Top Tent Camping Spots in New Mexico

1. White Sands National Park – Backcountry Campsites

• Camp among surreal gypsum dunes under a star-filled sky

• Primitive, hike-in only (about 1 mile)

• Bring all your water—unforgettable minimalist camping

2. Jemez Falls Campground (Santa Fe National Forest)

• Shaded forest camping with access to waterfalls and hot springs nearby

• Great hiking and family-friendly environment

• Close to Valles Caldera National Preserve

3. Rio Grande Gorge – Pilar Campground

• Camp along the Rio Grande with epic canyon views

• Kayaking, fishing, and hiking right from camp

• Just south of Taos, great for scenic drives

4. Hyde Memorial State Park (Near Santa Fe)

• Wooded mountain sites just 8 miles from downtown Santa Fe

• Hiking, wildlife, and a peaceful setting

• Excellent for first-time campers or families

5. City of Rocks State Park

• Camp among bizarre volcanic rock formations

• Great for stargazing and short hikes

• Some sites have covered shelters—reserve in advance!

6. Cosmic Campground (Gila National Forest)

• International Dark Sky Sanctuary

• Free camping in remote southwestern NM—best for stargazers

• No light pollution, no crowds, no noise

7. Elephant Butte Lake State Park

• Beach-style lakeside camping with boating and swimming

• Warm weather and wide-open space

• Family-friendly with both primitive and developed sites

8. Gila Cliff Dwellings Area – Grapevine or Forks Campground

• Explore ancient cliff dwellings nearby

• Quiet forest camping with nearby river access

• Excellent base for day hikes and history lovers

9. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

• Camp near ancient Puebloan ruins in a sacred and remote desert landscape

• Incredible night sky and archaeological significance

• Remote dirt road access—check weather first

10. Cimarron Canyon State Park

• Wooded canyon sites with fishing in the Cimarron River

• Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

• Cooler temps, wildlife, and scenic hikes