Desert camping in New Mexico with campfires

Explore ancient pueblos, soak in restorative springs, and see Mission-style architecture in this southwestern state.

94% (2509 reviews)
94% (2509 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New Mexico

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

12 top desert campgrounds in New Mexico with campfires

98%
(1252)

Santa Fe Treehouse Camp

58 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents156 acres · Santa Fe, NM
This is a non-smoking, no candle facility. The camp was founded 40 years ago as a summer camp for kids. Now we welcome adults, and other groups to enjoy the vast and wild high desert nature up on this ridge. There are beautiful views and access to Shaggy Peak, the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. Wander our land to enjoy various level hiking trails including a 20 minute hike to a creek and waterfall in the forest (some steep spots and creek is intermittent) or climb up Shaggy Peak (seasoned hikers only please). NOTE: We are up 1.3 miles of dirt road (with 5-7+% grade in a few short stretches) and are not near public transportation so you will need your own vehicle! Be aware that the roads can be snowy, icy or muddy and rutted ( 4-wheel or All-trak recommended in certain times of year). We don’t guarantee the road will be plowed.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$25
 / night
95%
(173)

River Sanctuary by Ojo Hot Springs

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
$65
 / night
100%
(9)

Heaven or Taos 🪐

8 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · San Cristobal, NM
***military, local, and teacher/educator discounts*** 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 away. For now, RV camping (with their own bathrooms) or tent campers with portable toilets. Restrooms and showers are currently being worked on. RV/tent spots have running water and electricity/hook-ups. We do not allow the dumping of sewage tanks due to New Mexico's regulations on septics and private land. 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. We do offer firewood! Wake up to mountains, hiking, and breakfast burritos that will make you ask yourself, “Is this heaven or Taos?”
Pets
Potable water
from 
$15
 / night
94%
(155)

Taos Goji Farm & Eco Lodge

13 sites · Lodging, TentsSan Cristobal, NM
Taos Goji Ecolodge, is an historic property with ten renovated cabins and a 4-acre goji berry farm located on 40 acres of pristine land in San Cristobal, New Mexico. The cabins were built at the beginning of last century, originally for sheep herders. Both Alduous Huxley and D.H. Lawrence lived and wrote in this cabins, and later Elizabeth Kubler Ross and Ram Dass stayed here.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(29)

NO. 10 RANCH

5 sites · Lodging40 acres · Estancia, NM
This cabin sits on a ranch that's been in this breathtaking valley for generations. There are six other amazing cabins spread throughout the 40 acres. We are only 14 miles from Manzano Mountains and about 31 miles from Salinas Pueblo Missions National Park. This particular cabin was once a pig barn and this ranch was once a fully operational ranch that served its owners and community so well. Wide open fields with grass that sways in the gentle breeze, pinon a cedar trees that provide cover to the deer that graze and bed down across the property and some of the most stunning views come together to create an experience that will stick with you an entire lifetime. 4WD is recommended to reach the cabin safely. We purchased this ranch in the winter of 2021 and are just so grateful for the chance to love and care for it...and share it with YOU! Provided there are not fire bans, enjoy snugging up to a warm campfire.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$39
 / night
98%
(28)

Two Hawk Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Llano, NM
Two Hawk Ranch is comprised of 12 acres of high mountain valley meadows, hay fields, Acequias, trees and the Rio Chiquito. Yes, we are located at approximately 7,800ft elevation. My husband and I stumbled across this beautiful and serene property by accident in 2020 just as Covid hit. We feel blessed to be here and feel the need to share it’s calming, restful qualities. We have three adult children and have three grandchildren. We also have eight international children as we hosted international students for four years. You are welcome to come sit by the fire and be social or just do your own thing. Learn more about this land: Sites located across the property for up to 8 groups. The RV camping is located near one of our horse corrals and above our irrigation Acequia, above or next to the house, or in the field down by the arena after haying is complete (usually after the first week of July as long as the rain cooperates). Can back in or pull through and has 110v power nearby. No water to hook up to, but we can fill your tanks via hose by the house or arena. Other sites available if you don’t need power, or have a generator.  Property is within a 100yds of national forest service that gives access to off-roading, hiking, biking, horse riding, fishing, and winter snowshoeing, cross country skiing, etc. We are located just off the High Road to Taos in Llano, 29 miles south of Taos and 55 miles north of Santa Fe. We are eight miles from Ski Sipapu and eight miles from Rio Santa Barbara Canyon.  Your well-behaved pets are welcome. We also have one great dane (Raggy), a great dane mix (The Morrigan), one ranch cat (Sasha) and four horses (Gentry, Shadow, Mattie & Jr G). The dogs are a rescue of some kind. The Morrigan is black, 3.5 yrs old and comes out of a rescue in AZ. She went in with her litter as a 5 month old puppy, and she came here about a year later. She is reticent and suspicious, so ignore her and she will come up to you on her own; continue to ignore her. Ragnar (Raggy) is our most recent rescue and is from Las Cruces. He's 3 yrs old and a merle. He suffers from anxiety and fears children. We are working him through his fears, and he is doing really well. The weather here tends to run cooler, as we are located in the mountains in a small valley at approximately 7,800 ft above sea level. In the spring through fall, temps will average from mid 40°F up to mid 60°F at night and mid 60°F up to mid 90°F during the day. Temps can get into the 100°F's in the summer, but that is rare. Generally if the sun is out, it is warm or hot even tho the actual temps are not. It's a high-altitude affect. The opposite is true as well. Cloud cover will feel cooler. We also experience monsoon style rains that occur in the afternoon generally starting in July and running into August or later. In the late fall through early spring during winter, the average temps usually run from 0°F up to mid 20°F at night with occasional dips into negative temps and in the day generally run from mid 20°F up to the mid 40°F range. Same as above - if the sun is out, it will feel warmer, etc. We do hay the fields, so we may have tractor activity going on in the late spring and early summer. In the winter we will be clearing snow from the roads and feeding hay. Can't wait to see everyone this year!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$45
 / night
98%
(23)

Art City Tucumcari

56 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Tucumcari, NM
Nestled along the historic Route 66 in Tucumcari, NM, our unique Big Art sculpture park and glamping destination offers an immersive art experience in the heart of nature. Our site features fourteen large-scale sculptures crafted by internationally renowned artists, making it an ideal backdrop for photography and a source of creative inspiration. Guests can indulge in luxury with our on-site amenities including outdoor showers, flush toilets, and hammocks perfect for relaxation after a day of exploration. Our outdoor kitchen is fully equipped for your culinary adventures, allowing you to dine al fresco surrounded by breathtaking art installations when available. For convenience and comfort, the site includes bathrooms complete with sinks, all seamlessly integrated with a modern septic system to ensure environmental sustainability. Experience the perfect blend of art, nature, and comfort at our exclusive glamping getaway.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$44
 / night
100%
(2)

Creekside Kush Kamp elev. 8100

5 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Questa, NM
Enjoy the peaceful, powerful and serene energy of the forest, with the background music of the magical waters flowing from the snow-capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Forest-bathe at 8100 feet elevation under the cedars, pines, pinons, oaks, aspens and cottonwoods. Dip in the icy cold mountain waters, Wim Hoff-style! Stargaze the magnificent night skies; you can often observe the Milky Way. This is a quiet and breathtaking in northern New Mexico's San Luis Valley area near Ute Mountain, with Mount Blanca visible in neighboring Colorado. It is on a 5 acre private property Wildlife abounds: deer, elk, and the occasional bear. World class hiking in the nearby Latir Wilderness Area and within a few miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers National Monument. Kagyu Mila Guru Stupa, Meditation Temple and labyrinth are one mile away. Ceremonial sweat lodge and vision quest (Lakota tradition} may be available (please inquire). Guided interpretive hikes, laundry and meals can be reserved for an extra charge at our Mountain River Kush Kamp. We offer many amenities and as our campground grows, more will be added. We are the stewards of this land and we practice regenerative farming, gardening and forest health ancient technology. Our Camp Host will give a brief welcome & safety talk upon arrival, and can show you how to find your campsite, the outhouse and shared areas in the Kush Kamp. Many available extras make this an easier and comfy camp experience. There is a common kitchen/cooking area. We limit the number of campsites and campers for sustainability, serenity and privacy, however, guests may encounter other campers at this property. A host is on-site for security and convenience. Other activities in Taos County: horseback riding, skiing, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, frisbee golf, golfing, mountain bike trails, hiking trails, hot springs, atv tours, museums, concerts, farmers markets, trade days, Taos Pueblo and casino. Much more, depending on the season. Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil available water. Fire pit will be lit by Camp Host due to fire safety concerns. Propane grill available when fire ban is in effect. Camp catering available, with advance notice. Please inquire. Camp host lives on property.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$48
 / night
98%
(54)

Nakation Group Booking

10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · La Plata, NM
Step out of your tent in the morning, and the sun kisses your cheeks... All of them. Private adult only (18+) Clothing Optional dry tent camping set on 20 rural acres. Book the entire campground for your Group Stay, for those who are looking for a private Getaway. Re-use, Re-purpose, Up-cycle... We are committed to making great treasures from one man's trash! Our sites have tables and chairs created from old tires. We are re-using old pallets to create tent platforms, benches and signs. Our little campground is primitive, but we are a work in progress, with amenities coming in the future. Property butts up against a large BLM area, with plenty of room to take a walk in the buff. We have an above ground pool if you would prefer to relax and skinny dip. Or if you're preferring to sight see, there are numerous places to go around our area. In New Mexico, in 45 minutes or less you can be at one of the following: Navajo Lake State Park, Aztec Ruins, Glade Run Recreational area, Jackson Lake Wildlife Refuge, Farmington Lake Recreational area. San Juan Quality Waters in the San Juan River offers world class fishing. The Animas River offers fun river floats. Chaco Canyon National Park is only 2 hours away. In Colorado, we are about an hour from these attractions: Mesa Verde National Park, McPhee Reservoir, Canyon of the Ancients, Lake Nighthorse Day Use Recreation area, Chimney Rock and Purgatory Ski Resort. La Plata Canyon has great mountain hiking and is only 30 minutes away. We look forward to assisting you in a memorable Getaway!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$15
 / night
96%
(178)

Raven's Nest On Route 66

2 sites · RVs4 acres · Church Rock, NM
A beautiful location located within Cibola National Forest boundaries (Mt. Taylor Ranger District West). Direct access to Six Mile Canyon and Mc Gaffey Lake via improved forest road. We are seasoned camping travelers and enjoy meeting other travelers on their journeys.Learn more about this land:18 miles East of Gallup, NM. Exit 39 on I-40, Jamestown, NM.GPS coordinates: N 35.46445  W 108.44220Beautiful red rock views on the Continental Divide. An amazing vibe delivered by The Land Of Enchantment. Peaceful, yet still connected to the pulse of the old Route 66. This campsite is in a second RV driveway next to our home.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$22
 / night
97%
(18)

Mars Research Base (MRB)

8 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Boles Acres, NM
Nestled amid the breathtaking mountains near Alamogordo, New Mexico, our off-grid camping haven is a gateway to the untamed beauty of the desert. Campers can enjoy the serenity of nature while being just a stone's throw away from the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, offering fantastic hiking opportunities. Whether you choose to pitch a tent or park your RV, our property is the perfect base for outdoor adventures, complemented by wildlife, mesmerizing sunsets, and the warmth of a campfire shared with friends.
Pets
Toilets
Trash
from 
$25
 / night
91%
(69)

Horse-Thief Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · NM
From U.S. Highway 550 (north of Nageezi), follow the signs that say Chaco Canyon National Monument Park (County Road 7900). From County Road 7900 and County Road 7950 (turn right on 7950). After 3 miles, at the end of pavement, you will see a sign that says "Dry Camp", with a long dirt driveway. Our campground is 13 miles before the hazardous road to Chaco Canyon. We like to say the we are "The Gateway to Chaco Canyon". Save the wear and tear on your trailers, camp with us! Horse-Thief Campground is an upcoming camp; located on 5 acres of land and more, for campers to enjoy. In a quiet; serene, beautiful landscape area of the Dine Nation. With beautiful sunrise; sunsets and night sky is out of this world. There are trails in which visitors may walk or bike, as well as a Look Out Point. Horse-Thief is currently a Dry Camp with no Electricity or running water however generators are welcome. There is one portable restroom. We look forward to Meeting and Greeting you! We think you will enjoy your stay with us, and hope you give us a great review!
Pets
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

Star Hosts in New Mexico

Under $50

Value Prop
Value Prop

Desert camping in New Mexico with campfires guide

Overview

In the southwestern US, New Mexico offers a distinct vibe not found elsewhere in the country, or even in the region. Here you’ll find Old West mining towns, restorative hot springs, and all sorts of historic sites, including ancient pueblos and protected national monuments, not to mention a distinct cuisine that borrows elements from Tex-Mex and Indigenous culinary traditions. You won’t be disappointed with the camping—the state offers a variety of terrains, from quiet forests to vast expanses of desert, and with five national forests, 30 state parks, and lots of untouched private land, there's no shortage of spots to set up a tent.

Where to go

Central and North Central New Mexico

New Mexico's Central and North-Central regions are home to many of the state's most popular cultural attractions, and both Albuquerque and Santa Fe are here. Area highlights include Bandelier National Monument and Petroglyph National Monument, as well as numerous pueblos. The most famous of these—the Taos Pueblo—is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years.

Northwest New Mexico

Cultural attractions abound in Northwestern New Mexico. Highlights include the Zuni Pueblo and the Acoma Pueblo—both the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Navajo Nation call this region home. Other points of interest include the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Aztec Ruins National Monument, and El Mapais National Monument.

Northeast New Mexico

Situated where the Rocky Mountains give way to the Southwestern plains, this area is characterized by prairies, ranches, and Western charm. Popular historic and natural attractions include the Fort Union National Monument and the Capulin Volcano National Monument. Conchas Lake State Park and Ute Lake State Park offer ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and lakeside camping.

Southwest New Mexico

For a Wild West experience, head to the southwestern corner of the state. Here you'll find plenty of old ghost towns, historic mission communities, and pristine natural areas. The area is also rich with hot springs, particularly in the low-key spa town of Truth or Consequences.

Southeast New Mexico

Culture, history, and the great outdoors converge in southeastern New Mexico, home to both of the state's national parks (White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns) as well as a host of museums, from the New Mexico Museum of Space History to the Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner. Fans of the paranormal won't want to miss Roswell, the site of the famous Area 51 UFO sightings and a de facto pilgrimage site for all things alien.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.