The best camping in Cimarron Canyon State Park, NM

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75% (4)

Discover the serene beauty of Cimarron Canyon State Park.  

The best camping in Cimarron Canyon State Park, NM

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
75% (4)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cimarron Canyon State Park adventure.

Camper favorites near Cimarron Canyon State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

HarmonyTaos Regenerative Farm

97%
(223)
24mi from Cimarron Canyon State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Taos, NM
Winter baths now closed til-Mar. boondocking ok. Harmony Taos is a regenerative farm w stellar views of the Sangre De Cristos Mtns., located on approximately 4 acres, just minutes from the town of Taos. We specialize in Permaculture . Check us out: www.harmonytaosfarm.com. Come enjoy the butterflies, raptors, magpies and hummingbirds fluttering throughout the orchards, ponderosas, vegetable gardens, and flowers on our organic community farm. Join us for camping, monthly soup nights, ceremonies, cultural events Latest Offerings: DM Anastasia if you would like an intuitive reading and clearing. 90 minutes long. RENT THE ENTIRE PROPERTY FOR EVENTS: DM host for availability & rates. Pitch your tent or stay in ours at of our 4 mountain view campsites, located on the lush grounds of our regenerative agriculture farm and gardens. Rest and rejuvenate in this quiet haven, nestled below the canyon yet just minutes from town. All Sites have access to a beautifully equipped bathhouse, tables, and an outdoor cold water washing area . Campsite UNO: Uno fits small trailer and/ or a RV. You will need to be proficient at backing it into Campsite Uno. This site can accommodate two vehicles. Campsite DOS: It is large enough for a sprinter or small camper van. You can pull right in. You will need to back out to depart. It now accommodates two vehicles (two cars, a sprinter and a car, a car with teardrop and another car.) Glamping Site : Deluxe bamboo encased memory foam king bed (breaks down to two twin beds). BYO bedding or DM host for full sheets and towels set up. Tipi: two futons on new carpets over sand base. Walk-in approx 40 paces. Very Private and a great spiritual experience according to guests. Charge phones in the bathhouse. There are no electrical hook ups. However, text host to use a converter; w/your extension cord for additional fee (Site Uno only). EVENTS: Harmony Taos Farm is avail for day long/weekend events. Weddings, family gatherings. There are 4 types of accommodations (hotels, lodges, Inns, rental homes) within 1 mile of the property as well as more tent sites than listed above. Host can help arrange catering, flowers, music, rentals, etc. Things to know: This is the hosts homesite and farm. You will be camping near the host's home.
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$48
 / night

Heaven or Taos 🪐

97%
(77)
27mi from Cimarron Canyon State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · San Cristobal, NM
Now offering discounted monthly rates for SKI SEASON ⛷️ conveniently located 30 min to every major ski resort in the Taos area and quick/easy access to highways when everyone else is snowed in! Send me a message for more details 🤗 It is an incredible little gem right off the highway in San Cristobal, 8 miles north of Taos. It is right next to the national forest and endless trails to explore, steps. NOW WITH RESTROOMS. RV/tent spots have running water and electricity/hook-ups. Vast, breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristos mountains and Taos Mountain are right to the south. Easy access to the midtown market, where you can pick up breakfast burritos, beer, drinks, and limited supplies for camping. Wake up to mountains, hiking, and breakfast burritos that will make you ask yourself, “Is this heaven or Taos?”
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$25
 / night

Dragonfly Mountain Ranch

99%
(69)
24mi from Cimarron Canyon State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Arroyo Seco, NM
Instagram - dragonflymountainranch Enjoy the majestic beauty of the Taos Valley from the verdant fields and cerros of the Dragonfly Mountain Ranch! Whether a seasoned traveler or one's first visit to Taos our goal is to exceed expectations. With site options to accommodate various needs and tastes within the Rio Grande Del Norte Nat’l Monument that encompass the Taos Volcanic Plateau or the pastoral fields of Des Montes, just 10 minutes from Arroyo Seco. While here one can see history come to life by way of our living history ranch and historic home, one of the first homesteads in Des Montes owned by the same family for over 150 years. See firsthand how the unique Acequia system of New Mexico has given life to the surrounding pastoral fields and the agricultural practices of the past still relevant in today’s Taos Valley. For those wanting the best of both worlds, access to in-town activities as well as trail/hiking/river adventures, the Des Montes sites would be the best selection. Close enough to town for groceries and conveniences along with other sought after tourist attractions such as the Taos Pueblo, Taos Plaza and surrounding galleries/shops. In addition, Arroyo Seco and Arroyo Hondo are quaint little villages less than 10 minutes away for for addt'l groceries/market/restaurant options. The John Dunn Recreation Area is also less than 15 minutes drive from the campsites. Despite accessibility to endless activities just minutes away there remains a sense of solitude, space and privacy that one would be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Cerro Chiflo, Cerro Montoso and the Miner's Trail are within driving/hiking distance. Spend a day down on the banks of Rio Grande and unwind around the campfire and while stars light up the dark skies. Your next adventure awaits...hope to see you soon! Please see Sol at Rio Grande Balloons to book your hot air balloon ride while in Taos! 575-208-1888. https://www.riograndeballoons.com Taos Pueblo - 15min Taos Plaza and Business District - 15min The Gorge Bridge - 20 min Ojo Caliente Hot Springs - 1hr Carson National Forest - 10min Rio Grande Del Norte Nat'l Monument - 20min Arroyo Hondo - Midtown Market 10min Arroyo Seco - 10min Taos Ski Valley - 30min
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from 
$25
 / night

Mystic Mountain Portal

98%
(24)
32mi from Cimarron Canyon State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Arroyo Hondo, NM
Small camp site surrounded by a sea of sagebrush, where heaven meets earth. Set alongside a private walking path that leads to the top of the Rio Grande National Monument and the rim of the iconic Taos canyon. Enjoy expansive earthly and celestial views and epic sunsets and moonrises over the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. I am just getting set up with hipcamp and don’t have much to offer beyond a beautiful camping spot on private property, on the very best of the Taos Mesa. I am currently very busy finishing the construction of my home, and work out here almost daily. I sometimes have visitors and work exchange staying on the property, but you will have a private and separate area to park and camp. (Please note that that there are no bathroom facilities available, so please come prepared with your own set up). If you are interested in earthen building construction or off-grid-life, I am happy to talk with you about it if time allows. I request that guests conduct themselves in keeping with the peaceful stillness and quiet of this landscape. Please no loud music. Thank you and welcome ✨
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$35
 / night

Chili Line Depot Historic Lodging

90%
(21)
45mi from Cimarron Canyon State Park · 4 sites · Lodging · Tres Piedras, NM
Welcome to the Chili Line Depot Bed and Breakfast! Unwind at this historic southwest territorial-style building. Your private upstairs suite boasts two spacious bedrooms: a king-size haven and a room with two cozy twin beds. Indulge in the luxurious bathroom, featuring a jetted tub and a walk-in shower. Step out onto your private deck, where breathtaking views will leave you speechless. Enjoy al fresco meals on your personal outdoor dining area, or head downstairs for a soak in the shared hot tub and a delightful meal on the restaurant patio. Our downstairs rooms are more economical, but they still offer all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including soaking in the shared hot tub, free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast. The downstairs restaurant features farm-to-table southwestern cuisine and operates in the Summer and Fall. Open till 6:00PM most nights, and open till 9PM with live music on Saturday nights. Tres Piedras is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails in the area, as well as rock climbing at our world famous rocks. You can also enjoy fishing, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and elk hunting in the Carson National Forest. The Ojo Caliente hot springs resort and spa are just down the road. Whether you're looking for a delicious meal, music on Saturday nights, or a comfortable place to stay, the Chili Line Depot is the perfect place for you. Come and experience the best of that New Mexico has to offer at the Chili Line Depot today!
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$77
 / night

Camino Naturale

97%
(16)
24mi from Cimarron Canyon State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Taos, NM
Need a hip place to stay in Taos that is walking and biking distance to many of the restaurants, museums, galleries, and music venues? Safe and private, with morning shade and a compost toilet. There is road noise at the site and it is dark at night. ● Good for Small RV, Van, or tent/car camping (less than 20 ft, 2 people max). SORRY- no trailers or pull behind campers. ● Level ground that is partially shaded ● Mountain views and beautiful skies ● Enter from the main road, follow arrows, and only park and/or pitch tent in designated spot ● Pack it in - pack it out. Leave no trace. ● Compost toilet in outhouse. ● No open fires - cook stoves only ● Use no generators ● It's in Town so there is traffic noise. And it is dark at night. ● Pets must be attended at all times ● Host knowledgeable about local adventures/events. Come for a scenic airplane flight or be guided skiing the steeps at Taos Ski Valley. ● Walking distance to Cid’s grocery, Bighorn Weed, Town Plaza, and many restaurants.
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$34
 / night

Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<)

99%
(1453)
15mi from Cimarron Canyon State Park · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Angel Fire, NM
The Enchanted Circle Campground sits on the Avalon Ranch. It is 161 owned acres surrounded by a state trust lease. We are very proud to have been voted #1 Campground in NM 4 years in a row and ranked Top 5 by Forbes in the country. We have 8 Sites to choose from. (No large RVs at 4, 7 or 8) Campfires are permitted, and pets are welcome. Free potable water is available as well as a portable toilet. For cooking, you will have a fire pit, with a cast iron grill. Every site (but 7) has a standing charcoal grill, with tongs, a spatula and a grill brush. A fire extinguisher and a shovel. We hang a hand washing jug at every site for your convenience, with potable water, but do not suggest this for drinking water source. The property was originally homesteaded in 1893. It was also the first potato farm in NM. It has seven ground-fed springs that run year-round and is officially the Coyote Creeks Headwaters. The springs converge after filling 4 of our ponds in the marshland where the potatoes were grown. A family of 4 lived in the first dwelling built here, not much larger than a shed. Since that time, 2 homes, 1 of which still stands, a barn, a smokehouse, and 4 other outbuildings were constructed. There are old wagons and farm equipment from the late 1800s and early 1900's still strewn about the ranch. We are home to Huge herds of Elk, mule deer, turkeys, prairie dogs, eagles, black bears, 9 horses, chickens, pigs, goats, our 2 dogs and 4 cats, and the occasional Mountain Lion. We live here year-round. We love our land and want to share it with others. I am a Veteran and our intent is to eventually have a Veterans Retreat facility here. Not a retreat itself, but rather a location for all of the retreats, nationwide, to be able to utilize, so they can use the funds they have to do what they do best. You are helping to make that possible. We do pride ourselves on minimally impacting our land. We strive to keep it clean and as close to nature as we can. And as always, Veterans, LEOs, and Fire Fighters are always free for one night up to 4 guests. Just book your reservation, and show us your ID during your stay, and we will reimburse you for your last night with us.
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$68
 / night

River Sanctuary by Ojo Hot Springs

96%
(202)
49mi from Cimarron Canyon State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · La Madera, NM
Learn more about this land: Lush high desert river oasis nestled in a fertile valley in the Carson National Forest right between the fiery expanse of Taos and the rolling colorful formations of Abiquiu. Peaceful and private 3 acres right by the river at the edge of a little quaint town called La Madera (145 people, no shops)- just 6 miles to the healing mineral Hot Springs of Ojo Caliente, a place of emergence or rebirth as known to the local Natives. Right by the river, held by a ridge (that makes for amazing sunset hikes), I have a 16ft Yurt Canvas set up with furnishings (desk, couch, wash stand) and a wooden Queen Bed with down bedding. This site can only be reached by foot across the river via stumps- a car can be parked near by.. approx. 50ft.  I also have a Vintage Camper that can be heated, has a kitchen, electricity and plenty of outdoor furniture with a fire pit and serene mountain views. As well as a monastic and very grounding Ensuite Bedroom, or a simple campsite if you want to bring your own camper or tent. All facilities have access to a guest bathroom inside the main house. I offer dog sitting while you soak at Ojo, healing modalities that you'll find in the Extras section, and my dear neighbor Jackie takes appointments for massages with homemade essential oils. +++ 6 miles to Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. There you will find the best restaurant in the area, with locally/organically farmed produce. The land is naturally and beautifully wild- it is not a manicured campsite. The dirt rd down to the property is best suited for higher clearance vehicles, but is manageable for city cars.  With land by the river comes the mosquitos- June to August only. They are predominantly active during sunrise and sunset; long loose fitting clothes and a repellent work great. Waterhole, Waterfall and climbing sites near by, as well as Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch and the Taos Gorge are 30 mins drive away.  *No cell service in the greater area. WiFi reaches around the house/deck and allows for WiFi Calling: that’s a setting in your phone that enables phone calls & texts beside usual internet access.
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from 
$60
 / night

Other options near Cimarron Canyon State Park

The best camping in Cimarron Canyon State Park, NM guide

Overview

About

Whether you’re traveling the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, or just want a weekend of exploring, Cimarron Canyon State Park is going to spice up your life! The park sits in the middle of Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area, so you’re sure to see some of the “local flavor” like elk, grouse, and bears. Horseback and hiking trails offer access to the stunning forested canyon where you can explore the area's geology and beautiful scenery. While the Cimmaron River that flows at the canyon floor is sure to satisfy your wildest fly fishing desires. Add some sweetness to the spice of Cimmaron by camping in one of their shady campgrounds. This place will quickly become your go to park for outdoor adventures!

Notable campgrounds

  • Tolby Campground: Shaded by towering pines, Tolby is a favorite for its proximity to hiking trails and the Cimarron River.
  • Ponderosa Campground: Ideal for families, Ponderosa offers spacious sites and easy access to park amenities and fishing spots.
  • Maverick Campground: Secluded and serene, Maverick is perfect for those looking to escape into nature's quietude.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak season visits, as sites fill up quickly due to the park's popularity.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellations to snag a last-minute reservation.
  • Explore nearby camping options if the park's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Cimarron Canyon State Park is from late spring to early fall when the weather is mild and all park facilities are open. Winter can be harsh, with some areas inaccessible due to snow, making it less ideal for visits.

Know before you go

  • Check the park alerts for any closures or restrictions before your visit.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack accordingly.
  • Accessibility varies across the park; some areas may not be suitable for all visitors.
  • Remember to bring water and supplies, as services are limited within the park.
  • Respect wildlife and practice safe viewing, especially during active seasons.
75%
4 ratings · 5 reviews