Desert camping in New Mexico

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

94% (4117 reviews)
94% (4117 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New Mexico

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top desert campgrounds in New Mexico

98%
(1245)

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.
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$25
 / night
98%
(99)

HarmonyTaos Regenerative Farm

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Taos, NM
The glamping site is OPEN! Come stay in the bell tent with or without linens. (extra fee for linens). The Glamp site visitors enjoy access to the farm house communal kitchen for breakfast and access to the inner gardens for leisure. Harmony Taos is a regenerative farm located on approximately 4 acres, just minutes from the town of Taos. We specialize in Permaculture and teaching. 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, weekly yoga classes, monthly soup nights, ceremonies, and cultural events throughout the warmer months. Latest Offerings: I hav decided to open up my intuitive practice to visitors. DM Anastasia if you would like an intuitive reading and clearing. 90 minutes long. We will focus on getting to the underlying beliefs that are holding you back, then clearing them together. RENT THE ENTIRE PROPERTY: DM the host for availability and rates. Pitch your tent at one of our 2 drive-in mountain view campsites, located on the lush grounds of our regenerative agriculture farm and gardens. Or book the overflow site for larger vehicles and or large parties. Rest and rejuvenate in this quiet haven, nestled below the canyon yet just minutes from town. Sites Uno and Dos has access to a beautifully equipped bathhouse, picnic tables, chairs and an outdoor cold water washing area . Overflow Tres has access to the stunning bathhouse as well. Overflow Tres is more primitive with a dirt base and can accommodate larger vehicles. Campsite UNO: Uno fits a small trailer and/ or a RV. If you are pulling 20 plus feet or a large RV, book the overflow site Tres to be safe.. 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 smaller camper van. You can pull right in. You will need to back out to depart. Overflow TRES: can accommodate almost any fifth wheel and you can turn around. It is a dirt area and primitive. The walk to the bathhouse is about 200 feet.. If you are traveling with another RV or trailer, you can both fit in. FYI: last .25 mi is level but potholed dirt road. Glampiing Site : Deluxe bamboo encased memory foam king bed (breaks down to two twin beds). Stellar views of the mountains . BYO bedding or DM host for full sheets and towels set up. There is power in the bathhouse for charging phones. but there are no dedicated electrical hook ups for RVs. However, you can text the owner if you want to use a converter and access a nearby ( For Sites Uno and Dos) outlet with your extension cord for additional fee of $20.00 per day. IF you have more than a small sack of garbage, TAKE IT WITH YOU. We are a small farm and cannot accommodate everyones accumulated garbage from their travels. EVENTS: Harmony Taos Farm is open in 2024 for day long or weekend events. Weddings, family gatherings, teachers. Yoga. There are a number of options including large 12 person tent with heater. The indoor Living room of the main building holds 25-30 for gatherings. There are numerous areas around the farm that lend themselves to ceremony, gathering, etc. Harmony Farm is an excellent wedding venue. There are 4 types of accommodations (hotels, lodges, Inns, rental homes) within 1 mile of the property should you wish to use the site for your wedding and invite guests who require a hotel etc. And of course there are plenty of tent sites available at Harmony. If you rent the entire property, more tent sites can be accommodated than listed here. Harmony host Anastasia can also arrange for catering, flowers, music, party rentals, etc. DM the host with any requests and day use rates. Things to know: This is the hosts homesite and farm. You will be camping near the host's actual home.
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$48
 / night
95%
(170)

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.
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$65
 / night
98%
(21)

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.
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$44
 / night
100%
(6)

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?”
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$15
 / night
93%
(153)

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.
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$50
 / night
100%
(25)

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.
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$39
 / night
99%
(770)

Star Dance High Desert Retreat

9 sites · Tents50 acres · Youngsville, NM
Visit the startling beauty of the plateaus above Lake Abiquiu in northern New Mexico.  Star Dance provides a secluded experience for travelers, artists, fishermen, birdwatchers, stargazers, and more.  Star Dance sits above the upper Rio Chama canyons on 30 acres of trails and undisturbed natural terrain.
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$30
 / night
97%
(16)

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.
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$25
 / night
99%
(196)

Dusty Rabbit Van Life

5 sites · RVs, Tents2000 acres · Roswell, NM
Learn more about this land:Dusty Rabbit Van Life @ Schrimsher Ranch is an alternative camping & Star Gazing location just outside of town, yet close to the open road. A great place to relax under the stars, have a camp fire, and kick back next to your travel rig after a long day. You are welcome to explore the 600+ acres of rolling hills and high desert of our ranch. If you cross a fence you've gone too far, so that makes it easy for you to know where you're at. You might just want to crash for the night in a safe location out on the rangeland or stay a day or two to enjoy the land to walk, mountain bike antelope trails, and maybe even Sniffers the pronghorn antelope will find ya before you head out. This is a primitive site, so leave no trace practice is appreciated and pack in/out is how we do it here. If you come in the summer prepare the morning coffee early and enjoy the desert sun's rays hit the Capitan, but by 9am it will be hot, so be ready! Best star gazing and satellite watching in the world! I have several sites to choose from. But remember to keep an eye on the wind and weather as it can get crazy out here sometimes…..!!! I try to keep the sites stocked with firewood, but fill free to bring your own. Lonely Bull Camp 1 is my most popular site. It is very private and is easily accessible by most vehicles and campers. Ask about Lonely Bull Camp 4x4 if you have a capable vehicle. Amazing stars!! Old Highway Camp is a great alternative if you want something closer to the highway and have a safe private place to pull over, camp, kickback, make a fire and get back to your life on the on the road in the morning. It is closer to the highway, but is quite at night and has great star gazing. Enjoy being greeted by The Mountain in the morning. Let me know where you would like to stay and I will do my best to accommodate you! Safe travels!
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$32
 / night
100%
(68)

Elk Ridge Ranch

1 site · RV7 acres · Placitas, NM
Park your RV up to 40 foot overlooking a beautiful pond and endless Mountain Views. Enjoy our Bison and Elk roaming near your campsite, you can even feed them apples out of your hand! You can swim in the crystal clear pond and enjoy the endless stars at night. We have 50 amp service and sewer hookup. Pets are welcome if well behaved and leashed because of the resident animals. Only 45 minutes to Santa Fe and 20 minutes to Albuquerque. Explore the great Southwest attractions: Tent Rocks, Bandolier National Monument, Chaco Canyon, Coronado Monument, and Sandia Tramway. Excellent hiking and biking area. Less than an hour to Santa Fe Ski area and 2 hours to Taos Mountain.
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$85
 / night
96%
(177)

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.
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$22
 / night

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Desert camping in New Mexico guide

Overview

Looking for a camping experience in the desert of New Mexico? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1200 options specifically tailored to your desert terrain preference, you'll be sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Whether you're seeking a unique experience like the Santa Fe Treehouse Camp (512 reviews), or a peaceful retreat like the Star Dance High Desert Retreat (271 reviews), or even a secluded hideaway like the Hermitory (202 reviews), Hipcamp has got you covered. And with popular amenities like showers, campfires, and pet-friendly sites, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, don't forget to take advantage of the popular activities available, such as wildlife watching, fishing, and exploring historic sites. With an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $10, camping in the New Mexico desert has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

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