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New Mexico · camping guide

Camping in New Mexico

783 places to camp in New Mexico: 160 national forest and federal campgrounds, 3 state park campgrounds, 76 free dispersed and primitive spots, 544 private campgrounds and RV parks. The best camping months are May–Oct, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 83°F and lows near 53°F.

Photo: Pexels
783places to camp
94free or dispersed
May–Octbest months
83%with cell signal at camp

Best areas to camp

  1. Around Angel Fire212 camps in the area within 25 miles
  2. Around Santa Fe57 camps in the area within 25 miles
  3. Around Questa43 camps in the area within 25 miles
  4. Around Gila Hot Springs40 camps in the area within 25 miles
  5. Around Alamogordo36 camps in the area within 25 miles

Questions

When is the best time to camp in New Mexico?

The best camping months are May–Oct, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 83°F and lows near 53°F.

Is there free camping in New Mexico?

Yes: 94 free or dispersed spots, mostly on national forest and BLM land.

Will I have cell signal camping in New Mexico?

At about 83% of camps, at least one carrier has 4G or better (FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous). Plan for no signal on trails.

Where are the darkest skies for camping in New Mexico?

471 camps sit under the darkest skies (class 1–2). See the stargazing page.

See all 783 on the map

Filter by camp type, amenities and activities, fly over any camp in 3D, then plan your trip.

Open New Mexico in Find camps

This week's picks

A different handful each week. Tap a camp to see it from above, check the weather and plan the drive.

  • Resumidero Camping AreaFederal campground · Free · Cell signal

    Resumidero is a popular primitive camping area. Located in a large alpine meadow, Resumidero is a local favorite and used by numerous recreationists for camping, picnicking, and group…

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  • Black Canyon CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    Black Canyon Campground is one of the more popular campgrounds on the Santa Fe National Forest and offers the most amenities of any of the campgrounds in the Espanola Ranger District. Some…

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  • Mcgaffey CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    This campground is situated in what was once the historic railroad logging and sawmill town of McGaffey. McGaffey Campground was built in 1937 and lies west of the Continental Divide in the…

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  • Vista Linda CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    This popular campground is open year round. The campground is located in the scenic San Diego Canyon, with spectacular red rock canyon and mesa views. Come prepared for warm days and cool…

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  • Espanola Ranger DistrictFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    Recreation opportunities within the [Espanola Ranger District](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5369642.pdf) range from the high alpine trails in the Pecos Wilderness…

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  • Gallo CampgroundFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signal

    Gallo Campground is located within Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Tucked among the fallen boulders and cliffs of Gallo Wash, the campground offers camping in a rugged environment…

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  • Field Tract CampgroundFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signal

    Please note that Field Tract Campground is currently closed until further notice due to necessary repairs on the shelters. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to…

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  • Rio De Las Vacas CampgroundFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signal

    Less than two hours from the city of Albuquerque, Rio de las Vacas Campground offers a cool oasis from the New Mexico heat. Visitors delight in the hiking and fishing opportunities…

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Free camping in New Mexico

94 spots cost nothing: dispersed sites on national forest and BLM land and free campgrounds. Most have no water or toilets, and stays are usually limited to 14 days.

  • Grapevine CampgroundFederal campground · Free · 5,554 ft · No cell signal

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  • Lower Scorpion CampgroundFederal campground · Free · 5,705 ft · No cell signal

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  • Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky SanctuaryFederal campground · Free · 5,364 ft · Cell signal

    Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary (CCIDSS) is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located on National Forest System lands and also in North America. It is also one…

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  • Cuchilla CampgroundDispersed / primitive · Free · No cell signal

    Cuchilla Campground. USDA Forest Service Photo.

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See all free camping on the map