Best Camping in New Mexico

Camping in New Mexico

New Mexico is also known as The Land of Enchantment, and true to its name, there is plenty about this state to enchant you. This is particularly true for outdoor enthusiasts. New Mexico provides stunning scenery and plenty of activities. Here’s what you need to know before you go camping in New Mexico.

New Mexico State Parks

One of the biggest draws for camping in New Mexico is the state park system. There are 27 state parks, and some of the more popular ones include Oliver Lee Memorial State Park and Navajo Lake State Park.

The state has an excellent state park pass program that campers can take advantage of. The annual camping pass costs $225 for out of state residents and only $180 for residents. Plus, resident seniors can take advantage of camping in New Mexico state parks for only $100 annually.

Because camping in New Mexico is so popular, the state park system has adopted a rule that you can only camp in a state park for 14 days out of a 20-day period. This is designed to allow more visitors to enjoy these beautiful campgrounds.

Learn more about New Mexico State Parks.

New Mexico National Parks

The National Parks in New Mexico offer incredible scenery and plenty of recreational activities.Most don't offer camping within the park boundaries, however, there are usually multiple options within a short drive of each park.

• Aztec Ruins National Monument - Aztec, NM
• Bandelier National Monument - Los Alamos, NM
• Capulin Volcano National Monument - Capulin, NM
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Carlsbad, NM
• Chaco Culture National Historical Park - Nageezi, NM
• El Malpais National Monument - Grants, NM
• El Morro National Monument - Ramah, NM
• Fort Union National Monument - Watrous, NM
• Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument - Silver City, NM
• Manhattan Project National Historical Park- Los Alamos Site - Los Alamos, NM
• Pecos National Historical Park - Pecos, NM
• Petroglyph National Monument - Albuquerque, NM
• Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument - Mountainair, NM
• Valles Caldera National Preserve - Jemez Springs, NM
• White Sands National Park - Alamogordo, NM

New Mexico RV Parks

RV parks in the state are plentiful. Whether you want to go sight-seeing in Albuquerque or fishing in Questa, there are plenty of options for RV camping.

The amenities will vary per site. Some offer full hookups, including sewer, while other RV parks only offer partial hookups with water and electricity.

Learn more about RV Parks in New Mexico.

New Mexico National Forests

There are five national forests in the state, stretching throughout the state:

• Carson National Forest
• Cibola National Forest
• Gila National Forest
• Lincoln National Forest
• Santa Fe National Forest

These forests offer various camping options ranging from primitive camping within the woods to rental cabins and everything in between.

Free Camping in New Mexico

One of the unique things about this state is that you can take advantage of free camping near a National Park. BLM land is abundant near Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where free camping is permitted.

Learn more about free camping in New Mexico.