Visit These Must See 15 Camping Spots Found Only in New Mexico

Buckle up, grab your marshmallows, and dive into the 15 absolute best camping spots across the stunning landscapes of New Mexico. From hidden gems to lakeside havens, these spots are where memories are made, and nature reigns supreme. So be ready to pitch your tent, roast some s’mores, and soak in the magic of camping in the Land of Enchantment!

Bandelier National Monument – Juniper Campground

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Location: 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Highlight: Ancient cliff dwellings, scenic trails, and stargazing opportunities.
In the heart of Bandelier National Monument, Juniper Campground offers a unique camping experience surrounded by towering cliffs and remnants of ancient civilizations. Explore nearby trails leading to ancient Puebloan dwellings, and as night falls, gaze up at a sky ablaze with stars, making this campground a haven for history buffs and stargazers alike.

Carson National Forest – Goose Lake Campground

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Location: 208 Cruz Alta Rd, Taos, NM 87571
Highlight: Pristine alpine lake, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Tucked away in Carson National Forest, Goose Lake Campground is a nature lover’s paradise. Wake to the serene beauty of a pristine alpine lake, perfect for fishing and paddling. Surrounding trails lead to breathtaking vistas and opportunities to spot wildlife, making it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility and outdoor adventure.

Cimarron Canyon State Park – Maverick Campground

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Location: 77 Maverick Rd, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Highlight: Spectacular canyon views of trout fishing in the Cimarron River.
Maverick Campground in Cimarron Canyon State Park offers campers stunning views of rugged canyons and the tranquil waters of the Cimarron River. Spend your days hiking along scenic trails or casting a line for trout in the river. As evening descends, gather around a campfire and soak in the peaceful gem of the Rockies.

Gila National Forest – Forks Campground

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Location: 3005 E Camino del Bosque, Silver City, NM 88061
Highlight: Remote location, hiking trails, and the nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings.
Hidden in the wilderness of Gila National Forest, Forks Campground provides a remote and tranquil camping experience. Surrounded by towering pines and echoing with nature’s sound, campers can explore nearby hiking trails or take a short drive to marvel at the ancient Gila Cliff Dwellings, immersing themselves in the area’s rich history and natural beauty.

Bottomless Lakes State Park – Lea Lake Campground

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Location: 545 Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, NM 88203
Highlight: Unique sinkhole lakes, swimming, boating, and birdwatching.
Bottomless Lakes State Park’s Lea Lake Campground offers a one-of-a-kind camping experience beside unique sinkhole lakes. Dive into the calm waters for a refreshing swim, or paddle out on a kayak to explore the lakes’ tranquil beauty. Birdwatchers can watch avian species that call this area home, adding to the campground’s allure.

Navajo Lake State Park – Pine Campground

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Location: Navajo Lake State Park, Navajo Dam, NM 87419
Highlight: Water sports on Navajo Lake, fishing, and scenic beauty.
Pine Campground at Navajo Lake State Park is a haven for water enthusiasts and nature lovers. Set against the expansive Navajo Lake backdrop, campers can enjoy various water activities, from boating and water skiing to fishing for bass and trout. The surrounding scenery of red rock formations and pine forests adds to the campground’s allure, creating a perfect setting for outdoor adventures.

Jemez Falls Campground

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Location: State Hwy 4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
Highlight: Stunning waterfall, hiking trails, and cool mountain air.
Nestled in the scenic Jemez Mountains, Jemez Falls Campground offers a fantastic retreat amidst towering pines and the soothing sounds of cascading water. A short hike leads to the impressive Jemez Falls, a picturesque spot for photography and relaxation. Explore nearby trails that wind through lush forests and breathe in the crisp mountain air, making this campground a favorite among nature enthusiasts.

El Malpais National Monument – Joe Skeen Campground

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Location: 1900 E Santa Fe Ave, Grants, NM 87020
Highlight: Lava tube caves, ancient lava flows, and dark sky stargazing.
Joe Skeen Campground in El Malpais National Monument is a gateway to the area’s unique geological wonders. Campers can explore lava tube caves and remnants of ancient volcanic activity and marvel at expansive lava flows. As night falls, the campground’s remote location offers unparalleled opportunities for stargazing under dark, unobstructed skies, creating a memorable camping experience.

Elephant Butte Lake State Park – Lions Beach Campground

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Location: 101 Highway 195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935
Highlight: Water recreation on Elephant Butte Lake, sandy beaches, and birdwatching.
Lions Beach Campground at Elephant Butte Lake State Park is a paradise for water lovers and beachgoers. Campers can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on the expansive Elephant Butte Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting various avian species along the lake shores, adding to the campground’s scenic charm.

Santa Fe National Forest – Black Canyon Campground

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Location: 704 Hyde Park Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Highlight: Pine forests, hiking trails, and proximity to Santa Fe attractions.
Black Canyon Campground in Santa Fe National Forest offers a serene retreat amidst towering pine forests and rugged terrain. Campers can explore nearby hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints and tranquil meadows. The campground’s proximity to Santa Fe allows day trips to explore the city’s cultural attractions easily.

Coyote Creek State Park

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Location: 925 NM-434, Guadalupita, NM 87722
Highlight: Trout fishing in Coyote Creek, scenic beauty, and wildlife sightings.
Coyote Creek State Park beckons campers with its tranquil setting along Coyote Creek, renowned for its excellent trout fishing. The park’s lush meadows and surrounding forests provide are scenic backdrop for hiking, wildlife watching, and photography. Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty and unwind in this peaceful camping retreat.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park – Gallo Campground

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Location: 1808 CR 7950, Nageezi, NM 87037 ·
Highlight: Ancient Puebloan ruins, astronomy programs, and cultural immersion.
Gallo Campground in Chaco Culture National Historical Park offers a unique camping experience steeped in ancient history and natural wonder. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Puebloan ruins and rock art of Chaco Canyon. Attend ranger-led astronomy programs to witness the mesmerizing night sky over the canyon, making this campground a blend of cultural exploration and celestial wonder.

Lake Roberts – Upper End Campground

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Location: 869 Highway 35 Mimbres, NM 88049
Highlight: Serene Lake setting, fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
Upper-End Campground at Lake Roberts invites campers to enjoy a peaceful lakeside retreat surrounded by scenic beauty. Spend your days fishing for trout or bass in the tranquil waters of Lake Roberts, or kayak or canoe in the lake. And also, birdwatchers can delighted by seeing diverse avian species that inhabit the area, creating a serene and nature-rich camping experience.

Valley of Fires Recreation Area

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Location: 6158 US-380, Carrizozo, NM 88301
Highlight: Lava flow hikes, unique geological features, and desert camping.
Valley of Fires Recreation Area offers a unique camping experience amidst ancient lava flows and volcanic landscapes. Campers can hike through lava fields, marvel at unique geological formations, and witness the stark beauty of the desert environment. As night falls, the area’s dark skies provide an ideal backdrop for stargazing, creating an unforgettable camping adventure.

Angel Peak Scenic Area – Angel Peak Campground

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Location: Bloomfield, NM 87413,
Highlight: Panoramic views of the badlands, hiking, and photography opportunities.
Angel Peak Campground in the scenic Angel Peak Scenic Area offers panoramic vistas of the rugged badlands and distant mesas. Campers can embark on hikes to explore the area’s unique geological features and capture stunning photographs of the dramatic landscapes. With expansive views and opportunities for outdoor exploration, Angel Peak Campground is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.