Apache Creek Campground

Hwy 180 S, 18 Ranger Station Rd., P.O. Box 8 Glenwood, NM 88309

Imagine a place where the night sky reveals itself in all its ancient glory, untouched by the glow of civilization. Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary stands as North America's first certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary and one of only 14 such pristine locations worldwide. Here, the cosmos unfolds above you in a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, where countless stars, distant galaxies, and the luminous band of the Milky Way create nature's greatest light show. Whether you're an avid astronomer, a passionate photographer, or simply someone who yearns to reconnect with the universe, this remarkable sanctuary offers an unparalleled window to the heavens.

Gwynn Tank Campground, Reserve, NM 87830

Discover your own slice of wilderness paradise at Gwynn Tank Campground, where sprawling ponderosa meadows meet the tranquil waters of a historic pond. This hidden gem in the heart of nature offers adventurous souls a chance to camp completely free, surrounded by the whispers of tall pines and the gentle ripples of water that has drawn anglers to its shores for generations. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or simply soaking in the rustic serenity, this flat, accessible site promises an authentic backcountry experience without the crowds.

18 Ranger Station Rd., P.O. Box 8 Glenwood, NM 88309

Tucked away in a cathedral of towering ponderosa pines, Pueblo Park Campground offers adventurers a true backcountry experience without the price tag. This hidden gem provides free camping in a tranquil forest setting, where the only sounds you'll hear are the whisper of wind through ancient pine needles and the occasional call of native birds. With vault toilets and sturdy picnic tables nestled among the trees, this rustic retreat caters perfectly to tent campers and those with slide-in truck campers seeking simplicity and solitude. Multiple trailheads nearby serve as your gateway to the magnificent Blue Range Wilderness, promising endless exploration just steps from your campsite.

West side of US Highway 180, between mileposts 23 and 24, north of Glenwood, NM

Nestled along the scenic US Highway 180, Cottonwood Campground beckons to those seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience in the heart of the Gila National Forest. This intimate, tent-focused retreat offers adventurers a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the wilderness, all without breaking the bank. While its proximity to the highway ensures easy access for road-trippers and weekend warriors, the campground maintains a rustic charm that appeals to purists who prefer their camping experiences simple and unadorned.

#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829

Tucked away in the enchanting Luna Valley, Head of the Ditch Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature escape where towering pines whisper overhead and the gentle murmur of water provides a natural soundtrack. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers seeking solitude without the price tag – it's completely free to use. While amenities are refreshingly simple with pit toilets and sturdy picnic tables, the real luxury here is the untouched wilderness. Massive cottonwoods and graceful willows create natural cathedral ceilings, while ancient oaks stand sentinel over peaceful campsites.

#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829

Perched along the legendary Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Valle Tio Vinces Campground offers adventurous souls a rustic mountain retreat where simplicity meets spectacular scenery. This partially developed gem provides essential amenities including vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and spacious horse corrals for equestrian explorers. True to its backcountry spirit, visitors should come prepared with their own water supply and pack-out provisions, as the campground embraces a leave-no-trace philosophy without potable water or trash services.

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Hidden like a treasured secret among towering ponderosa pines, Armijo Springs Campground offers an escape into nature's embrace. This partially developed mountain retreat combines the rustic charm of wilderness camping with thoughtful amenities for group gatherings. Picture afternoons filled with friendly volleyball matches and horseshoe tournaments beneath the pine-scented canopy, where cool mountain breezes provide natural air conditioning even on summer's warmest days. This secluded gem invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the timeless rhythms of the forest.

Gila National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Quemado Ranger District, Juniper Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of mountain serenity and lakeside adventure. This beloved basecamp offers thoughtfully leveled tent sites and electric RV hookups (though no sewer connections), all within easy reach of sparkling Quemado Lake. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring forest trails, or simply soaking in the mountain air, Juniper provides the ideal setting for your wilderness escape.

Gila National Forest

Discover the tranquil El Caso Campgrounds, where ponderosa pines and cottonwoods create a natural cathedral just a quarter-mile east of Piñon Campground. These partially developed sites offer an authentic camping experience in a peaceful valley setting, where an intermittent stream winds through the landscape at the eastern shores of Quemado Lake. Here, you'll find the perfect balance between accessibility and wilderness solitude.

Gila National Forest

Discover your own secret mountain retreat at Piñon Campground, where towering piñon and juniper trees create a natural sanctuary far from the crowds. This hidden gem offers two distinct camping experiences: an intimate family loop perfect for creating memories under starlit skies, and a spacious group area ideal for gatherings near the sparkling waters of Quemado Lake. Here, the gentle whisper of wind through ancient trees replaces the noise of everyday life, offering campers a rare chance to experience the Southwest's untouched wilderness in peaceful solitude.

Gila National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Quemado Lake recreation area, Pinon Campground offers an enchanting escape into New Mexico's high country. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot for your tent, a spacious RV site, or the comfort of group and premium shelters, this versatile campground welcomes all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line into the pristine waters of Quemado Lake, launch your boat for a peaceful morning paddle, or explore winding trails that reveal the forest's hidden treasures. As evening falls, gather around your campfire ring, grill fresh-caught fish on provided grills, and share stories at your picnic table under a canopy of stars. Modern vault toilets ensure comfort while preserving the authentic camping experience.

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Gwynn Tank Campground, Reserve, NM 87830

Gila National Forest

#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829

#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829

West side of US Highway 180, between mileposts 23 and 24, north of Glenwood, NM

Gila National Forest

Gila National Forest

Gila 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.

Forest Road 76, off State Highway 518, Carson National Forest, New Mexico

Tucked away in the heart of Carson National Forest, La Junta Canyon invites adventurers to discover 41 thoughtfully placed campsites along the babbling waters of Junta Creek. This 4.5-mile ribbon of wilderness offers both established family sites and secluded dispersed camping spots, perfect for those seeking solitude beneath towering spruce trees. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with a small trailer (up to 36 feet), you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where gorgeous mountain vistas frame every sunrise and the gentle soundtrack of flowing water accompanies your evening campfire conversations.

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.