12 Great Campgrounds in New Mexico
Spread across a vast area of New Mexico, camping spots vary from remote natural oases to developed parks with access to various outdoor activities. From the Black Bear Pass in the Manzano Mountains of Central New Mexico to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve on the eastern edge of Southern New Mexico, here are a few best campgrounds that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
1. Black Bear Pass Campground
Camping amenities: Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, potable water supply, restrooms, and showers. Campsites are available for tents or RVs up to 50 feet long. Accessible toilets are available for visitors disabled by age or disability. The best aspect of this campground is the stunning view of the mountains and the amazing opportunities for outdoor activities.
2. Conchas Lake State Park Campground
Camping amenities: Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, potable water supply, restrooms and showers. Campsites are available for tents or RVs up to 50 feet long. There is a group campground and a boat-in only campground (Fees apply). The best aspect of this campground is that it is well developed and has access to various outdoor activities.
3. Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge Campgrounds
Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, potable water supply, restrooms and showers. There are several group sites. Campsites are available for tents or RVs up to 50 feet long. The best aspect of this campground is the beautiful view of the valley, especially during sunrise and sunset.
4. Abo State Park Campground
Camping amenities: Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, potable water supply, restrooms and showers. Campsites are available for tents or RVs up to 50 feet long. Our favorite part of this campground is the area where the cliff walls meet the valley floor. It’s a great place to watch sunsets.
5. El Malpais National Monument Campgrounds
Camping amenities: No designated camping spots exist although primitive backcountry camping is permitted. Primitive campsites must be a minimum of 1/4 mile from any structure or historical site.
6. Rio Grande Nature Center State Park Campground
Camping amenities: Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, potable water supply, restrooms and showers. There are two group areas for those with a larger party. Campsites are available for tents or RVs up to 50 feet long. When staying here be sure that you check out the bird blind for some amazing views.
7. Pecos National Historical Park Campground
Camping amenities: Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, potable water supply, restrooms and showers. There is a group site (reservations required) and a backcountry campground (Fees apply). Don’t miss out on this if you are in the area, the park is home to one of the NM State Champion trees.
8. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Campgrounds
Camping amenities: Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, potable water supply, restrooms and showers. There is a group site (reservations required) and backcountry campsites (Fees apply). The sand dunes are a sight to see and a place you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
9. Percha Dam State Park Campground
Camping amenities: Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, potable water supply, restrooms and showers. There are three group sites (Fees apply) for those with a larger party. Campsites are available for tents or RVs up to 50 feet long. The dam itself is beautiful to see and is well worth the visit.
10. Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds
Camping amenities: Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, potable water supply, restrooms and showers. There are several campgrounds scattered around the national forest that vary in facilities available. Campsites are available for tents or RVs up to 50 feet long. This National Forest is perfect for those looking to get away from the city.
11. Panchuela State Park Campgrounds
Camping amenities: Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, potable water supply, restrooms and showers. There are several group campsites (Fees apply) for those with a larger party. Campsites are available for tents or RVs up to 50 feet long. Be sure to take a walk down to the falls.
12. Caballo Lake State Park Campgrounds
Camping amenities: Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, potable water supply, restrooms and showers. There are two group sites (Fees apply) for those with a larger party. Campsites are available for tents or RVs up to 50 feet long. The lake itself is really cool to check out. Be sure to bring a fishing pole!