Summer Camping in New Mexico

Summer Camping in New Mexico

Discover the best summer camping across New Mexico. Experience the best of outdoor camping during the warmest months. Long days, starry nights, and endless adventure await.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: June through August
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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

Summer brings daily ranger programs and convenient shuttle service to ancient cliff dwellings, while the Frey Trail launches directly from camp for sunrise hikes through ponderosa forests.

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

The Rio de las Vacas creek rushes right through camp, offering prime cutthroat trout fishing and cool wading pools beneath the towering ponderosas. Summer brings access to nearby trail networks for hiking through wildflower meadows and spotting elk in the high mountain terrain.

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

Summer brings long daylight hours to explore the Echo Amphitheater Trail, where ancient eroded cliffs glow in the warm sun and panoramic views stretch across the Rio Chama Valley.

Tents
RVs

About Summer Camping in New Mexico

Summer camping in New Mexico offers an extraordinary escape into diverse landscapes where high-altitude mountain forests provide cool refuge from desert heat, ancient canyons reveal archaeological wonders, and sparkling reservoirs invite water-based adventures. The Land of Enchantment transforms into a summer playground where campgrounds range from 5,000 to 9,000 feet elevation, delivering comfortable temperatures even during peak season.

Best Time

The prime summer camping season in New Mexico runs from late May through early September, with peak conditions occurring June through August when high-elevation campgrounds offer daytime temperatures in the comfortable 70s and 80s while lower elevations warm into the 90s. Mountain campgrounds like Clear Creek and Rio de las Vacas hit their stride in mid-June once snowmelt subsides and forest roads fully open, remaining ideal through August with afternoon monsoon thunderstorms providing dramatic cloud displays and brief cooling showers.

Season Highlights

  • Warm weather and long days
  • Swimming and water activities
  • Full amenities and services
  • Family-friendly activities

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Summer Camping in New Mexico

Map of campgrounds near Summer 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
Elephant Butte Lake
6
Mesa Campground
7
Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
8
Three Rivers Campground
9
Paliza
10
Clear Creek Group Campground (Nm)
11
Jacks Creek Group Area
12
Apache Creek Campground
13
Cowles Campground
14
Upper Fir Group Area
15
Black Bear Group Area
16
South Fork Campground
17
Iron Creek Campground
18
Dipping Vat Campground
19
La Junta Canyon
20
Rio Chama Campground
View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming and beach activities at reservoir campgroundsHiking through ponderosa pine forests and canyon trailsTrout fishing in mountain streams and lakesArchaeological site exploration and ranger programsWildlife viewing including elk, deer, and diverse bird speciesBoating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on reservoirs

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites at popular destinations like Juniper Campground and Elephant Butte Lake at least 3-4 months in advance through Recreation.gov, as summer weekends fill quickly.
  • 2For spontaneous trips, arrive at first-come-first-served campgrounds like Rio de las Vacas by Thursday afternoon to secure weekend sites.
  • 3Pack layers regardless of destination—mountain temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees from afternoon to evening, and monsoon season brings sudden weather changes with lightning, brief downpours, and occasional hail from July through mid-September.
  • 4Bring a quality rain fly and secure all loose items before afternoon storms roll in.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Summer Camping in New Mexico

Summer Camping in New Mexico FAQ

We've ranked 20+ summer campgrounds in New Mexico based on weather, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include campgrounds with shade, water access, and good summer conditions.
June through August is prime summer camping season in New Mexico. June and September offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, while July and August are peak season.
For summer camping in New Mexico, bring sun protection, plenty of water, cooling gear, and light layers for cooler evenings. Bug spray is essential in many areas.
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Juniper Campground (Nm)
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