New Mexico was made for camping. Whether you prefer to use a tent or an RV, camping is one of the best ways to appreciate our state’s natural beauty – especially the clear night skies. In fact, there are lots of amazing Dark Sky locations in New Mexico. If you’re searching for inspiration for your next overnight outdoor adventure, look no further. Add any of the best camping in New Mexico locales to your to-do list ASAP:

1. City of Rocks State Park

City of Rocks State Park, 327 NM-61, Faywood, NM 88034, USA
Yelp/Enrique K.
This cluster of volcanic rocks known as City of Rocks State Park are clumped in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert, near Deming. Some of these boulders are 50 feet tall, providing appreciated shade during hot weather. There are 52 developed campsites here and even a botanical garden!

2. Jemez Falls Campground

Jemez Falls, New Mexico 87025, USA
Flickr/Andy Langager
Whether you're tent camping or traveling in an RV, you'll love the location of this campground, a short walk from Jemez Falls.

3. Aguirre Spring Campground

Aguirre Spring Campground, Aguirre Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA
Yelp/Brenda E.
The main draw of this campground is that you sleep below the needles of the Organ Mountains. In fact, the campground is where the Pine Tree Trail begins. It's a four-mile loop that takes you to the base of the needles. This campsite, which is located on Aguirre Springs Road, overlooks White Sands as well. It's on the basic side, but water is available at the host site. There are 57 family sites plus 2 group sites (no RVs over 23 feet) at Aguirre Spring Campground.

4. Dipping Vat Campground

Dipping Vat Campground, Forest Rd 1421, Glenwood, NM 88039, USA
Facebook/U.S. Forest Service - Gila National Forest
Fishing fans should check out this campground for its proximity to Snow Lake, which is well-stocked with trout. There are 40 sites available at the campground. Amenities include potable water, fire rings, picnic tables, and toilets. Dipping Vat Campground is about 50 miles from Reserve.

5. Gallo Campground at Chaco Canyon

Gallo Campground, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Nageezi, NM 87037, USA
Flickr/donzermeno
You don't come to Gallo Campground for the amenities: water, bathrooms, picnic table, and fire grate. You're here to literally immerse yourself in history. Since there's nothing around Chaco, camping gives you time to explore the park fully. Chaco is the 12th park in the world to be certified as a Dark Sky Park, meaning that it's ideal for stargazing. Gallo Campground offers 49 sites, plus 2 group sites and it can accommodate RVs under 35 feet. Reservations needed.

6. Wild Rivers Recreation Area

Wild Rivers Visitors Center, 1120 NM-378, Questa, NM 87556, USA
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
There are five developed campgrounds with a total of 40 campsites within Wild Rivers Recreation Area. Most spots have good views of the river but, if you're seeking more solitude, try La Junta campground.

7. Bottomless Lakes State Park

Bottomless Lakes State Park, 545A Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
Yelp/Wendy S.
Although there are eight lakes at Bottomless Lakes State Park, close to Roswell, Lea Lake is the biggest. It has 32 campsites with hookups; showers are available as well.

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8. Rockhound State Park

Rockhound State Park, 9880 Stirrup Rd SE, Deming, NM 88030, USA
Yelp/Chris C.
Located near Deming, Rockhound State Park is unusual because you can collect and remove up to 15 pounds of gems and minerals - assuming you can find them! If you're traveling along I-10, break up your journey at one of the 29 developed campsites here, which offer the basics, along with showers.

9. El Vado Lake State Park

El Vado Reservoir, New Mexico, USA
Flickr/Bill L
Staying at El Vado Lake State Park gives you access to two lakes: El Vado and Heron. There are 80 developed camping spots, along with some primitive beach camping in New Mexico. Recreational opportunities are plentiful - from birding to boating and swimming.

10. Black Canyon Campground

Black Canyon Campground, 704 Hyde Park Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Yelp/Brad B.
You'd never guess that Santa Fe is only a few miles away when you're relaxing in one of these 35 camping spots. Black Canyon Campground is more basic than some of the other campgrounds nearby, but it has such a secluded feel that it's worth giving up a few amenities. Hiking opportunities abound in the Santa Fe National Forest. You can also access the Pecos Wilderness from here.

11. Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico, USA
Flickr/Doug Floyd
People have inhabited the area around Bandelier National Monument for more than 11,000 years! Follow in their footsteps with a stay at one of the three campgrounds. If your group consists of fewer than 10 people, head to the Juniper Family Campground – reservations not taken — for some family camping in New Mexico. Sites come with a picnic table and grill and most can accommodate a tent or RV.

Take a look at this video of spots around Los Alamos, including Bandelier National Monument, by @OnlyInYourState:

12. Valley of Fires Recreation Area

Valley of Fires Recreation, 6158 US-380, Carrizozo, NM 88301, USA
Yelp/Cherlyn S.
It's unusual to be able to explore a lava flow, never mind camp near one. This section of the Tularosa Basin was filled with lava when Little Black Peak erupted approximately 5,000 years ago. This camping spot boasts sites with RV hookups, two wheelchair-accessible sites, and there are showers. Both as a recreation area and as a campground, Valley of Fires Recreation Area flies under the radar, which keeps crowds at bay and lets you enjoy the breathtaking sunsets in peace.

13. Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Elephant Butte, NM, USA
Yelp/Emari H.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park is popular with water sports enthusiasts. Although there is a campground, you can camp pretty much anywhere along the shore, if you're fine roughing it. This is one park that offers some of the best tent camping in New Mexico.

14. McCrystal Creek Campground

McCrystal Campground, Cimarron, NM 87714, USA
Facebook/Randy Windham
McCrystal Campground is pretty rustic but, if you're looking for a true escape, this 60-site campground in the Valle Vidal section of Carson National Forest may be a good fit. It's horse-friendly, but you will need to bring your own water.

There are endless places to camp in New Mexico. In your opinion, what places have the best camping in New Mexico? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Need new camping equipment? Take a look at the selection of camping gear from our friends at REI.

Ready to explore more of New Mexico’s enchanting outdoors? Take a look at this video from OnlyInYourState:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Camping in New Mexico

Tori Jane | July 27, 2022

Where are the best places for camping in New Mexico?  

New Mexico is a beautiful state that, if you ask us, doesn’t seem to get the unconditional love it deserves. It’s filled to the brim with incredible state parks, breathtaking hiking trails, and so much more – even hot springs! If you love to enjoy the natural wonders of New Mexico, you’ll probably want to head out on a camping trip.

So, what are some of the best places for camping in New Mexico? Well, the incredible state parks in New Mexico offer some truly incredible camping opportunities, no matter how you prefer to camp. You’ll find campsites with RV hookups, electricity, and modern amenities, and you’ll find primitive tent-camping zones where you get to rough it like the old days. Anyone even a little bit interested in camping in New Mexico ought to discover the magic of its state parks.  

What should I bring when camping in New Mexico?  

The climate of New Mexico is intriguingly diverse, and what to bring will largely depend on where you camp. Here are a few things to consider:

  • If you’re in a region that’s hot and dry, you’ll want to pack extra water and make sure you have shade – even if you need to bring the shade in the form of tents or umbrellas.
  • Going somewhere like Taos, a mountain town with more mild summers? Bring water and shade, but also be sure to bring warm clothes and blankets, since nighttime temperatures can dip quite low.
  • We strongly suggest checking the weather ahead of time while planning a trip; forecasts are most accurate up to 48 hours out.  

Where are some of the most popular places for New Mexico camping?  

There are lots of popular places for camping in New Mexico, and there are a decent number of New Mexico campgrounds that are a step above the rest:

  • The Aguirre Spring Campground is on the eastern side of the Organ Mountains, and it offers 57 first-come, first-served campgrounds to choose from. Get there early!
  • Alternatively, camp out in the Cibola National Forest and take in the immense beauty of New Mexico’s wilderness.  

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