- Kiowa National Grassland
The best camping in Kiowa National Grassland, NM
94% (8)
The best camping in Kiowa National Grassland, NM
94% (8)
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The best camping in Kiowa National Grassland, NM guide
Overview
About
Kiowa National Grasslands is a unique and quintessential part of the southwest with tons of opportunity for adventure. The 23,000 acres are dispersed through three states and intermingle with private lands that allow you to experience real New Mexico culture, wildlife, and history first hand. Buffalo, coyotes, and even cows roam these prairies and will greet you on the trails and make lovely photo subjects. Hike part of the Santa Fe Trail, unpack your picnic lunch and sit beneath perfectly blue skies while the breeze blows through the short grass. There are canyons and the Canadian River to explore, and the night sky and fresh air here simply cannot be beat. If you’re wanting to explore the magical spirit of the southwest, you’ll find it at Kiowa.
94%
8 ratings · 5 reviews
Mixed feelings
· September 2025
Great views
We drove through and enjoyed the solitude.
R
Rhys S.
2 reviews
This is a hidden gem of a canyon in the Great Plains. I live nearby in Raton and even in the county seat our population has declined since the coal mines closed not too long ago. Nearby Roy, the closest town to Mill's Canyon, is nearly a ghost town now.
So we could use the tourism. We're not overrun like Santa Fe or Taos, both only a couple of hours or so away from Mill's Canyon.
The canyon hides from view until the last moment and then the red rock walls and meandering river come into view at the rim. The upper canyon campground is best for those with larger trailers, as the road down, while smooth enough, has tight turns. I'd at least unhitch, park and then drive down without a trailer first.
I've driven a Prius up and down the road, so it's not that challenging, although there are additional dirt routes on the valley floor that offer dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking yet more solitude better suited for higher clearance vehicles. I've never seen the official campground, complete with picnic tables, fire grills, and vault toilets crowded though. It's right by the stream, which is sometimes mere puddles, and sometimes knee deep.
There are stone hotel and ranch ruins from the stage coach days nearby, and clams shells in the riverbed. It's beautiful.
Charette Lakes, Capulin Volcano, Cimerron Canyon and Sugarite State Park are all within an hour or so drive, making Mill's Canyon but one choice for camping & exploring in the area.
Jeff V.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2018
I was a little concerned about the access road into the canyon. I found it to be easy to navigate when dry in a loaded pickup truck. A few of the sites have some good shade trees but most sites are most exposed during the day. Campsites were well equipped and the toilets were clean.
Chase R.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2018
There are two campgrounds, one upper and one lower. The lower requires four wheel drive but is well worth the trip. The Canadian river runs thru the lower and it is less populated.
Terry G.
7 years on Hipcamp
April 2017
This place was HOT! Granted, we decided to camp here in the middle of July-probably not the best choice. There were a lot of flies too. But I think it would be gorgeous in the off-season. The old ranch house and canyon made for some lovely photographs, and it wasn't bad once the sun went down. It was so hot we took a dip in the very muddy river-at that point we didn't care! We had the place to ourselves-not sure if it was because it was mid-week or due to the weather. At any rate, it was a nice place. Quite different from any other place I've been in New Mexico. It was very quiet and the stars were incredible!
Amber H.
8 years on Hipcamp