Hiking Campgrounds in New Mexico
Discover the best hiking campgrounds across New Mexico. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.
Hiking Campgrounds in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Bandelier National Monument
Step from your tent onto 70+ miles of trails that wind through ancient Pueblo ruins and dramatic canyon country in the Jemez Mountains. The Tyuonyi Overlook Trail delivers sweeping views of an ancestral village from a 7,000-foot perch, while longer routes like Frey Trail descend into...
Santa Fe National Forest
Trailhead access launches hikers onto the demanding 14.3-mile Jack's Creek Trail through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where steep ascents reward experienced trekkers with alpine meadows and pristine Pecos Baldy Lake.
Lincoln National Forest
Trailheads for the Rim Trail depart directly from camp, winding through switchbacks and rocky climbs to sweeping viewpoints across the Sacramento Mountains.
About Hiking Campgrounds in New Mexico
Hiking camping in New Mexico offers an unparalleled adventure through diverse landscapes ranging from ancient archaeological sites to alpine wilderness peaks. The Land of Enchantment's varied terrain spans five distinct life zones, creating exceptional hiking opportunities across the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, Sacramento, and Manzano mountain ranges.
Best Time
The optimal hiking camping season in New Mexico runs from late May through October, with peak conditions varying by elevation. High-country campgrounds like Jack's Creek and Upper Fir typically open in late May or early June once snowmelt clears access roads, offering spectacular wildflower displays through July.
Activity Highlights
- Direct trail access
- Mountain and forest settings
- Backpacking base camps
- Scenic wilderness views
Campground Locations
Showing top 20 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in New Mexico
Plan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve campsites at popular locations like Juniper and Rio de las Vacas at least three months ahead for summer weekends, or arrive by Thursday afternoon for first-come sites.
- 2New Mexico's high elevation demands acclimatization—spend your first day on shorter hikes if arriving from lower elevations to avoid altitude sickness.
- 3Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings; mornings often start in the 40s even in summer, climbing to the 70s or 80s by afternoon.
- 4Afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly during monsoon season from July through September—start hikes early and descend from exposed ridges by 1 PM.
Hiking Campgrounds in New Mexico FAQ
Popular New Mexico Campgrounds Book Fast
The best hiking campgrounds in New Mexico book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Juniper Campground (Nm)
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