The best camping near Bandelier National Monument

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bandelier National Monument adventure.

100% (8 reviews)
100% (8 reviews)

Discover ancient Native American history in these sublime Southwestern lands.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Bandelier National Monument

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Bandelier National Monument

Top-rated campgrounds near Bandelier National Monument

98%
(1431)

Santa Fe Treehouse Camp

61 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. We continue to offer camps for children and their parents and grandparents (family camps), as well as welcome adults and other groups to enjoy the vast and wild high desert nature up on this ridge. Register for our nature education activities and resources available for everyone who stays on the property. These topics include sustainability, recycling, composting, water conservation, wildfire prevention, outdoor safety, and nature awareness along with the use of our hiking trails. You can also join an archery class, tomahawk throwing, climbing on the mobile climbing wall, Yoga, Qigong, Climbing Into The Heart of the Mother Tree, Star talks and more... 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). IMPORTANT: 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. We generally close for the season due to cold weather around Halloween and reopen just before Memorial Day.
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$25
 / night
97%
(254)

Agua de Vida

10 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · NM
This charming land has been in the family since my husband was a young boy. The Indian ruins and artifacts fascinated him then and he is still happy to share this history with whoever shows an interest. With all the improvements made by his father and family through the years, you will also learn to have a love for the history and beauty here on this unique 30-acre treasure. You can explore Native American ruins that were inhabited by some 2,000 people between 700-1100 AD. The grounds are wonderful to walk with a little lake which draws elk, deer, hawks, blue herons, etc. Easy to access just 3 minutes off I-25. We are 5 minutes away from the Pecos Natl Monument and 15 minutes away from the Pecos River with plenty of great fishing spots…Visit Santa Fe (20-minute drive) or Las Vegas (30-minute drive) with dozens of restaurants, museums, art galleries, etc. We look forward to your stay!
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$35
 / night
97%
(18)

Rancho Algo Mas

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Ohkay Owingeh, NM
This land was previously undeveloped when we bought it in 2011, having only been used as horse grazing land and chile production in the 1960s. It is characteristic of inherited irrigated properties in the area and is about 150 ft wide and half a mile long that extends from the traditional irrigation ditch (acequia) at the top of the property to the river drainage. In the 1940s the Chile Line Railroad ran through here on the way to Espanola. Learn more about this land: Nestled in the river valley halfway between Taos and Santa Fe, near the confluence of the Rio Chama and the Rio Grande, this off-grid property is just north of Ohkay Owingeh, where indigenous settlements have existed for many centuries due to rich soil and available ground and surface water. In the 1500s settlers from Mexico came to farm land for New Spain. These historical Spanish and Native influences and identities run deep in this area, as well as the more recent influences of hippie dropout culture in Taos, Ojo Caliente, and Dixon. We have lots of book recommendations if you want to learn more about the complexity of culture and identity in northern New Mexico. Our 5 acres property is a narrow agricultural strip that extends from the irrigation acequia (ditch) at the top of the property down through a dense bosque (forest), ending in a path to the placid river bend of the Rio Grande. The campsites lie midway, among the privacy of the cottonwood bosque and adjacent pond. It is a short walk to a riverside perch with stairs to the shallow water and kayak launch. Other activities on the property include visiting the goats, chickens, and our friendly dogs, playing on the scrap-built playground, swinging on the pond swing, wading in the river, fishing, and doing some beginner kayaking the pond. This property is at its best late Spring through mid Fall when all is green, the pond is full and river is cool. Winter camping is still doable but may include snow, frozen pond, and leafless trees, and sandhill cranes. The site has a nice firepit and we have lots of wood. Summertime means mosquitos so come prepared with some serious sprays or creams- and don't bother with citronella candles, they won't be effective here. You will have a lot of privacy in the bosque, and it is relatively quiet from urban noise. You will be in agricultural and farm country, so you will be amongst the sounds of roosters, sheep, goat, peacocks and horses doing their thing in the farm land all around you. There can be dogs barking so if any of this noise bothers you you will want to bring earplugs.
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$31.50
 / night
96%
(193)

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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$60
 / night
95%
(252)

Healing on the Rio Grande !

19 sites · Lodging, 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 ! We won , an award with Hipcamp, Best of 2023 !!!! 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
 / night
92%
(61)

Kamaria's Wellness Retreat

4 sites · RVs1 acre · Albuquerque, NM
What a wonderful space. Kamaria Creations is a Wellness Retreat nestled in Albuquerque's Historic North Valley. We are close to Old Town, The Nature Center, Museums, The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Wonderful Eateries and Nightlife. Onsite we are home to the only Natural Hair Care Center in New Mexico. Additionally, we offer Bed and Breakfast Accommodations. Our Salon creates amazing styles, cuts, locks, braids and much more. We have an array of Body work services including Facials, Massage Therapy, Herbal Medicine and more.If you are here on a Tuesday Join Us for Taco Tuesday Night. Our stage hosts many local musicians as well. We are a wonderful destination for Balloon Festival as well. Located a quick 15 min drive to the Balloon Fiesta Park. The rail Runner is within reach which will connect campers with Santa Fe. We also have a bus stop directly in front of our site for you to head downtown for the day. The grounds can provide up to 3 spaces for camping. Learn more about this land:Calling all campers. We've got an outdoor stage, a couple secluded areas on the grounds. Inside the main house we've got herbal medicine, massage therapy, Natural hair care and more! Electricity is on site.Please Be Mindful We have Little Nubian Pygmy Goats onsite. Only animals that are Kid and Goat Safe are permitted. ALL DOGS must be on leash. All Dogs must be walked to the park or off property to do their doggie business both number 1 and 2. We also have active pollinators, very gentle bee's. Let them live freely and do their work for humanity. Honey and Tea is available onsite.
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$46
 / night

The best camping near Bandelier National Monument guide

Overview

About

Hipcampers interested in Native American history should definitely schedule a trip through this expansive park. Ancient caves and cliff dwellings abound in this one-time home of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The Ancestral Pueblo ruins date back to 1150, but they weren't the first people here. There's evidence humans lived here as many as 11,000 years ago!

As such, there are multiple trails that take you directly past or through archeological sites. The fairly flat, short Tyuonyi Overlook Trail is a good choice for beginning hikers. Looking for more of a physical challenge? Try the Frijolito Loop Trail. This demanding hike takes you close to the unexcavated Frijolito Pueblo site.

If you're looking to bag a peak, set your sights on the Cerro Grande Route. This one isn't for the faint of foot, though. Cerro Grande Peak's the park's highest point at 10,200 feet, and the terrain can be unforgiving. Bring water and good gear if you want to conquer this one!

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book your campsite well in advance to secure your spot amid the park's popular seasons.
  • Check the park's official website for updates on campground availability and reservation windows.
  • Consider visiting during off-peak times for a better chance at snagging a reservation.
  • Explore nearby camping options if Bandelier's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Bandelier National Monument is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park's full splendor can be enjoyed. Summer brings heat and crowds, while winter may present challenging conditions with snow and ice.

Know before you go

  • Check current conditions and alerts before your visit for any closures or safety information.
  • Pets are not allowed on trails or in buildings, but are welcome in parking areas and the campground.
  • Accessibility varies across the park; inquire ahead for specific needs.
  • Remember to bring water and sun protection, as the high desert climate can be intense.
  • Respect the cultural significance of the area and stay on designated paths.
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