Dipping Vat Campground

Gila National Forest

Perched alongside the dramatic West Fork of the Gila River, Forks Campground offers adventurers a gateway to one of New Mexico's most spectacular wilderness areas. The upper campground welcomes overnight visitors seeking solitude beneath towering cliffs, while the lower Forks Recreation Site provides a perfect basecamp for day-trippers exploring the rugged beauty of the Gila.

null

Discover the untamed beauty of Lower Scorpion Campground, where adventure meets ancient history just a stone's throw from the legendary Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. This rustic riverside retreat offers the perfect basecamp for explorers seeking authentic wilderness experiences without sacrificing essential amenities. Nestled less than a mile from the monument along scenic Highway 15, this free, first-come, first-served campground welcomes travelers with fresh drinking water, select sites featuring tables and grills, and convenient vault toilets. Here, the West Fork of the Gila River whispers stories of centuries past, inviting you to pitch your tent where ancient peoples once roamed.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Nestled in the heart of New Mexico's wilderness, Upper Scorpion Campground serves as your gateway to ancient wonders and pristine river valleys. Just a leisurely stroll from the legendary Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, this thoughtfully maintained campground offers the perfect blend of accessibility and adventure. Wake up to the sound of the West Fork of the Gila River nearby, enjoy your morning coffee at well-appointed picnic tables, and prepare meals on provided grills while surrounded by towering pines. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience.

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

Nestled at the gateway to adventure, Bighorn Campground offers a perfect basecamp for exploring the wonders of southwestern New Mexico. This intimate, no-fee campground sits just a short stroll from the charming village of Glenwood and the legendary Catwalk National Recreation Area. Beneath the aromatic canopy of piñon and juniper trees, campers find respite in this high-desert oasis where a peaceful dry creek bed winds through the landscape, creating natural spaces for quiet contemplation and wildlife watching.

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

Tucked away along the gentle waters of Willow Creek, Ben Lilly Campground beckons travelers seeking authentic wilderness solitude. This hidden gem in the Gila National Forest welcomes visitors without fees or fanfare, offering instead the simple luxury of creekside camping beneath towering pines. Here, where the mountain air whispers through the forest canopy, you'll discover the perfect basecamp for summer adventures or a tranquil retreat from the desert heat below.

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

Escape to Willow Creek Campground, where the gentle murmur of a mountain stream sets the rhythm for your stay. Tucked away in a serene pine-covered canyon, this hidden gem offers campsites on both banks of the creek, creating an intimate connection with nature. Here, the only sounds you'll hear are the whisper of wind through towering pines and the soothing babble of Willow Creek as it winds through this peaceful mountain sanctuary.

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

Perched high in the wilderness, Aeroplane Mesa Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude and untamed beauty. This remote sanctuary spreads across park-like meadows where native grasses dance between towering trees, creating an ideal basecamp for those drawn to explore the backcountry on foot or horseback. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the rhythms of nature and the promise of trails leading deep into pristine wilderness.

South of New Mexico Hwy 59 (Beaverhead Road), Gila Wilderness, New Mexico

Perched on the rugged northeast edge of the legendary Gila Wilderness, Wolf Hollow Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This remote mountain sanctuary offers essential amenities including a vault toilet, sturdy picnic tables, and two cozy horse corrals for equestrian explorers. The journey here requires a high-clearance vehicle to navigate the primitive access roads—a small price to pay for the solitude and natural splendor that await at this hidden gem.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Gwynn Tank Campground, Reserve, NM 87830

Gila National Forest

null

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

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

South of New Mexico Hwy 59 (Beaverhead Road), Gila Wilderness, New Mexico

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

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.

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.

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.