Desert camping in New Mexico with wildlife watching
Explore ancient pueblos, soak in restorative springs, and see Mission-style architecture in this southwestern state.
94% (3550 reviews)
- New Mexico
94% (3550 reviews)
Popular camping styles for New Mexico
Star Hosts in New Mexico
Under $50
12 top desert campgrounds in New Mexico with wildlife watching
98%
(1250)
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
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99%
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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
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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
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99%
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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
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93%
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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
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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
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98%
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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!
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$15
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95%
(228)
Healing on the Rio Grande !
19 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Albuquerque, NM
Come to New Mexico ! The Land of Enchantment.
Sing Chants to the Moon, The Sun, The Rain, The Stars ,
The Beautiful Land and the Ancestors !
HAPPY 2024, The Year of the Dragon.
We won , an award with Hipcamp, Best of 2023 !!!!
- out of a list of many great places in NM .
2024 will be yet another great year ! We love hosting, this will be out 7th year .
We are so happy to Host . Come enjoy organic . Urban Permaculture .
Awesome, thanks for loving on our peaceful garden.
It is an honor to serve the traveler, the camper, sweet tourist , wild vacationer , folks visiting friends and family , the many folks who explore and folks on grand adventures.
We love to camp as well. BE OUTSIDE ! Heal from Nature .
We have a lot to offer. Our place is good for folks who work on the road,
Great WIFI ! Easy to manage a job while on the road .
Eat flowers and herbs. There is a great herb store , herbal clinic and more .
Just down the road, called, RED ROOT , next to the Food Co-op on Rio Grande Blvd.
Our Space is in the heart of the Griegos Neighborhood ,
A very old style , old world area. Safe area.
Same Hispanic families have lived here since 1712, no joke, that is real.
Rural feel for an urban / suburban setting , space space, off street parking.
We are NOT an RV park nor are we a " camp ground " .
We Are an Organic Garden ( Urban Permaculture ) that you can stay inside a magical, growing goodness space .
This place is very, very private .
The parking area is not private . Our road is dead end , very low traffic .
The garden wall around the whole tent area has a 6 foot tall , very thick wall , and trees , surrounding every thing.
There is a forest and pond for ducks behind the garden .
Our place is for Wildlife, to be fed, and given water and safe space to raise young. We are located in an area where the birds of the world fly from the north to the south and then change direction each season. Many lizards . Many wild mammals . There are many farms in the area. With Horses , goats , chickens , ducks , mules, donkeys , other livestock .
We have no pets and no livestock.
At night this is dark ( we do have solar lights on walk ways ) and it is peaceful. A safe zone for travelers . Serene , gentle and lovely . You get your privacy .
New Mexico is so amazing, all year . We have inside space in Fall / Winter .
Welcome to Mother Bosque Garden . Started in Corrales NM in 2010 .
We are in the North valley of Albuquerque New Mexico 87107.
The same families have lived here for 100, 200, 300 plus years . 1000s of years .
Native people have lived in this valley for close to 20,000 years more .
The Rio Grande is very close by ( 2 miles west of us ) bike or by car .
We are close to route 40 and route 25, just 7 mins. away .
There is a Food Co-op with in a 5 mins. drive . And a regular store and gas within one mile of our place.
Come eat Traditional New Mexican Foods and Heal with Very Living Traditional New Mexican Herbal Medicines .
Relax, rest, find repose. Happy travels, happy hiking, happy sleeping under the stars, happy home made food, happy resting.
Old Town is close by, so is the Rio Grande River and Nature Center
( 2 miles up the street ) .
So many things in our area to see, to do, learn history .
Awesome food, music and arts/ crafts, everywhere. So much activity all over.
SO MANY CULTURES and Languages , so much diversity !
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$45
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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!
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$45
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96%
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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
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Star Gazer Ranch
1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Laguna, NM
We are a secluded, one site camp. Our home is 22 miles west of Albuquerque NM. Just 4 miles from i40. Adjacent to Navajo reservation where “Breaking Bad” was filmed. Hundreds of acres of naturalized land. Panoramic view of mountains and unobstructed view of the night sky. Beautiful sunrises, sunsets and starry nights. We would love to share our homestead with you. Come unplug, Safe. Everybody welcome. Most of your questions are answered in this listing. Text me for any additional concerns.
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Sunny Mellow Eco Villa
4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Tijeras, NM
Sunny Mellow Eco Villa is the land with a great history. The QUIET, secret Shangra-La Valley just over the ridge from Route 66 (and I-40) was the camping place for Billy the Kid and his gang! They could quickly saddle up when the posted lookout on the ridge above signaled the passing of the stagecoach!
Even more stunning, it was the Tijeras Indian Pueblo Tribe's place of roaming and rest.
The land now sports an Organic Vineyard, Orchard and Vegetable Garden that guests my forage from when in bloom.
A Large, Clean, Secluded Redwood Yoga Deck, Ping-Pong, Horseshoes, and a Giant Swing Set, along with patios and lounges that are found over the 8 acre land, and all joined by a network of Scenic Pathways and Bridges that connect The Vineyard, The Orchard, The Garden, The Solar Array, The Swing, The Yoga Deck, Ping Pong Terrace, Horse shoe Pit... Perfect Place and Feel The Akashic Records of Where Billy the Kid and his gang camped and the Tijeras Indians Lived!
8 Minutes to Albuquerque. 7 minutes to Cedar Crest, 20 minutes to The Infinite View off the Sandia Crest, 10 minutes to Edgewood. 50 minutes to Santa Fe. Located in THE CENTER of The ZIA of NEW MEXICO!
Views of meadows, mountains and the Enchanting New Mexico sky from the Every stopping point on the Eco Villa Trail System.
Ride a bike, take a sauna, Read a book... Take a nap. Enjoy the Unique Feel and Romance of the Yoga Yurt, The Awesome Modern Outdoor Kitchen, The delicious KING Bed. Watch 4K TV with 900 download and 35 upload!
Enjoy Dining at your Private HipCamp Site!
Hike into the Cedro National forest a short walk to the end of the road. If you feel sociable, join in a campfire with the guests at The Chi-Treehouse or Invite guests to the Fire-pit at your own Yoga Yurta!
Sit in the Secluded "Starchamber" by day for a sun tan, or by night for moon glow and infinite star gazing.
Drive to Sandia Peak, Hike, Ski, Mountain Bike (Even out your back door if you do not want to drive).
Albuquerque and The East Mountains has more trails in proximity to a metropolis than an city in the country. Pick sandy, rocky, or meadow, or a forest ascent.
Grove at top notch restaurants in ABQ and some local ones just down the street.
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$77.77
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Available this weekend
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Explore the area’s public lands.
Desert camping in New Mexico with wildlife watching 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.
Popular New Mexico trips
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