1. Aguirre Spring Campground
Location: Aguirre Spring Campground, Organ, NM
Recommended For: Hikers, campers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and nature lovers looking for scenic views and outdoor adventure.
What I Love: ♥ "The breathtaking views of the Organ Mountains and Tularosa Basin make this campground a stunning base for exploring the area’s natural beauty."
- Camp at one of the 57 first-come, first-served individual campsites, or reserve one of two group sites for a larger gathering.
- Hike the Baylor Canyon and Pine Tree Trailheads for incredible mountain views and an up-close experience with the area’s diverse flora and fauna.
- Ride horses through the beautiful desert landscape with the campground’s horse corral available for your convenience.
- Mountain bike on nearby trails for a thrilling outdoor adventure.
- Wildlife watch in the surrounding areas to spot local animals and birds native to the region.
Cost: The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis; fees for camping apply. Be sure to bring your own water, as potable water is not available.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and are ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
Local tips: Bring enough water for your stay, as there is no potable water on-site. Early arrivals are recommended to secure a campsite, especially during peak seasons.
Distance: About 20 minutes from Las Cruces, NM; 1 hour from El Paso, TX.
How to Get to Aguirre Spring Campground: From Las Cruces, take US-70 East and turn onto Aguirre Spring Road to reach the campground.
Address: 15000 Aguirre Spring Road, Organ, NM 88052
2. Angel Peak Scenic Area
Location: Angel Peak Scenic Area, Bloomfield, NM
Recommended For: Hikers, campers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking rugged terrain and stunning views of badlands and canyons.
What I Love: ♥ "The breathtaking views of deep canyons, colorful badlands, and the nearly 7,000-foot Angel Peak make this area a must-see for outdoor adventurers."
- Camp at the scenic campground with nine tent camping sites, complete with picnic tables, fire grills, and gravel pathways.
- Picnic at one of three picnic areas located along the canyon rim, offering spectacular views of Angel Peak.
- Explore the rugged terrain, deep canyons, and colorful badlands of this 10,000-acre recreation area.
- Enjoy the solitude and serenity of this remote area while taking in the stunning landscape from various viewpoints.
Cost: The park operates on a first-come, first-served basis for camping. No fees for entry or day-use activities.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather; be prepared for seasonal extremes at all times of year.
Local tips: There are no electrical hookups or water available at the campground, so make sure to bring sufficient supplies. Always check the weather before your trip as conditions can change rapidly.
Distance: About 1 hour from Farmington, NM; 3 hours from Albuquerque, NM.
How to Get to Angel Peak Scenic Area: From Bloomfield, head south on US-550 and follow signs to the scenic area.
Address: Bloomfield, NM 87413
Phone: 505-564-7600
3. Cherry Creek Campground, NM
Location: Cherry Creek Campground, Silver City, NM
Recommended For: Campers, hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by mixed conifer trees and beautiful aspens.
What I Love: ♥ "Nestled among golden aspens and vibrant sumac, this campground offers a serene spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Gila National Forest."
- Camp at one of 12 seasonal sites for tents or RVs, with a flat, gently sloping terrain surrounded by lush trees and colorful fall foliage.
- Picnic at your campsite with picnic tables and grills available for a comfortable outdoor meal.
- Use the restrooms with flushing toilets for added convenience during your stay.
- Enjoy campfires, with firewood available for purchase in Silver City, to keep warm on cool evenings.
- Bring your pets along, as the campground is pet-friendly, making it the perfect spot for a family getaway with your furry companions.
Cost: Seasonal campground fees apply, with payment options available on-site.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild temperatures and vibrant foliage; summer for warmer weather and outdoor activities.
Local tips: Be sure to bring your own firewood or purchase it in Silver City before heading to the campground, as it can be hard to find locally.
Distance: About 14 miles north of Silver City, NM; accessible from State Highway 15.
How to Get to Cherry Creek Campground: From Silver City, head north on State Highway 15 and look for the campground signs along the road.
Address: NM-15, Silver City, NM 88061
Phone: 575-388-8201
Romantic Camping Ideas
4. Cibola National Forest - 30 minutes from Albuquerque
Location: Cibola National Forest, Albuquerque, NM
Recommended For: Hikers, campers, nature lovers, and those seeking adventure in a vast forest with diverse wilderness areas.
What I Love: ♥ "With over 1.6 million acres of breathtaking landscapes, the Cibola National Forest offers rugged mountain views, diverse wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities across its wilderness areas."
- Explore four incredible wilderness areas: Apache Kid, Manzano Mountain, Sandia Mountain, and Withington.
- Camp in the forest’s over 30 campgrounds, with options for tent camping, RV camping, group camping, and dispersed camping.
- Hike to elevations over 11,000 feet and enjoy scenic trails in each of the forest's four ranger districts: Mountainair, Magdalena, Sandia, and Mt. Taylor.
- Experience the natural beauty and serenity of the Cibola National Forest, perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Cost: Fees vary depending on the campground and the type of camping. Check the website for specific rates and permit requirements.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for hiking and camping; summer is ideal for higher elevation activities.
Local tips: Be sure to check trail and campground conditions before heading out, as weather can impact access to some areas, especially at higher elevations.
Distance: About 30 minutes from Albuquerque, NM; accessible from US-550 and I-25.
How to Get to Cibola National Forest: From Albuquerque, head north on I-25 to access the forest’s ranger districts. Follow signs to specific wilderness areas or campgrounds.
Contact Information: Albuquerque, NM 87113
5. Cimarron Canyon State Park - 45 minutes from Taos
Location: Cimarron Canyon State Park, Eagle Nest, NM
Recommended For: Hikers, campers, nature lovers, and those seeking scenic views of canyons, cliffs, and streams in a tranquil setting.
What I Love: ♥ "The park’s soaring cliffs, picturesque landscapes, and sparkling rivers make it a stunning destination for outdoor activities and relaxation."
- Camp at one of the park’s developed day-use areas or campgrounds, offering individual sites for RV or tent camping.
- Hike on the park’s trails, which are open year-round and feature beautiful views, including some lovely waterfalls along the way.
- Explore the 33,116-acre Colin Neblett Wildlife Area, with its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.
- Enjoy the park’s new visitor center, a great stop for learning more about the area and picking up helpful information.
Cost: Camping and day-use fees apply; check the park website for specific rates and reservations.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds; summer for water activities in the streams and rivers.
Local tips: Bring your own power source, as the park does not offer electricity at campgrounds. Be sure to bring plenty of water as well.
Distance: About 3 miles east of Eagle Nest, NM; 45 minutes from Taos, NM.
How to Get to Cimarron Canyon State Park: From Eagle Nest, head east on US-64 for three miles to reach the park entrance.
Address: 28869 US-64, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Phone: 575-377-6271
6. City of Rocks State Park - 1.5 hours from Las Cruces
Location: City of Rocks State Park, Faywood, NM
Recommended For: Nature lovers, campers, stargazers, hikers, and photographers seeking unique desert landscapes and stellar views.
What I Love: ♥ "The park’s towering rock formations, some reaching over 50 feet, set in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert, make for an unforgettable and surreal experience."
- Camp at one of 52 developed campsites for both tents and RVs, surrounded by stunning volcanic rock formations.
- Explore the botanical garden filled with native cacti and desert flora, a beautiful contrast to the rocky landscape.
- Stargaze at the park’s new Star Observatory, which provides excellent views of the night sky, ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
- Visit the park’s full restroom facilities, complete with flushing toilets, and enjoy the convenience of potable water.
Cost: Camping fees apply for tent and RV sites. Check the website for the latest rates and availability.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for comfortable temperatures and clear skies for stargazing; summer for desert exploration.
Local tips: Bring a telescope if you're into stargazing—this park is renowned for its dark skies and stunning celestial views.
Distance: About 30 minutes from Deming, NM; 1.5 hours from Las Cruces, NM.
How to Get to City of Rocks State Park: From Deming, head south on NM-61 and follow signs for the park.
Address: 327 New Mexico 61, Faywood, NM 88034
Phone: 575-536-2800
7. Columbine Campground - 1.5 hours from Taos
Location: Columbine Campground, Questa, NM
Recommended For: Hikers, campers, anglers, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful escape in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness area.
What I Love: ♥ "Nestled in the scenic Columbine-Hondo Wilderness, this campground offers stunning natural beauty, perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking and fishing in the pristine Red River."
- Camp at one of 26 single tent and RV sites, each equipped with picnic tables, tent pads, fire rings, and grills.
- Hike on over 14 miles of trails, including the Columbine Twining trail, which leads into the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness area for more exploration.
- Fish in the nearby Red River, known for its peaceful setting and abundant opportunities for fishing.
- Enjoy wildlife viewing in the beautiful wilderness surrounding the campground, perfect for nature photography and birdwatching.
Cost: The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees apply for camping. Check the website for specific rates and availability.
Best time to visit: Summer and fall for optimal weather; spring for wildflower blooms and wildlife sightings.
Local tips: The campground sits at 7,900 feet, so be prepared for cooler temperatures, even in summer. Bring your own firewood, as it may not be available on-site.
Distance: About 20 minutes from Questa, NM; 1.5 hours from Taos, NM.
How to Get to Columbine Campground: From Questa, head south on NM-522 toward Red River, then turn onto Forest Road 38 for the campground.
Address: Columbine Campground, Questa, NM
Family Camping Ideas
8. Cosmic Campground - 20 minutes from Glenwood, NM
Location: Cosmic Campground, Glenwood, NM
Recommended For: Stargazers, campers, nature lovers, and those seeking solitude in one of the darkest skies in the northern hemisphere.
What I Love: ♥ "The unparalleled 360° views of the night sky make this campground a must-visit for anyone passionate about astronomy and stargazing!"
- Camp at one of four pull-through RV sites or enjoy the campground’s remote and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for tent camping.
- Stargaze at one of the darkest places in the U.S., with unobstructed 360° views of the night sky, ideal for observing stars, planets, and constellations.
- Use the four telescope pads provided for an enhanced stargazing experience, or bring your own equipment for an unforgettable view of the cosmos.
- Explore the surrounding Gila Wilderness and Blue Range Primitive Area for hiking, wildlife viewing, and relaxation in nature.
Cost: The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Check for any seasonal fees or special requirements before your visit.
Best time to visit: Year-round for stargazing; summer and fall offer clear skies and milder temperatures.
Local tips: There is no electricity or water at the campground, so bring everything you need for a self-sufficient camping experience, including water and power sources.
Distance: About 20 minutes from Glenwood, NM; 2 hours from Silver City, NM.
How to Get to Cosmic Campground: From Glenwood, take NM-180 East and follow the signs for the Gila National Forest to reach the campground.
Address: Glenwood, NM 88039
Phone: 575-388-8201
9. Navajo Lake State Park Cottonwood Campground - 1 hour from Durango, CO
Location: Navajo Lake State Park, Navajo Dam, NM
Recommended For: Hikers, campers, anglers, boaters, and those seeking a variety of recreational activities in a scenic lakeside setting.
What I Love: ♥ "With three distinct recreation areas, including the Pine River area’s full-service marina and the Cottonwood Campground’s world-renowned trout fishing, Navajo Lake offers something for everyone!"
- Explore three unique recreation areas within the park, including the Pine River area with its visitor center and full-service marina.
- Camp at the Cottonwood Campground, offering individual sites for both RVs and tents, along with full amenities like electricity, water, and cable hookups.
- Fish for world-class trout in the San Juan River, renowned for its excellent fishing.
- Hike on various trails or mountain bike in the beautiful natural surroundings of the park.
- Swim or kayak on the San Juan River for a fun and refreshing outdoor experience.
Cost: Camping fees apply, with additional costs for day-use areas and marina services. Check the website for up-to-date fees and availability.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for optimal weather and water activities; summer for peak camping and boating season.
Local tips: Be sure to bring your fishing gear for the famous trout fishing in the San Juan River, and don’t forget to visit the Pine River area for its interpretive exhibits and visitor center.
Distance: About 30 minutes from Farmington, NM; 1 hour from Durango, CO.
How to Get to Navajo Lake State Park: From Navajo Dam, head towards the lake and follow signs to the Cottonwood Campground and Pine River areas.
Address: Navajo Dam, NM 87419
Phone: 505-632-2278
10. Datil Well Campground - 1 hour from Socorro, NM
Location: Datil Well Campground, Datil, NM
Recommended For: Campers, hikers, mountain bikers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful, scenic spot to enjoy nature.
What I Love: ♥ "The shaded campsites, historic water well, and tranquil setting make this campground the perfect destination for both relaxation and outdoor exploration."
- Camp at one of 22 individual campsites, many of which are covered for added shade, or use the group shelter for larger gatherings.
- Hike or mountain bike the surrounding trails that offer access to beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
- Enjoy the historic Datil Well, once part of the Magdalena Livestock Driveway, offering a glimpse into the area’s history.
- Relax with all the amenities you need, including fire pits, grills, picnic tables, drinking water, firewood, and restrooms with showers.
Cost: Camping fees apply for individual campsites. Group shelter reservations may require additional fees.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild temperatures and ideal outdoor activities; summer for warmer weather and stargazing.
Local tips: The campground is well-known for its shade, so it's an ideal place for summer camping. Be sure to visit the historic water well and take in the surrounding scenery.
Distance: About 1 mile west of Datil, NM; 1 hour from Socorro, NM.
How to Get to Datil Well Campground: From Datil, head west for about 1 mile on the road to the campground.
Address: Datil, NM 87821
Phone: 575-835-0412
Plan Your Trip