the park; inquire ahead for specific needs.
  • Remember to bring water and sun protection, as the high desert climate can be intense.
  • Respect the cultural significance of the area and stay on designated paths.
100%
10 ratings · 5 reviews