Best Camping in and near Bandelier National Monument

100% (8 reviews)

Discover ancient Native American history in these sublime Southwestern lands.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Bandelier National Monument

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Juniper Group Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents In Bandelier National Monument

Fire after the junior ranger experience... fresh paved road in background.

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(7)

Juniper Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In Bandelier National Monument

from

$12

/ night

Ponderosa Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents In Bandelier National Monument

Top-rated campgrounds near Bandelier National Monument

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(1169)

Santa Fe Treehouse Camp

58 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents156 acres · Santa Fe, NM

This is a non-smoking, no candle facility. The camp was founded 40 years ago as a summer camp for kids. Now we welcome adults, and other groups to enjoy the vast and wild high desert nature up on this ridge. There are beautiful views and access to Shaggy Peak, the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. Wander our land to enjoy various level hiking trails including a 20 minute hike to a creek and waterfall in the forest (some steep spots and creek is intermittent) or climb up Shaggy Peak (seasoned hikers only please). NOTE: We are up 1.3 miles of dirt road and are not near public transportation so you will need your own vehicle! Be aware that the roads can be snowy, icy or muddy and rutted ( 4-wheel or All-trak recommended in certain times of year). We don’t guarantee the road will be plowed.

97%

(128)

Mesa top camping

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Madrid, NM

Set above the historic town of Madrid N.M. is Waldo Mesa. The location of past mining operations and stunning Vista's.

95%

(151)

River Sanctuary by Ojo Hot Springs

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · La Madera, NM

Learn more about this land: Lush high desert river oasis nestled in a fertile valley in the Carson National Forest right between the fiery expanse of Taos and the rolling colorful formations of Abiquiu. Peaceful and private 3 acres right by the river at the edge of a little quaint town called La Madera (145 people, no shops)- just 6 miles to the healing mineral Hot Springs of Ojo Caliente, a place of emergence or rebirth as known to the local Natives. Right by the river, held by a ridge (that makes for amazing sunset hikes), I have a 16ft Yurt Canvas set up with furnishings (desk, couch, wash stand) and a wooden Queen Bed with down bedding. This site can only be reached by foot across the river via stumps- a car can be parked near by.. approx. 50ft. I also have a Vintage Camper that can be heated, has a kitchen, electricity and plenty of outdoor furniture with a fire pit and serene mountain views. As well as a monastic and very grounding Ensuite Bedroom, or a simple campsite if you want to bring your own camper or tent. All facilities have access to a guest bathroom inside the main house. I offer dog sitting while you soak at Ojo, healing modalities that you'll find in the Extras section, and my dear neighbor Jackie takes appointments for massages with homemade essential oils. +++ 6 miles to Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. There you will find the best restaurant in the area, with locally/organically farmed produce. Very yummy! The land is naturally and beautifully wild- it is not a manicured campsite. The dirt rd down to the property is best suited for higher clearance vehicles, but is manageable for city cars. Waterhole, Waterfall and climbing sites near by, as well as Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch and the Taos Gorge are 30 mins drive away. *No cell service in the greater area. WiFi reaches around the house/deck and allows for WiFi Calling: that’s a setting in your phone that enables phone calls & texts beside usual internet access.

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Agua de Vida

10 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · NM

This charming land has been in the family since my husband was a young boy. The Indian ruins and artifacts fascinated him then and he is still happy to share this history with whoever shows an interest. With all the improvements made by his father and family through the years, you will also learn to have a love for the history and beauty here on this unique 30-acre treasure. You can explore Native American ruins that were inhabited by some 2,000 people between 700-1100 AD. The grounds are wonderful to walk with a little lake which draws elk, deer, hawks, blue herons, etc. Easy to access just 3 minutes off I-25. We are 5 minutes away from the Pecos Natl Monument and 15 minutes away from the Pecos River with plenty of great fishing spots…Visit Santa Fe (20-minute drive) or Las Vegas (30-minute drive) with dozens of restaurants, museums, art galleries, etc. We look forward to your stay!

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(74)

Tierra del RavenTree

1 site · RV, Tent18 acres · Placitas, NM

Ultimate peace and privacy. Nestled in juniper-wooded hills with sweeping views. Close to Albuquerque (20 minutes) and Santa Fe (40 minutes) but feels like a secluded retreat. Most people have no problem finding my place by entering my address in their GPS. However, I have had 2 HipCampers report their GPS directed them to a road called Camino de las Brisas or Las Brisas Loop. Turning here will lead you to a steep, dangerous road where it will be very difficult to turn around if you're in an RV and impossible with a trailer. Continue on Camino de Las Huertas to Senda Osa Vieja. It's marked with a street sign, a stone monument with brass plate. There's also a blue "private road" sign with a dragon. This land was purchased in 1956 by my archeologist parents because of the ancient pueblo site (dating from 1000 A.D.) and pit house sites (dating from 800 A.D.) Until the mega drought seriously impacted the land, a stream ran through it year round. Now it is only intermittent. Across the valley from this property, and within view of the campsite, is the site of a Spanish Colonial village, San Jose de las Huertas. It dates from the 1700s and is now owned by the Archeological Conservancy. This area is rich in history both Native American and Spanish. Learn more about this land: Located in the high desert 20 minutes from Albuquerque and 40 minutes from Santa Fe. Views of Sandia mountains, and near historic archeological sites. Within a 10 minute drive are popular mountain biking trails. Petroglyphs are a 20 minute, moderately strenuous hike from property. Very peaceful, quiet and safe. Read all the Rules and Safety info before booking so you understand exactly what facilities are and are not available, particularly if you in an RV or trailer.

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(760)

Star Dance High Desert Retreat

9 sites · Tents100 acres · Youngsville, NM

Visit the startling beauty of the plateaus above Lake Abiquiu in northern New Mexico. Star Dance provides a secluded experience for travelers, artists, fishermen, birdwatchers, stargazers, and more. Star Dance sits above the upper Rio Chama canyons on 30 acres of trails and undisturbed natural terrain.

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(48)

Rio Grande Gorge National Monument

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Embudo, NM

Learn more about this land:We are at the entrance to the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument. The Rio Grande River is a quarter mile away. Fishing Hiking Biking Boating Climbing. Historic Taos NM is 15 miles to the North. Santa Fe Nm is 50 miles to the south.

Camino Sin Luz

1 site · RV4 acres · Santa Fe, NM

Great views, spacious. Within 20 minutes of Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Espanola. Easy access 300 yards off of US84/285. This is a great place if you like privacy. The property is situated within the Pojoaque indian reservation and you will find stores and a few restaurants locally. It is also just over a mile from Buffalo Thunder hotel/casino/golf/spa. It is a great starting point for exploring this magnificent area. You will have water, sewer and electric hookup on a flat almost level spot at the far end of the property. Please make sure to verify with the photos that you have the correct plug for the electrisity.

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(26)

CAMP WITH

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Los Cerrillos, NM

Joachim and Patience are two artists living in Santa Fe with an extreme admiration and passion for the outdoors, sustainability, off grid living and experimental architecture from reclaimed materials. Joachim and Patience both come from deeply rooted- generations of families with a shared love affair with all things historical. Camp With is an endeavor to connect more people with the distinct features the high desert landscape has to offer and ultimately foster growth with ones relationship to nature. Learn more about this land: ✨ Enjoy off grid curated camping at Camp With in the pristine foothills of the Ortiz Mountains, 30 miles south of Santa Fe. Camp with has expansive views of the Sangre de Cristos, The Cerrillos Hills, and the Jemez mountains. Camp With is 8 miles away from the artistic and historical coal town of Madrid and mining town Cerrillos. Our 210sq ft foot canvas bell tents Includes a super comfortable queen (Juniper) and full (Yucca) size bed, fresh cotton bed linens, towels, two headlamps, battery-powered lantern, games and a mix of eclectic, modern, and antique decor. Enjoy the sun, stars, and views, connect with nature, immerse yourself in rural off-grid living and unwind in the Ortiz mountains. Juniper Camp is set up for a couple in the queen-sized bed. Yucca camp has a full sized bed. We are happy to accommodate up to 2 extra guests inside each tent. Additional guests are responsible for their own sleeping bag, pad, and pillow. You will see this as an option while finalizing the booking. The campsites offers an open off grid private outdoor kitchen where we provide you a shade structure with cooking utensils (pots, cast iron pan, spatula, tongs), cutlery, 3 gallons of filtered water, propane bbq, propane two burner stove, plates, dinner linens, glassware, foil, paper towel, french press, bowls, and a platter. There is a table under the kitchen roof to enjoy your meals. There is no electricity, so bring your ice and coolers. We are doing several small permaculture projects sprinkled throughout the land. There is a chance you could run into us building or planting something on the far side of the 15-acre property, but we like to give our guests privacy, peace, and quiet (how we would want to be treated ☺️). The unpaved road to the campsite is 3 miles and filled with stones, hence our street name, Stoney Road. We highly recommend a vehicle with clearance as there are some rocks on the road that are "oil pan busters." There are no street lights on the dirt road; we recommend arriving at the site during the day. After rainfall and during the monsoon season (May-September), the road can be very muddy. We don’t want you getting stuck. Let’s be honest here: high clearance and or 4x4 on your vehicle is recommended. There is a communal composting outhouse as your bathroom during your stay. We have an open air seasonal hot outdoor shower. (May-mid October) Please be mindful and use the Castile soap we provide. The greywater from your bathing feeds the plants. We remind you that this is a rural off-grid campsite: there is no electricity. We have created this space for you to connect with your loved ones, play games, and enjoy being outside. The closest restaurants are in Cerrillos and Madrid, 8 miles away. You are responsible for your safety, food, ice, and relaxation. We have items for sale in a cool, old, Kelvinator fridge (acts as a vending machine) if you forgot things like batteries, an extra pair of socks, a beanie, sunscreen, eye drops, canned goods, tums, ibuprofen, flashlight, etc. You will receive the key code upon your booking to access items for sale. Come enjoy the impeccable views, INSANELY spectacular stars, and a genuinely unique, curated, off-grid camping experience. Message us if you have any questions, concerns, or inquiries!✨ Please, no mean humans. We appreciate kind people only.

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(31)

Javali River Glamping Resort

9 sites · Lodging5 acres · Abiquiu, NM

Nestled in the bosque of the Abiquiu valley, filled with tall, majestic cotton woods and softly fragrant Russian olives. At sunset, the sky opens up to amazing beauty and the swallows begin their nightly swooping over the river. Very near by are locally owned cafes and historic places to visit. The Abiquiu valley is filled with music, arts, studio tours, spas, hot springs, lake recreation, fishing, hikes, and so so many spectacular things to see and experience. Some nearby highlights include Abiquiu lake, Plaza Blanca and Ghost Ranch, with many hidden gems in between. Reach out to us if you have any questions about local activities. We have uniquely remodeled vintage and modern, trailers and an Airstream available to rent in a lush, grassy field . The field is very open, we have some mature trees and have just planted some new, baby cottonwoods. We have a couple of communal seating areas and a propane fire pit for all to enjoy. Please do not be shy. Introduce yourself to the other campers. Share stories, make s’mores. Sing songs!! Our yoga, meditation and meeting space is now open. If you are interested in booking this space for private use, please contact us to tell us what you are planning. We have several daily yoga classes available. Please book to ensure a spot! We, live onsite at the edge of the resort area. Please respect our neighbors by remaining within the "Glamp Zone" This glamp zone occupies only 1.25 acres. Part of our mission in creating this space is to bring folks together. We encourage campers to mingle. Maybe organize a group float down the Chama. The float from just above Bodes to our very own shore is wonderful. It takes about two hours. There is one challenging spot, but beside that, the float is calm and tranquil. Please be aware, we have cats, chickens, goats and dogs that live on the property. Your pets are welcome only if they are guaranteed to not pester or hurt our gang of pets. Also, we will not tolerate excessive barking or inappropriate running around or bothering ourselves or other guests. You must pick up all your and your pets waste and take it with you when you leave. We look forward to hosting you and sharing the fortune of this beautiful and stunning place. See you soon!!!

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Camp Chima

6 sites · Tents2 acres · Chimayo, NM

Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent and enjoy starry nights and beautiful sunrises and sunsets in historical Chimayo, NM. Located next to the Santa Cruz River. Sleep under the stars with the soothing sound of running water. Enjoy hiking, biking or just hanging out at nearby stream that runs through the camping area. WiFi available.

Booked 1 time

Ridgetop Oasis - Hike In

1 site · Lodging200 acres · Santa Fe, NM

Indulge in captivating sunrises and enchanting sunsets at your own private campsite. Nestled atop a ridgeline, this oasis is a mere 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe and 10 minutes from the village of El Dorado, yet it feels like a secluded haven in the heart of the high desert. Your lodging experience includes an enclosed shelter with windows/sliding door, a cozy bed, solar power for lighting and charging phones, a propane camp stove, and an outhouse equipped with a composting toilet. Please read the following details carefully: This site requires a hike in. No vehicles are permitted beyond the cattle gate. Potable water is available upon request, but we prefer that you BYO. Please let me know what you need in advance of your arrival. This is a primitive shelter. There is no running water nor electricity. It's just like camping but with walls and a roof over your head - and the benefit of having no other campers around. You might see an occasional hiker with their dog. If you have a dog, take note. There is no heating or cooling. The desert gets quite cold at night. Hipcampers are kindly asked to park just outside our gate and embark on a picturesque 3/4 mile hike back to the shelter. The hike, though flat, offers scenic views and adds to the adventure of your stay.

The best camping near Bandelier National Monument guide

Overview

About

Hipcampers interested in Native American history should definitely schedule a trip through this expansive park. Ancient caves and cliff dwellings abound in this one-time home of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The Ancestral Pueblo ruins date back to 1150, but they weren't the first people here. There's evidence humans lived here as many as 11,000 years ago!

As such, there are multiple trails that take you directly past or through archeological sites. The fairly flat, short Tyuonyi Overlook Trail is a good choice for beginning hikers. Looking for more of a physical challenge? Try the Frijolito Loop Trail. This demanding hike takes you close to the unexcavated Frijolito Pueblo site.

If you're looking to bag a peak, set your sights on the Cerro Grande Route. This one isn't for the faint of foot, though. Cerro Grande Peak's the park's highest point at 10,200 feet, and the terrain can be unforgiving. Bring water and good gear if you want to conquer this one!

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book your campsite well in advance to secure your spot amid the park's popular seasons.
Check the park's official website for updates on campground availability and reservation windows.
Consider visiting during off-peak times for a better chance at snagging a reservation.
Explore nearby camping options if Bandelier's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Bandelier National Monument is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park's full splendor can be enjoyed. Summer brings heat and crowds, while winter may present challenging conditions with snow and ice.

Know before you go

Check current conditions and alerts before your visit for any closures or safety information.
Pets are not allowed on trails or in buildings, but are welcome in parking areas and the campground.
Accessibility varies across the park; inquire ahead for specific needs.
Remember to bring water and sun protection, as the high desert climate can be intense.
Respect the cultural significance of the area and stay on designated paths.