Gwynn Tank Campground

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.

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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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Escape to Apache Creek Campground, where time slows down beneath a cathedral of towering Ponderosa pines in the Gila National Forest's pristine northwest corner. This rustic hideaway offers an authentic back-to-nature experience, where the only sounds you'll hear are birdsong and wind whispering through ancient trees. Once home to hardworking Civilian Conservation Corps crews, today's visitors find solace in its quiet, clean sites scattered through well-shaded groves. Wildlife roams freely here—don't be surprised to spot deer at dawn or hear elk bugling in the distance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PO BOX 290, ABIQUIU, NM, 87510-0290, USA

Perched dramatically on a bluff above the shimmering waters of Abiquiu Lake, Riana Campground beckons adventurers with its 52 thoughtfully positioned sites, where 13 feature convenient electric hookups. This well-appointed outdoor haven combines the rugged beauty of New Mexico's high desert with modern comforts including hot showers, flush toilets, and a family-friendly playground where children's laughter mingles with the desert breeze.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

3697 Hwy 35 N., HC 68 Box 50 Mimbres, NM 88049

Tucked away in a pristine canyon where tall pines whisper ancient secrets, Rocky Canyon Campground offers an authentic escape into nature's embrace. This intimate, rustic retreat has long been cherished by equestrians and outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude far from the crowds. With its minimal facilities and maximum tranquility, Rocky Canyon invites you to experience camping as it was meant to be—simple, peaceful, and deeply connected to the wild landscape.