The best camping near Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Out in the middle of nowhere New Mexico, these well-preserved ruins tell the stories of ancient Native American pueblos and 17th-century Spanish missions. Three sites — Abó, Gran Quivira and Quarai — dominate this 1,112-acre historic monument. You'll drive about 85 miles to visit all three, so allow at least a half-day for this fascinating adventure.

Start with a short film at the National Parks headquarters in Mountainair. Head to the most-visited and desolate Abó ruins 9 miles west, or drive 8 miles north to the least-visited site of Quarai. Here in the foothills of the Manzano Mountains, you'll find a massive red brick mission with 40-feet-high walls built from sandstone. The imposing Spanish church is surrounded by long-abandoned outbuildings. Nearby grassy mounds hold the relics of ancient pueblo foundations.

The most extensive site is 26 miles further southeast at Gran Quivira. This huge mission complex lies next to a partially excavated multi-room pueblo village. All of these structures were abandoned in the late 1670s due to drought. The general remoteness of the grasslands of central New Mexico has left the remains in excellent condition.

Each of the three sites has a visitor center with interesting displays and a gift shop. Park Rangers and volunteers are on hand to educate and answer questions. These spectacular ruins were once home to the thriving trade communities of Tiwa and Tompiro-speaking Puebloans. Today they bear silent witness to the contacts and conflicts between the Native Americans and the 17th-century Spanish Franciscan priests who hoped to bring them Christianity.

Plan your visit in the cooler seasons. There's not a lot of shade at Abó or Gran Quivira, so summers can be toasty. View all nearby options for camping on both public campgrounds and private land by diving deeper on Hipcamp.