Fall Camping in New Mexico

Fall Camping in New Mexico

Discover the best fall camping across New Mexico. Embrace the magic of autumn camping. Vibrant foliage, crisp air, and campfire nights under the stars.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: September through November
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Juniper Campground (Nm)
Star
4.8
(203)
Juniper Campground (Nm)
Los Alamos
Bandelier National Monument

Golden aspens blanket the Jemez Mountains while cooler October temperatures draw smaller crowds than summer's peak season. Ancient pueblo trails wind through rust-colored canyons, offering solitude among archaeological wonders as autumn transforms the Pajarito Plateau into a tapestry of...

Tents
RVs
2
Rio De Las Vacas Campground
Star
4.7
(204)
Rio De Las Vacas Campground
Cuba
Santa Fe National Forest

The Jemez Mountains explode in golden aspen groves come autumn, while crisp mountain air and thinning summer crowds transform this ponderosa pine sanctuary into a peaceful retreat.

Tents
RVs
3
Echo Campground
Photo coming soon
Star
4.8
(110)
Echo Campground
Canjilon
Carson National Forest

The sandstone cliffs of Echo Amphitheater blaze with amber light each autumn morning, while crisp mountain air and thinning crowds create solitude along the trails overlooking Rio Chama Valley.

Tents
RVs

About Fall Camping in New Mexico

Fall camping in New Mexico transforms the high desert landscape into a tapestry of golden aspens, crimson scrub oak, and brilliant blue skies that seem to stretch forever. From the ancient cliff dwellings of the Jemez Mountains to the remote wilderness of the Gila National Forest, autumn brings perfect temperatures, fewer crowds, and some of the Southwest's most spectacular scenery.

Best Time

Peak fall camping in New Mexico spans mid-September through early November, with timing dependent on elevation. High-country locations above 9,000 feet in the Sangre de Cristo and Sacramento Mountains display peak aspen color from mid-September to early October, while mid-elevation sites in the Jemez Mountains (7,000-8,500 feet) reach their prime from late September through mid-October.

Season Highlights

  • Stunning fall foliage
  • Cooler, comfortable temperatures
  • Fewer crowds and quiet sites
  • Perfect campfire weather

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Fall Camping in New Mexico

Map of campgrounds near Fall Camping in New Mexico
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Map Key
1
Juniper Campground (Nm)
2
Rio De Las Vacas Campground
3
Echo Campground
4
Clear Creek Campground (Nm)
5
Mesa Campground
6
Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
7
Paliza
8
Three Rivers Campground
9
Jacks Creek Group Area
10
Upper Fir Group Area
11
Apache Creek Campground
12
Cowles Campground
13
Black Bear Group Area
14
South Fork Campground
15
Iron Creek Campground
16
Dipping Vat Campground
17
La Junta Canyon
18
Rio Chama Campground
19
Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)
20
Mccrystal Campground
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Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Fall foliage viewing and aspen photographyHiking through canyon country and mountain wildernessArchaeological site exploration at ancient pueblosWildlife observation during active fall migrationStargazing under dark sky preservesFly fishing in mountain creeks and streams

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve popular campgrounds like Juniper at Bandelier National Monument well in advance, as the shuttle system operating through mid-October makes this a prime fall destination requiring timed entry.
  • 2Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings—70-degree afternoons can plunge to freezing overnight, especially at higher elevations.
  • 3Bring a quality sleeping bag rated to at least 20°F for comfortable autumn camping.
  • 4Check current fire restrictions before your trip, as New Mexico frequently implements bans during dry fall conditions; bring a camp stove as backup.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Fall Camping in New Mexico

Fall Camping in New Mexico FAQ

We've ranked 20+ fall campgrounds in New Mexico based on foliage, weather, and reviews. Top options feature stunning autumn colors and comfortable temperatures.
Fall foliage in New Mexico typically peaks during September through November, though timing varies by elevation and latitude. Check local foliage reports for optimal timing.
New Mexico offers excellent fall camping with colorful foliage, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds than summer. Many campgrounds have special fall activities and harvest-season events.
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Juniper Campground (Nm)
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