Discover the best waterfall campgrounds in New Mexico with climbing

United States
—
New Mexico

97% (1112 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New Mexico

Star Hosts in New Mexico

Dog-friendly getaways

99%

(47)

Big Little Hideaway

3 sites · Lodging5 acres · Taos, NM

We call it Big Little Hideaway and it will take you about 30 seconds upon arriving to discover why. My wife and I had been coming to Taos to ski for years and years and always felt at home, but it was a Summer trip that made us realize how much our souls belong here. My wife envisioned a property with a beautiful gate so that it feels like a courtyard (And she got it!) and after visiting the hot springs we knew this was The Spot!This is perfect if you're looking for a little bit of everything; mountain views, minutes away from hiking, paddle boarding, hot springs, skiing, and endless roads and beauty to explore. We're 15 minutes away from Taos and Arroyo Secco where you can enjoy great food, galleries and shopping, and 30 minutes away from the awesome Taos Ski Valley.Ideal for couples or families of 4 or close friends.

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. 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. With land by the river comes the mosquitos- June to August only. They are predominantly active during sunrise and sunset; long loose fitting clothes and a repellent work great. 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.

High Desert Oasis by Ojo HotSprings

1 site · Lodging3 acres · La Madera, NM

Monastic earthy Bedroom with ensuite bathroom in 1,700 sqft adobe house in a High-desert River Oasis. Three serene acres by the River Vallecitos, and moments away from the healing waters of Ojo Hot Springs (6miles). Lush vegetation with lots of trees and shade to relax, ground, and explore the enchanting natural phenomena all around. Lots of hiking tips. Where the fiery Taos (45mins) desert expanse and its majestic mountain ranges merge with the colorful rolling hills of magical Abiquiu (30mins) lies a fertile valley in Carson National Forest. There the old town (145 people) of La Madera sits, where you'll find this quaint private room with its own bathroom. A nourishing hide out to center and ground into Earth and melt with the elements, listen to the birds, mountains and your self.

Santa Fe Treehouse Camp

61 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). IMPORTANT: We are up 1.3 miles of dirt road (with 5-7+% grade in a few short stretches) 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. We generally close for the season due to cold weather around Halloween and reopen just before Memorial Day.

5 top waterfall campgrounds in New Mexico with climbing

98%

(1419)

Santa Fe Treehouse Camp

61 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). IMPORTANT: We are up 1.3 miles of dirt road (with 5-7+% grade in a few short stretches) 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. We generally close for the season due to cold weather around Halloween and reopen just before Memorial Day.

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. 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. With land by the river comes the mosquitos- June to August only. They are predominantly active during sunrise and sunset; long loose fitting clothes and a repellent work great. 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.

Big Little Hideaway

3 sites · Lodging5 acres · Taos, NM

We call it Big Little Hideaway and it will take you about 30 seconds upon arriving to discover why. My wife and I had been coming to Taos to ski for years and years and always felt at home, but it was a Summer trip that made us realize how much our souls belong here. My wife envisioned a property with a beautiful gate so that it feels like a courtyard (And she got it!) and after visiting the hot springs we knew this was The Spot!This is perfect if you're looking for a little bit of everything; mountain views, minutes away from hiking, paddle boarding, hot springs, skiing, and endless roads and beauty to explore. We're 15 minutes away from Taos and Arroyo Secco where you can enjoy great food, galleries and shopping, and 30 minutes away from the awesome Taos Ski Valley.Ideal for couples or families of 4 or close friends.

High Desert Oasis by Ojo HotSprings

1 site · Lodging3 acres · La Madera, NM

Monastic earthy Bedroom with ensuite bathroom in 1,700 sqft adobe house in a High-desert River Oasis. Three serene acres by the River Vallecitos, and moments away from the healing waters of Ojo Hot Springs (6miles). Lush vegetation with lots of trees and shade to relax, ground, and explore the enchanting natural phenomena all around. Lots of hiking tips. Where the fiery Taos (45mins) desert expanse and its majestic mountain ranges merge with the colorful rolling hills of magical Abiquiu (30mins) lies a fertile valley in Carson National Forest. There the old town (145 people) of La Madera sits, where you'll find this quaint private room with its own bathroom. A nourishing hide out to center and ground into Earth and melt with the elements, listen to the birds, mountains and your self.

94%

(9)

Tin Roofed Cabin-White Sands

2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Tularosa, NM

Beautiful property surrounded by mountains and canyons. It's a hiker's paradise and with cooler weather will be perfect! It was raw land but with many years of hard work it is finally looking awesome and is ready to share the love. Many local places to explore for the true "Hippie Hiker" or artist.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

92%

(38)

Carson National Forest

La Madera, New Mexico

90%

(36)

Santa Fe National Forest

Rio En Medio, New Mexico

88%

(8)

Cibola National Forest

Magdalena, New Mexico

75%

(4)

Cimarron Canyon State Park

Ute Park, New Mexico

Waterfall camping in New Mexico with climbing guide

Overview

In the southwestern US, New Mexico offers a distinct vibe not found elsewhere in the country, or even in the region. Here you’ll find Old West mining towns, restorative hot springs, and all sorts of historic sites, including ancient pueblos and protected national monuments, not to mention a distinct cuisine that borrows elements from Tex-Mex and Indigenous culinary traditions. You won’t be disappointed with the camping—the state offers a variety of terrains, from quiet forests to vast expanses of desert, and with five national forests, 30 state parks, and lots of untouched private land, there's no shortage of spots to set up a tent.

Where to go

Central and North Central New Mexico

New Mexico's Central and North-Central regions are home to many of the state's most popular cultural attractions, and both Albuquerque and Santa Fe are here. Area highlights include Bandelier National Monument and Petroglyph National Monument, as well as numerous pueblos. The most famous of these—the Taos Pueblo—is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years.

Northwest New Mexico

Cultural attractions abound in Northwestern New Mexico. Highlights include the Zuni Pueblo and the Acoma Pueblo—both the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Navajo Nation call this region home. Other points of interest include the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Aztec Ruins National Monument, and El Mapais National Monument.

Northeast New Mexico

Situated where the Rocky Mountains give way to the Southwestern plains, this area is characterized by prairies, ranches, and Western charm. Popular historic and natural attractions include the Fort Union National Monument and the Capulin Volcano National Monument. Conchas Lake State Park and Ute Lake State Park offer ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and lakeside camping.

Southwest New Mexico

For a Wild West experience, head to the southwestern corner of the state. Here you'll find plenty of old ghost towns, historic mission communities, and pristine natural areas. The area is also rich with hot springs, particularly in the low-key spa town of Truth or Consequences.

Southeast New Mexico

Culture, history, and the great outdoors converge in southeastern New Mexico, home to both of the state's national parks (White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns) as well as a host of museums, from the New Mexico Museum of Space History to the Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner. Fans of the paranormal won't want to miss Roswell, the site of the famous Area 51 UFO sightings and a de facto pilgrimage site for all things alien.