La Junta Canyon

Big Tesuque Campground, NM 475, Santa Fe, NM

Tucked away along the winding curves of NM 475, Big Tesuque Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude among the aspens. This intimate walk-in campground welcomes tent campers with 10 thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with its own picnic table and grill for memorable outdoor meals. While the campground maintains a rustic charm with vault toilets and no potable water—so pack accordingly—the reward is an unspoiled mountain retreat. Come autumn, these quiet sites transform into front-row seats for one of New Mexico's most spectacular aspen displays, drawing leaf-peepers from across the region.

HOLY GHOST GROUP AREA, PECOS, NM, 87552, USA

Tucked away in the enchanting Holy Ghost Canyon, this peaceful retreat in the Santa Fe National Forest offers the perfect escape for those seeking tranquility beside the babbling waters of Holy Ghost Creek. Whether you're planning a group adventure at the secluded site nestled at the campground's far end or seeking solitude at one of the individual tent sites below, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's embrace. Days here unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line for native trout, explore winding trails on foot or horseback, or simply lose yourself in the canyon's serene beauty.

Adjacent to Santa Fe Ski Basin, NM 475, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Nestled at the gateway to the Pecos Wilderness, Aspen Basin Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where the parking lot of Santa Fe Ski Basin transforms into your launching point for high-altitude adventures. This primitive camping haven attracts those seeking solitude and simplicity, providing direct access to some of New Mexico's most pristine wilderness terrain.

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Gateway to adventure in the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest, Winsor Ridge Trailhead beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine mountain access and well-appointed facilities. This popular jumping-off point for hikers, backpackers, and equestrians offers everything you need for a successful wilderness expedition, including a clean vaulted toilet, convenient trash disposal, and an informative trailhead kiosk that helps orient visitors to the surrounding landscape. The spacious parking area accommodates both passenger vehicles and horse trailers, making it easy to embark on your journey along the scenic Winsor Ridge Trail #271 or venture toward the peaceful Panchuela Campground and Trailhead. Whether you're planning a day hike through alpine meadows or a multi-day backpacking adventure into the wilderness, this trailhead serves as your perfect basecamp for exploring the magnificent high country.

Santa Fe National Forest

Nestled at the dramatic base of Winsor Canyon, Cowles Campground offers an enchanting escape into the heart of Santa Fe National Forest. Here, where Winsor Creek dances alongside the mighty Pecos River, campers discover a natural playground perfect for casting fishing lines into crystal-clear mountain waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply savoring peaceful picnics beneath towering pines. The nearby Cowles Ponds mirror the sky while the Winsor Ridge Trailhead beckons adventurers to explore the rugged beauty of New Mexico's high country.

Santa Fe National Forest

Tucked away at 8,300 feet in the Santa Fe National Forest, Panchuela Campground offers an intimate escape where the melodic whispers of Panchuela Creek set the rhythm for your mountain adventure. This charming walk-in campground serves as your gateway to the pristine Pecos Wilderness, where anglers cast lines into crystal-clear waters and hikers discover trails that wind through some of New Mexico's most breathtaking backcountry.

Santa Fe National Forest

Tucked away at the gateway to the pristine Pecos Wilderness, Panchuela Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just six walk-in tent sites. This peaceful retreat serves as the perfect launching point for wilderness adventures, where the popular Cave Creek Trail #288 beckons hikers into the backcountry. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with picnic tables and restrooms, visitors should come prepared with their own water supply, as none is available on-site. Here, the simplicity of primitive camping meets the grandeur of New Mexico's high country.

Santa Fe National Forest

Perched high in the mountains above 9,000 feet, Iron Gate Campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Pecos Wilderness. This intimate mountain retreat offers 14 well-appointed campsites, each equipped with sturdy tables and fire pit grills where evening stories and s'mores come to life. Modern vaulted toilets and convenient trash facilities ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. For equestrian adventurers, four dedicated horse corrals make this an ideal basecamp for exploring the surrounding trails on horseback or foot, where alpine meadows and pristine forests await discovery.

704 Hyde Park Rd.

Nestled in the cool mountain forests above Santa Fe, Black Canyon Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking refuge from the desert heat below. This tranquil retreat features thoughtfully designed single and double-family sites, most wheelchair accessible, tucked among towering pines and aspens. Bordering the scenic Hyde Memorial State Park, the campground showcases recently renovated facilities that blend modern comfort with rustic charm. Please note that campers should bring their own water supply, as the campground currently operates without on-site water services.

Jacks Creek Group Area, Pecos, NM 87552, USA

Perched high in the mountains where the air is crisp and the stars shine brightest, Jack's Creek Group Area beckons families and friends seeking the perfect basecamp for their mountain adventures. This thoughtfully designed campground features two spacious group units, each welcoming up to 40 guests with paved roads and accessible facilities that ensure everyone can join the mountain magic. Whether you're planning a multi-generational family reunion or organizing an outdoor recreation event, Jack's Creek provides the ideal setting where memories are made around campfires and laughter echoes through the pines.

Santa Fe National Forest

Tucked away in the rugged landscape of New Mexico, Borrego Mesa Campground offers a rare escape into true wilderness solitude. This primitive, off-the-beaten-path gem remains refreshingly undiscovered, drawing adventurous souls seeking peace far from crowded campgrounds. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables and firepits, while small corrals accommodate equestrian explorers bringing one or two horses along for the journey. Local families often gather here for scenic picnics, while backpackers and horsepackers use it as a launching point for epic adventures into the Pecos Wilderness. Be prepared for a truly rustic experience—the vaulted toilets are currently welded shut and non-functional, and you'll need to bring all your water as none is available on-site. No dump stations means careful planning is essential for RV travelers.

Carson National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to the magnificent Pecos Wilderness, Santa Barbara Campground invites adventurers to discover a high-altitude paradise where pristine mountain streams and towering peaks create an unforgettable backdrop. Cast your line into the crystal-clear waters of the Rio Santa Barbara, renowned for its thriving trout population, or set out on scenic trails that lead to the majestic Jicarita Peak. The campground provides essential amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings for cozy evening gatherings. While drinking water faucets are available, seasoned campers know to bring backup water as mountain conditions can occasionally affect functionality. Note that this rustic mountain retreat does not accommodate horses, keeping the focus on peaceful camping and hiking experiences.

15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553

Escape to Duran Canyon Campground, where 12 intimate campsites line the gentle banks of Duran Creek, creating a peaceful mountain retreat for both tent campers and RV adventurers. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to wilderness exploration, with the La Cueva Lake Trail #8 and Duran/Policarpio Trail #13 beginning right at your doorstep. Wake up to the sound of babbling creek water and step directly onto trails that wind through the magnificent Carson National Forest, making this the perfect basecamp for hikers seeking authentic backcountry experiences.

Carson National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Carson National Forest, Agua Piedra Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of mountain serenity and adventure. Here, the melodic rush of Rio Pueblo River provides the soundtrack to unforgettable camping experiences, while trails to the pristine Serpent Lake and dramatic Cordova Canyon promise day-long explorations. Whether you're seeking solitude at a single site, planning a family getaway at a double site, or organizing a memorable group gathering, this mountain haven offers shaded sanctuaries beneath towering spruce, fir, and aspen canopies.

Carson National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Carson National Forest, Upper La Junta Campground offers an intimate escape with just 8 secluded units perfect for those seeking tranquility and adventure. This hidden gem has become a beloved waypoint for motorcyclists touring the scenic mountain roads, while anglers are drawn to its prime fishing access. As one visitor, David A, enthusiastically shared in 2021, this 'beautiful developed campsite' combines rustic charm with essential amenities including vault toilets, creating the ideal balance between wilderness immersion and comfort. The campground's proximity to winding trails and babbling creeks makes it a natural basecamp for explorers ready to discover the forest's secrets.

State Road 518, New Mexico

Escape to Comales Campground, where ten intimate campsites beckon adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Each site comes equipped with its own parking spot, picnic table, and grill, perfect for evening cookouts under star-filled skies. While vault toilets provide necessary amenities, the absence of potable water adds to the rustic charm—so come prepared with your own supply. The campground serves as your gateway to adventure, sitting right at the doorstep of the Comales Canyon trailhead, where the Rio Pueblo whispers tales of ancient waters carving through stone.

PO BOX 477, Guadalupita, New Mexico, 87722, United States

Escape to Coyote Creek State Park, where pristine mountain waters dance alongside your campsite and the whispers of pine trees lull you to sleep. Whether you're pitching a tent under starlit skies, plugging into one of the convenient electric sites, or gathering your tribe at spacious group shelters, this hidden gem delivers an authentic New Mexico mountain experience. The park's dedicated staff maintains immaculate facilities that consistently earn rave reviews from visitors, though seasoned RVers should note that electric sites favor a cozy, neighborly atmosphere over sprawling privacy.

Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Penasco, NM 87553

Escape to the tranquility of Amole Canyon Group Shelter, where your large gathering can commune with nature in a private mountain sanctuary. This secluded retreat, nestled beside the Amole Canyon Day Use Area, welcomes groups of up to 100 adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Gather around the expansive group fire ring as stars emerge overhead, share meals at multiple picnic tables equipped with barbecue grills, and enjoy the simplicity of off-grid camping. While modern amenities include accessible vault toilets, this back-to-basics destination requires you to bring your own water and carry out all trash—a small price for the pristine wilderness that surrounds you.

Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553

Nestled alongside the gentle murmur of the Rio Fernando river, Capulin Campground invites you to experience the tranquil beauty of Carson National Forest. This intimate roadside retreat features 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each sheltered beneath a stunning canopy of mixed conifers and rustling cottonwoods. While embracing a back-to-basics camping experience with picnic tables, fire grills, and vault toilets, visitors should note that water must be brought in, as the campground relies on nature's soundtrack rather than modern plumbing.

Carson National Forest

Tucked away in the serene depths of Taos Canyon, La Sombra Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking solitude beyond the beaten path. This hidden gem sits peacefully alongside the babbling waters of Rio Fernando, where anglers can cast their lines into promising trout waters. As a primitive camping destination, La Sombra embraces the true spirit of backcountry adventure—there's no drinking water or garbage service here, inviting campers to practice leave-no-trace principles and connect deeply with the untouched landscape. While neighboring Capulin Campground and Shady Brook draw more visitors, La Sombra rewards the adventurous with tranquility and unspoiled natural beauty.

Carson National Forest

Tucked away in a stunning canyon near the artistic mountain town of Taos, Las Petacas Campground offers an intimate escape where the Rio Fernando de Taos winds through towering trees. This peaceful retreat beckons anglers with promising fishing waters and nature lovers with its creek-side serenity. While the gentle sounds of the nearby road remind you that civilization isn't far away, the campground's tree-canopied sites provide a genuine connection with the high desert wilderness. Visitors often find themselves torn between exploring nearby Taos or simply relaxing by the babbling creek that defines this special place.

State Road 518, New Mexico

15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553

Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553

Santa Fe National Forest

Santa Fe National Forest

Jacks Creek Group Area, Pecos, NM 87552, USA

Santa Fe National Forest

Santa Fe National Forest

PO BOX 477, Guadalupita, New Mexico, 87722, United States

Carson National Forest

Carson National Forest

Carson National Forest

Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Penasco, NM 87553

Santa Fe National Forest

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Carson National Forest

Carson National Forest

15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM, 87544

Nestled within the breathtaking Bandelier National Monument, Juniper Family Campground offers adventurers the perfect gateway to explore the ancient wonders of the Pajarito Plateau and the majestic Jemez Mountains. This beloved campground features three distinct camping loops, where families and outdoor enthusiasts can choose between the spontaneity of first-come, first-served sites or the peace of mind that comes with advance reservations. From your tent or RV, you'll wake to crisp mountain air and endless possibilities for discovery in north-central New Mexico's most treasured landscapes.

5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170 Reserve, NM 87830

Escape to Dipping Vat Campground, where the pristine waters of Snow Lake mirror the sky and ancient pines whisper stories of the wilderness. Tucked into the western shores of this mountain gem in the Gila National Forest, this secluded retreat offers adventurers the perfect basecamp for fishing expeditions, lakeside hiking, and peaceful paddling. The thoughtfully designed upper and lower loops provide generous spacing between sites, ensuring each camping party enjoys their own private slice of mountain paradise.

South Fork Campground, Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District, New Mexico

Nestled within the enchanting Smokey Bear Ranger District of Lincoln National Forest, South Fork Campground offers an unforgettable escape into New Mexico's mountain wilderness. Here, 53 thoughtfully placed campsites cascade down a scenic mountainside, with some hugging the babbling waters of the South Fork Rio Bonito. Whether you're arriving with an RV or pitching a tent beneath the stars, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore the nearby Bonito Lake and venture into the pristine White Mountain Wilderness. This resilient landscape tells a story of renewal—rising from the ashes of the 2012 Little Bear Fire, the campground has blossomed into a testament to nature's remarkable ability to heal and thrive.

Carson National Forest

Nestled at 8,000 feet where mountain air meets pristine waters, this hidden gem offers four thoughtfully developed campsites alongside endless dispersed camping opportunities. Just west of the New Mexico Game & Fish Recreation Area, anglers and nature enthusiasts discover their own slice of paradise where the river's gentle rhythm sets the pace for unforgettable adventures. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters or simply soaking in the high-altitude tranquility, this riverside retreat promises the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness escape.

U.S. Highway 84, approximately 14.5 miles southwest of Canjilon or 15 miles northwest of Abiquiu, NM

Tucked alongside the scenic U.S. Highway 84, Echo Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with 21 thoughtfully placed campsites, including three convenient pull-through spots perfect for smaller rigs. This charming roadside retreat may not have the bells and whistles of modern RV parks, but what it lacks in hookups it more than makes up for in raw natural beauty. The real treasure here is the direct access to the Echo Amphitheater Trail, where adventurers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of ancient eroded cliffs and sweeping panoramas of the Rio Chama Valley below.

Santa Fe National Forest

Nestled at the dramatic base of Winsor Canyon, Cowles Campground offers an enchanting escape into the heart of Santa Fe National Forest. Here, where Winsor Creek dances alongside the mighty Pecos River, campers discover a natural playground perfect for casting fishing lines into crystal-clear mountain waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply savoring peaceful picnics beneath towering pines. The nearby Cowles Ponds mirror the sky while the Winsor Ridge Trailhead beckons adventurers to explore the rugged beauty of New Mexico's high country.

Santa Fe National Forest

Nestled along the pristine waters of a Wild & Scenic River, Rio Chama Campground offers an intimate retreat with just ten thoughtfully spaced campsites. Each site invites you to gather around your own campfire ring and enjoy meals at a dedicated picnic table, creating the perfect setting for memorable outdoor experiences. While the campground welcomes smaller RVs (up to 20 feet at select sites), this rustic haven embraces a back-to-basics approach—you'll need to bring your own water and won't find hookups, ensuring an authentic connection with nature.

Santa Fe National Forest

Escape to Rio Chama, a hidden gem nestled along the pristine waters of the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River. This no-fee developed campground welcomes adventurers without the hassle of reservations, offering the perfect spontaneous getaway for families, groups, and RV enthusiasts alike. Wake up to the gentle sounds of the river just steps from your campsite, spend your days casting lines into crystal-clear waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply relaxing by the water's edge. Whether you're seeking a weekend of outdoor recreation or a peaceful riverside retreat, Rio Chama provides an authentic camping experience where the river's rhythm sets the pace for your stay.

6158 U.S. Highway 380

Where ancient volcanic forces meet modern adventure, Valley of Fires campground offers an otherworldly escape alongside one of North America's youngest lava flows. This remarkable recreation area seamlessly blends rugged natural beauty with thoughtful amenities, welcoming both RV travelers and tent campers to experience the raw power of the Malpais Lava Flow. Well-appointed facilities include refreshing showers, shaded picnic shelters perfect for desert dining, and an interpretive nature trail that winds through this volcanic wonderland, revealing secrets written in stone thousands of years ago.

P.O. BOX 13, Elephant Butte, New Mexico, 87935, United States

Where endless desert horizons meet the sparkling waters of New Mexico's largest reservoir, Elephant Butte Lake offers an oasis of tranquility for outdoor enthusiasts. This expansive campground provides generous, well-spaced sites that give visitors room to breathe and truly disconnect from the everyday hustle. Whether you're seeking waterside adventures or simply a peaceful retreat under vast Southwestern skies, this desert gem delivers the perfect blend of aquatic recreation and high desert beauty.