Camping in New Mexico

New Mexico

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What makes New Mexico a great destination?
- There is so much more to New Mexico than just miles of desert and mountains.
What kind of landscapes can be found in New Mexico?
- Encompassing the Chihuahuan Desert and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southwestern U.S. state also boasts some of the country’s most striking landscapes ranging from rolling dunes, deep canyons, and vast, star-studded night skies.
What are some camping opportunities in New Mexico?
- Due to this spectacular terrain, camping in New Mexico is fantastic, with a vast array of great spots from the 200,000 acres of canyon wilderness in the Santa Fe National Forest to the White Sands National Monument, and the Petroglyph National Monument.
What is a great way to experience New Mexico's beauty?
- So pack your bags and head to one of these campgrounds and spend the night under the stars.

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1. Aguirre Spring Campground

Camp near mountain trails and admire desert views on an easy spring trip.

Aguirre Spring Campground

Where is Aguirre Spring Campground located?
- Aguirre Spring Campground is nestled at the base of spectacular soaring cliffs on the east side of the Organ Mountains.
- The campground offers beautiful views over the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Monument.
How many campsites does Aguirre Spring Campground have?
- The campground features 57 first-come, first-served individual campsites.
- There are also two group sites available.
What facilities are available at the campground?
- The campground includes:
  - Picnic tables at each site.
  - Fire rings for campfires.
  - Pit toilets.
  - A horse corral.
- There is no potable water available at the campground.
What activities can visitors enjoy at Aguirre Spring Campground?
- Visitors can take advantage of:
  - Hiking on the Baylor Canyon and Pine Tree Trailheads.
  - Horseback riding.
  - Mountain biking.
  - Wildlife watching.
What is the address of Aguirre Spring Campground?
- 15000 Aguirre Spring Road, Organ, NM 88052

2. Angel Peak Scenic Area

Look at dramatic badlands and camp under stars on an unusual, affordable trip.

Angel Peak Scenic Area

What is Angel Peak Scenic Area?
- The Angel Peak Scenic Area is a recreation area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
- It spans over 10,000 acres of rugged terrain, deep canyons, and colorful badlands.
- The area is home to the almost 7,000-foot Angel Peak.
Where is Angel Peak Scenic Area located?
- It is located south of Bloomfield in San Juan County, New Mexico.
What camping and picnic facilities are available?
- The area includes a campground and three picnic areas along the canyon rim overlooking Angel Peak.
- There are nine sites available for tent camping.
- Campground amenities include:
  - Picnic tables on concrete pads.
  - Gravel pathways.
  - Fire grills.
Are there utilities available at the campground?
- No electrical hookups or water are available at the site.
What should visitors know about the weather at Angel Peak?
- Angel Peak is subject to seasonal extremes.
- Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions.
What is the contact information for Angel Peak Scenic Area?
- Bloomfield, NM 87413, Phone: 505-564-7600

3. Cherry Creek Campground, NM

Hike forested trails and enjoy peaceful creekside camping on a quiet weekend.

Cherry Creek Campground, NM

Where is Cherry Creek Campground located?
- Cherry Creek Campground is located in a picturesque part of the Trail of the Mountain Spirits By-Way.
- It is situated 14 miles north of Silver City on the east side of State Highway 15.
What is the landscape like at Cherry Creek Campground?
- The campground is a flat, gently sloping site surrounded by:
  - Dense mixed conifer trees.
  - Golden aspens.
  - Rusty oaks.
  - Bright red sumac.
How many campsites are available at Cherry Creek Campground?
- The seasonal campground features 12 sites for tents and RVs.
What amenities does the campground provide?
- The campground includes:
  - Picnic tables.
  - Grills.
  - Restrooms with flushing toilets.
Are campfires allowed at Cherry Creek Campground?
- Yes, campfires are allowed.
- Firewood can be purchased in Silver City.
Are pets allowed in the campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed in the campground.
What is the contact information for Cherry Creek Campground?
- NM-15, Silver City, NM 88061, Phone: 575-388-8201

4. Cibola National Forest

Explore wooded canyons and walk scenic ridges on a cool summer trip.

Cibola National Forest

What is the Cibola National Forest?
- The Cibola National Forest spans more than 1.6 million acres in New Mexico.
- It features elevations of over 11,000 feet.
- The forest is named after the original Zuni Indian name for their tribal lands.
What wilderness areas are within the Cibola National Forest?
- The forest is divided into four wilderness areas:
  - Apache Kid
  - Manzano Mountain
  - Sandia Mountain
  - Withington
What ranger districts are in the Cibola National Forest?
- The forest has four ranger districts:
  - Mountainair
  - Magdalena
  - Sandia
  - Mt. Taylor
What camping options are available in the Cibola National Forest?
- The forest offers a variety of camping options, including:
  - Tent camping
  - RV camping
  - Group camping
  - Dispersed camping
- Visitors can choose from over 30 campgrounds.
What is the contact location for the Cibola National Forest?
- Albuquerque, NM 87113

5. Cimarron Canyon State Park

Fish mountain streams and walk pine-filled trails on a cheap family getaway.

Cimarron Canyon State Park

Where is Cimarron Canyon State Park located?
- Cimarron Canyon State Park is located three miles east of Eagle Nest within the 33,116-acre Colin Neblett Wildlife Area.
What kind of landscapes can visitors expect?
- The park features picturesque landscapes, including:
  - Soaring palisade cliffs.
  - Glistening rivers and streams.
How large is Cimarron Canyon State Park?
- The park extends for eight miles along Tolby Creek and Ute Park in the Cimarron Canyon.
What camping facilities are available?
- The park has three developed day-use areas and campgrounds.
- Campgrounds offer numerous individual sites for RV or tent camping.
- Facilities include:
  - Full restrooms with flushing toilets.
  - Potable water.
  - No electricity is available.
What other amenities does the park offer?
- A newly constructed visitor’s center is available for guests.
- Several hiking trails can be used year-round.
- Some trails boast lovely views of waterfalls along the way.
What is the contact information for Cimarron Canyon State Park?
- 28869 US-64, Eagle Nest, NM 87718, Phone: 575-377-6271

6. City of Rocks State Park

Climb giant boulders and camp under stars at this unusual New Mexico site.

City of Rocks State Park

What is City of Rocks State Park known for?
- City of Rocks State Park is famous for its massive sculptured rock formations.
- The park features clusters of monolithic volcanic rocks in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert.
- Some of these rock formations are over 50 feet tall.
Where is City of Rocks State Park located?
- The park is located near Deming, New Mexico.
How many campsites are available at City of Rocks?
- The park has 52 developed campsites for tent and RV camping.
What facilities does the park provide?
- Facilities include:
  - Full restrooms with flushing toilets.
  - Potable water.
  - A beautiful botanical garden filled with cacti and other local flora.
Is City of Rocks State Park good for stargazing?
- Yes, the park is renowned for its excellent star-gazing.
- Visitors can observe the vast night skies at the new Star Observatory.
What is the contact information for City of Rocks State Park?
- 327 New Mexico 61, Faywood, NM 88034, Phone: 575-536-2800

7. Columbine Campground

Hike wildflower meadows and enjoy crisp alpine air on a refreshing summer trip.

Columbine Campground

Where is Columbine Campground located?
- Columbine Campground is located between Questa and Red River in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness area.
- The campground sits at an elevation of 7,900 feet.
- It is surrounded by spectacular natural scenery.
How many campsites are available at Columbine Campground?
- The campground has 26 single tent and RV sites.
What facilities does the campground provide?
- The campground offers:
  - Potable water.
  - Vault toilets.
- Each site includes:
  - A picnic table.
  - A tent pad.
  - A fire ring and grill.
What recreational activities are available?
- Visitors can enjoy:
  - Hiking on over 14 miles of trails.
  - The Columbine Twining hiking trail, which leads into the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness area.
  - Fishing in the Red River.
  - Wildlife viewing.

8. Cosmic Campground

Stargaze all night and camp off-grid in this dark-sky sights destination.

Cosmic Campground

What is the Cosmic Campground?
- The Cosmic Campground is a 3.5-acre campsite in the Gila National Forest of western New Mexico.
- It is famous for being one of the darkest parts of the country at night, offering spectacular unobstructed 360° night sky views.
Where is Cosmic Campground located?
- It is situated between the Gila Wilderness and the Blue Range Primitive Area.
What facilities are available at Cosmic Campground?
- The campground features:
  - Four pull-through sites for RVs.
  - Vault toilets.
  - Four telescope pads.
- There is no electricity or water, so campers must bring all necessary essentials.
What makes Cosmic Campground unique?
- It is designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
- It is the first of its kind in the northern hemisphere.
What is the contact information for Cosmic Campground?
- Glenwood, NM 88039, Phone: 575-388-8201

9. Navajo Lake State Park Cottonwood Campground

Boat across scenic waters and relax lakeside on an affordable family trip.

Navajo Lake State Park Cottonwood Campground

What is Navajo Lake State Park?
- Navajo Lake State Park consists of three recreation areas.
What does the Pine River area offer?
- The Pine River area is a well-developed recreation area featuring:
  - A visitor center with interpretive exhibits.
  - Several campgrounds.
  - A day-use area.
  - A full-service marina.
Where is the Cottonwood Campground located?
- The Cottonwood Campground is in the San Juan River area below the dam.
- This area is world-renowned for excellent trout fishing.
- It also features seven day-use areas and several hiking trails.
What facilities does the Cottonwood Campground provide?
- The campground offers:
  - Individual sites for RV or tent camping.
  - Full restrooms with flushing toilets and potable water.
  - Electricity and cable hookups.
  - A dump station.
- Pets are allowed in the campground.
What activities are available at Navajo Lake State Park?
- Visitors can enjoy:
  - Hiking.
  - Mountain biking.
  - Fishing on the San Juan River.
  - Swimming.
  - Kayaking on the San Juan River.
What is the contact information for Navajo Lake State Park Cottonwood Campground?
- Navajo Dam, NM 87419, Phone: 505-632-2278

10. Datil Well Campground

Discover old trails and admire peaceful forest views on a relaxing retirement trip.

Datil Well Campground

Where is Datil Well Campground located?
- The Datil Well Campground is located about a mile west of Datil.
- It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
What makes Datil Well Campground unique?
- It is a scenic and popular picnicking and camping area.
How many campsites are available?
- The campground has 22 individual campsites.
- It also features a group shelter for large gatherings.
- Many of the sites are covered for shade.
What amenities does Datil Well Campground provide?
- Each campsite includes:
  - Fire pits.
  - Grills.
  - Picnic tables.
- Additional amenities:
  - Access to drinking water.
  - Firewood is provided.
  - Restrooms with showers are available.
What activities can visitors enjoy at Datil Well Campground?
- Visitors can enjoy:
  - Hiking.
  - Mountain biking.
  - Wildlife watching.
  - Visiting an old water well that was once part of the historic Magdalena Livestock Driveway.
What is the contact information for Datil Well Campground?
- Datil, NM 87821, Phone: 575-835-0412

Map:

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Aguirre Spring Campground
2. Angel Peak Scenic Area
3. Cherry Creek Campground, NM
4. Cibola National Forest
5. Cimarron Canyon State Park
6. City of Rocks State Park
7. Columbine Campground
8. Cosmic Campground
9. Navajo Lake State Park Cottonwood Campground
10. Datil Well Campground