Beach Camping in New Mexico: Best Beach Campsites 2026

While New Mexico doesn't have a coastline, it does have plenty of lakes and reservoirs, quite a few of which have sandy beaches. Many of New Mexico's beaches and waterways are protected under the state parks system, including Bottomless Lake, Bluewater Lake, Elephant Butte Lake, Eagle Nest Lake, and the vaguely heart-shaped Storrie Lake. Many offer campsites just a few steps from the shoreline and attract droves in the warmer months with ample opportunities to fish, swim, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. Because of their popularity, public campgrounds with beach access often fill up quickly, leaving last-minute campers few options other than to simply come as a day-use visitor and then pack up in the evening. Fortunately, many private camping and glamping options exist near beaches across the state, from pond-side tent sites to cozy cabins.

96% (62) • 161 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near New Mexico

Perry Farms RV Park

1. Perry Farms RV Park

93%

(55)

16 sites · Tents, RVs · San Antonio, NM

Perry Farms is the home place of the Perry Family, established in 1980, and provided much open space for the children to grow and play. It is located in the northern edges of the Chihuahuan Desert. Native fauna and flora as well as beautiful blue skies, with millions of stars provide peaceful, quiet moments of nature. Learn more about this land: Desert Camp consists of six RV spots with full hookups (electricity-30 and 50 amp, septic, water, and WIFI) and 11 unimproved tent camping areas on family property of Perry Farms. The land has arroyos, mesas, lots of flat areas to car camp, pitch a tent or sleep on the ground under the beautiful, dark New Mexico skies. There are also a few places to hang a hammock.  To the west, there are miles and miles to hike, mountain bike, or just enjoy the view of the Magdalena Mountains.  Neighbors are quiet and you can choose a spot away from anyone.

Pets

Potable water

Full hookups

from

$20

/ night

Viento Del Rio RV River Campsite

2. Viento Del Rio RV River Campsite

100%

(15)

1 site · RV · Abiquiu, NM

Private Riverfront RV Glamping Site in Abiquiu, NM We’re excited to invite you to share our gorgeous property and make memories as you explore the Land of Enchantment. Experience the natural beauty that inspired American legend Georgia O’Keeffe during your Abiquiu retreat along our riverfront. Located on 25 acres along with our home and casita. Plenty of space to roam and gorgous hiking and activites close by. Well behaved, non aggressive, no excessive barking pet welcome. (We have a sweet Golden Doodle) Bring your own RV motorhome, bumper pull trailer up to 30ft OR up to 35ft Fifth-Wheel (The airsteam trailer in the picture is 27ft) Water and electrticity hookups. Outside you will find a flagstone patio, picnic table, firepit, and adirondack chairs. NOTE: There is no longer a sunshade! These is no Wi-Fi...T-Mobile works best! Guest access Located off a private driveway offering plenty of privacy and seclusion within our gated property, Your hosts Jeff and Tami along with Golden Doodle Lola,

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Pets

from

$100

/ night

Gila National Forest

3. Gila National Forest

88%

(25)

312 sites · Lower Frisco, New Mexico

Explore some of the most secluded regions of the American Southwest.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Lincoln National Forest

4. Lincoln National Forest

92%

(31)

386 sites · Twin Forks, New Mexico

Lincoln National Forest is a delight for the senses! Gaze upon cacti, smell the spruce at the top of the Sierra Blanca mountains, and feel the cool water on your skin relaxing at Sitting Bull Falls. With a range of elevation comes a range of activities; trails for both beginner and experienced hikers or hop on your horse and explore Dog Canyon Trail that traverses up over 2,000 feet (gnarly!). Camping is cushy and available year round, allowing you to experience the vast array of wildflowers at Bluff Springs in the springtime, or surf the snow in the winter at Ski Apache. With scenic mountain views, ranger programs to brush up on the area, and easy access to the town of Ruidoso, Lincoln is a mountain lovers dream without the crowds!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Santa Fe National Forest

5. Santa Fe National Forest

94%

(42)

444 sites · Rio En Medio, New Mexico

Santa Fe National Forest isn’t just a cool spot in New Mexico, it’s a place that painters, poets, photographers and adventurers have waxed poetic about since...well, forever. It’s easy to see why, with over 1.6 million acres and over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. Whether it’s an autumn day trekking under trees blazing gold, or taking turns down the slopes at Santa Fe Ski Basin, the forest is a year round wonderland! Spring and Summer offer thrilling whitewater rafting down the Rio Grande, trout fishing, hunting, and nights under the stars. It’s easy to set up camp here too in one of the forests many campgrounds, and if you plan on staying away, be sure visit the town of Santa Fe, one of the most artistic and beautiful towns in America. This trip is bound to have you channeling your inner artist in no time!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Bandelier National Monument

6. Bandelier National Monument

100%

(8)

5 sites · White Rock, New Mexico

Discover ancient Native American history in these sublime Southwestern lands.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Hyde Memorial State Park

7. Hyde Memorial State Park

100%

(5)

9 sites · Tesuque, New Mexico

Hyde Memorial State Park: A Haven Amid Pines and Peaks.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

Oasis State Park

8. Oasis State Park

80%

(5)

13 sites · Portales, New Mexico

Discover Oasis State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Sugarite Canyon State Park

9. Sugarite Canyon State Park

80%

(5)

15 sites · Raton, New Mexico

Discover the scenic splendor of Sugarite Canyon State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Abiquiu Lake

10. Abiquiu Lake

100%

(3)

54 sites · Cañones, New Mexico

Warm breezes and water fun are waiting for you at Abiquiu Lake. With some of the best fishing in New Mexico you’ll have a blast exploring the shores dotted with sage and juniper while you cast your line. Those who want a little leisure can stroll the trails or catch some rays on the swimming beach; there are gorgeous views of the Flint Mountains from the shores. And of course there’s plenty of boating, waterskiing, and jetskiing at your finger tips! The nearby Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and Santa Fe will satisfy your inner artist, but we think the night sky at one of Abiquiu’s campgrounds will be inspiration enough!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

11. Elephant Butte Lake State Park

100%

(8)

69 sites · Hot Springs Landing, New Mexico

Desert oasis meets lakeside paradise at New Mexico’s largest lake.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Heron Lake State Park

12. Heron Lake State Park

100%

(2)

67 sites · Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico

Discover Heron Lake State Park's tranquil waters and scenic trails.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

While New Mexico doesn't have a coastline, it does have plenty of lakes and reservoirs, quite a few of which have sandy beaches. Many of New Mexico's beaches and waterways are protected under the state parks system, including Bottomless Lake, Bluewater Lake, Elephant Butte Lake, Eagle Nest Lake, and the vaguely heart-shaped Storrie Lake. Many offer campsites just a few steps from the shoreline and attract droves in the warmer months with ample opportunities to fish, swim, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. Because of their popularity, public campgrounds with beach access often fill up quickly, leaving last-minute campers few options other than to simply come as a day-use visitor and then pack up in the evening. Fortunately, many private camping and glamping options exist near beaches across the state, from pond-side tent sites to cozy cabins.

96% (62) • 161 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near New Mexico

Perry Farms RV Park

1. Perry Farms RV Park

93%

(55)

16 sites · Tents, RVs · San Antonio, NM

Perry Farms is the home place of the Perry Family, established in 1980, and provided much open space for the children to grow and play. It is located in the northern edges of the Chihuahuan Desert. Native fauna and flora as well as beautiful blue skies, with millions of stars provide peaceful, quiet moments of nature. Learn more about this land: Desert Camp consists of six RV spots with full hookups (electricity-30 and 50 amp, septic, water, and WIFI) and 11 unimproved tent camping areas on family property of Perry Farms. The land has arroyos, mesas, lots of flat areas to car camp, pitch a tent or sleep on the ground under the beautiful, dark New Mexico skies. There are also a few places to hang a hammock.  To the west, there are miles and miles to hike, mountain bike, or just enjoy the view of the Magdalena Mountains.  Neighbors are quiet and you can choose a spot away from anyone.

Pets

Potable water

Full hookups

from

$20

/ night

Viento Del Rio RV River Campsite

2. Viento Del Rio RV River Campsite

100%

(15)

1 site · RV · Abiquiu, NM

Private Riverfront RV Glamping Site in Abiquiu, NM We’re excited to invite you to share our gorgeous property and make memories as you explore the Land of Enchantment. Experience the natural beauty that inspired American legend Georgia O’Keeffe during your Abiquiu retreat along our riverfront. Located on 25 acres along with our home and casita. Plenty of space to roam and gorgous hiking and activites close by. Well behaved, non aggressive, no excessive barking pet welcome. (We have a sweet Golden Doodle) Bring your own RV motorhome, bumper pull trailer up to 30ft OR up to 35ft Fifth-Wheel (The airsteam trailer in the picture is 27ft) Water and electrticity hookups. Outside you will find a flagstone patio, picnic table, firepit, and adirondack chairs. NOTE: There is no longer a sunshade! These is no Wi-Fi...T-Mobile works best! Guest access Located off a private driveway offering plenty of privacy and seclusion within our gated property, Your hosts Jeff and Tami along with Golden Doodle Lola,

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Pets

from

$100

/ night

Gila National Forest

3. Gila National Forest

88%

(25)

312 sites · Lower Frisco, New Mexico

Explore some of the most secluded regions of the American Southwest.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Lincoln National Forest

4. Lincoln National Forest

92%

(31)

386 sites · Twin Forks, New Mexico

Lincoln National Forest is a delight for the senses! Gaze upon cacti, smell the spruce at the top of the Sierra Blanca mountains, and feel the cool water on your skin relaxing at Sitting Bull Falls. With a range of elevation comes a range of activities; trails for both beginner and experienced hikers or hop on your horse and explore Dog Canyon Trail that traverses up over 2,000 feet (gnarly!). Camping is cushy and available year round, allowing you to experience the vast array of wildflowers at Bluff Springs in the springtime, or surf the snow in the winter at Ski Apache. With scenic mountain views, ranger programs to brush up on the area, and easy access to the town of Ruidoso, Lincoln is a mountain lovers dream without the crowds!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Santa Fe National Forest

5. Santa Fe National Forest

94%

(42)

444 sites · Rio En Medio, New Mexico

Santa Fe National Forest isn’t just a cool spot in New Mexico, it’s a place that painters, poets, photographers and adventurers have waxed poetic about since...well, forever. It’s easy to see why, with over 1.6 million acres and over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. Whether it’s an autumn day trekking under trees blazing gold, or taking turns down the slopes at Santa Fe Ski Basin, the forest is a year round wonderland! Spring and Summer offer thrilling whitewater rafting down the Rio Grande, trout fishing, hunting, and nights under the stars. It’s easy to set up camp here too in one of the forests many campgrounds, and if you plan on staying away, be sure visit the town of Santa Fe, one of the most artistic and beautiful towns in America. This trip is bound to have you channeling your inner artist in no time!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Bandelier National Monument

6. Bandelier National Monument

100%

(8)

5 sites · White Rock, New Mexico

Discover ancient Native American history in these sublime Southwestern lands.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Hyde Memorial State Park

7. Hyde Memorial State Park

100%

(5)

9 sites · Tesuque, New Mexico

Hyde Memorial State Park: A Haven Amid Pines and Peaks.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

Oasis State Park

8. Oasis State Park

80%

(5)

13 sites · Portales, New Mexico

Discover Oasis State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Sugarite Canyon State Park

9. Sugarite Canyon State Park

80%

(5)

15 sites · Raton, New Mexico

Discover the scenic splendor of Sugarite Canyon State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Abiquiu Lake

10. Abiquiu Lake

100%

(3)

54 sites · Cañones, New Mexico

Warm breezes and water fun are waiting for you at Abiquiu Lake. With some of the best fishing in New Mexico you’ll have a blast exploring the shores dotted with sage and juniper while you cast your line. Those who want a little leisure can stroll the trails or catch some rays on the swimming beach; there are gorgeous views of the Flint Mountains from the shores. And of course there’s plenty of boating, waterskiing, and jetskiing at your finger tips! The nearby Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and Santa Fe will satisfy your inner artist, but we think the night sky at one of Abiquiu’s campgrounds will be inspiration enough!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

11. Elephant Butte Lake State Park

100%

(8)

69 sites · Hot Springs Landing, New Mexico

Desert oasis meets lakeside paradise at New Mexico’s largest lake.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Heron Lake State Park

12. Heron Lake State Park

100%

(2)

67 sites · Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico

Discover Heron Lake State Park's tranquil waters and scenic trails.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Mary

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Perry Farms RV Park

Perfect location for being close to Bosque del Apache. Vannetta is so kind. Wonderful directions and a list of things to do around the area.

E

Elizabeth

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Perry Farms RV Park

Vanetta was so kind, leading us to her site from the nearby town. The skies were beautiful and we had a peaceful night.

K

Keri

September 2025

27 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Viento Del Rio RV River Campsite

This site is right on the river bank and is super peaceful. We did not have any problems with bugs. The site is set up with full hook ups as well as a little patio with a fireplace and seating. J & T met us upon arrival and were very friendly and informative about local things to do. Getting out was a little tricky (our tt is 27’) but not impossible. We’ll definitely be staying again!

Camping under the Abiquiu Sky along the Rio Chama

J

James

August 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Viento Del Rio RV River Campsite

The camp spot is beautiful and has a great patio area to view the river and local wildlife. We saw blue heron and geese fly the river. The hosts are very friendly and the letter they provide gives a lot of local information. The site now has 30 Amp service and water. I don't believe it had that when we originally booked. Since there is only one spot you are guaranteed some privacy and quiet time. The site is almost absolutely perfect. Things to consider when booking this site. The site is right next to a river so there are bugs. Small nats and flys were prevalent at night swarming around lights. Our screens didn't stop the small nats. This is to be expected as you are near a river and not at Disney. Another is the road to the site has a few humps and dips in it, so if you have a weight distribution hitch you should probably disconnect the bars before going down that final stretch. Also, even though we have a relatively short trailer (19 feet) it took a little work to get out of the site. Nothing to stop us from booking again, but I am glad we have a relatively small trailer.

W

William

July 2025

22 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Viento Del Rio RV River Campsite

Great site with a beautiful view of the river . Tamara and Jeff have a beautiful place and are super nice

D

Doug

June 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Viento Del Rio RV River Campsite

Viento Del Rio River Campsite in Abiquiu is a true gem! We absolutely loved our stay with our 25’ Airstream. Their single RV campsite is private, spacious, and wonderfully tranquil, with full hookups (water, 30 amp electric, sewer) right on the river. Our dogs had a fantastic time and we appreciated being able to have them off-leash while keeping a close eye on them. It's incredibly quiet and peaceful, making it perfect for relaxing, and also a great base for fun day trips. Highly recommend!

S

Sommer

June 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Viento Del Rio RV River Campsite

We loved this campsite seriously, it was magical. From the moment we got there, it just felt special. We saw fireflies at night (like, actual glowing fireflies!), a beaver down by the water, hummingbirds buzzing around, geese flying overhead, and even elk tracks by the river. The spot is super shaded and peaceful, and having direct riverfront access was an amazing. We hopped on tubes and floated down the river and it totally relaxing and so much fun. Our hosts? Incredible. Super friendly, warm, and welcoming! Thy even gave us a personalized letter and were really quick to respond to anything we needed. The whole property is gated and secure, which made us feel really safe the whole time. Honestly, between the wildlife, the peaceful setting, and how well we were taken care of, this place just hit all the right notes. We’ll definitely be coming back!

C

Christie

May 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Viento Del Rio RV River Campsite

This is a beautiful spot right along the river. Felt very private and serene. Loved the flagstone patio too. And full hook-ups!!!! In fact, I really don’t want other people to know about it because it might very well become our favorite spot for weekend getaways lol.

C

Claire

May 2025

33 ft fifth wheel

With pets

2 nights at Viento Del Rio RV River Campsite

Beautiful quiet setting on the Rio Chama. Tamara and Jeff were friendly and gracious hosts and provided a wonderful welcome list of things to do in the area. We visited Ghost Ranch (30 minute drive) also tried one of the restaurant recommendations. Wonderful trip to Abiquiu! Our 33’ foot 5th wheel fit the site nicely.

J

Jay

March 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Viento Del Rio RV River Campsite

Gorgeous, private spot. Host was very easy to work with and very friendly. Fun to be RIGHT next to the river.

Gretchen

December 2024

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Perry Farms RV Park

Excellent location for exploring Bosque del Apache - The night sky was AMAZING - We found the spot easily - Turn left at the dip sign and look for the 3 white mailboxes - from there it is a breeze. As Vannetta instructed, we followed the directions she provided closely. Vannetta is an amazing host - the spot was clean, tidy, and we loved having electricity for our Airstream. Thank you, Vannetta, for the great tips about all of the spots to explore and info about the surrounding towns! We'll be back!