Desert camping in New Mexico with swimming

Explore ancient pueblos, soak in restorative springs, and see Mission-style architecture in this southwestern state.

94% (1286 reviews)
94% (1286 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New Mexico

Under $50

Star Hosts in New Mexico

12 top desert campgrounds in New Mexico with swimming

99%
(138)

HarmonyTaos Regenerative Farm

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Taos, NM
This fall we still have plums, apples and a few peaches. Just stroll around and help yourself. The glamping site is open til October 31. (Then back open again April 1.) Come stay in the bell tent with or without linens. (extra fee for linens). Harmony Taos is a regenerative farm located on approximately 4 acres, just minutes from the town of Taos. We specialize in Permaculture and teaching. Come enjoy the butterflies, raptors, magpies and hummingbirds fluttering throughout the orchards, ponderosas, vegetable gardens, and flowers on our organic community farm. Join us for camping, weekly yoga classes, monthly soup nights, ceremonies, and cultural events throughout the warmer months. Latest Offerings: I hav decided to open up my intuitive practice to visitors. DM Anastasia if you would like an intuitive reading and clearing. 90 minutes long. We will focus on getting to the underlying beliefs that are holding you back, then clearing them together. RENT THE ENTIRE PROPERTY: DM the host for availability and rates. Pitch your tent at one of our 2 drive-in mountain view campsites, located on the lush grounds of our regenerative agriculture farm and gardens. Or book the overflow site for larger vehicles and or large parties. Rest and rejuvenate in this quiet haven, nestled below the canyon yet just minutes from town. Sites Uno and Dos has access to a beautifully equipped bathhouse, picnic tables, chairs and an outdoor cold water washing area . Overflow Tres has access to the stunning bathhouse as well. Overflow Tres is more primitive with a dirt base and can accommodate larger vehicles. Campsite UNO: Uno fits a small trailer and/ or a RV. If you are pulling 20 plus feet or a large RV, book the overflow site Tres to be safe.. You will need to be proficient at backing it into Campsite Uno. This site can accommodate two vehicles. Campsite DOS: It is large enough for a sprinter or smaller camper van. You can pull right in. You will need to back out to depart. Overflow TRES: can accommodate almost any fifth wheel and you can turn around. It is a dirt area and primitive. The walk to the bathhouse is about 200 feet.. If you are traveling with another RV or trailer, you can both fit in. FYI: last .25 mi is level but potholed dirt road. Glampiing Site : Deluxe bamboo encased memory foam king bed (breaks down to two twin beds). Stellar views of the mountains . BYO bedding or DM host for full sheets and towels set up. There is power in the bathhouse for charging phones. but there are no dedicated electrical hook ups for RVs. However, you can text the owner if you want to use a converter and access a nearby ( For Sites Uno and Dos) outlet with your extension cord for additional fee of $20.00 per day. IF you have more than a small sack of garbage, TAKE IT WITH YOU. We are a small farm and cannot accommodate everyones accumulated garbage from their travels. EVENTS: Harmony Taos Farm is open in 2024 for day long or weekend events. Weddings, family gatherings, teachers. Yoga. There are a number of options including large 12 person tent with heater. The indoor Living room of the main building holds 25-30 for gatherings. There are numerous areas around the farm that lend themselves to ceremony, gathering, etc. Harmony Farm is an excellent wedding venue. There are 4 types of accommodations (hotels, lodges, Inns, rental homes) within 1 mile of the property should you wish to use the site for your wedding and invite guests who require a hotel etc. And of course there are plenty of tent sites available at Harmony. If you rent the entire property, more tent sites can be accommodated than listed here. Harmony host Anastasia can also arrange for catering, flowers, music, party rentals, etc. DM the host with any requests and day use rates. Things to know: This is the hosts homesite and farm. You will be camping near the host's actual home.
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$48
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98%
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Victoria & Harry's get away.

4 sites · RVs, Tents158 acres · Prewitt, NM
We are a retired couple who had lived high in the Colorado Rockies for the last 50 years. We camped at this property several summers ago. We immediately fell in love with the beauty and peacefulness. Native Americans inhabited this area over thousand years ago as evidenced by the Petrogylphs around the ranch. We feel honored to have the opportunity to preserve and share this ancient art. We had the opportunity to purchase the ranch from a lady who had an animal rescue on the ranch. Come and enjoy the beauty and peace that The Golden Rose Ranch provides. We moved in the summer of 2023 to CT because I could not breathe very well in Leadville at 10,152'. Our son lives in CT so it was a great place for us to spend the "last chapter" of our lives. The name, Golden Rose, comes from the restaurant that we owned in Leadville, Co, through much of the 20th century. Learn more about this land: We warmly welcome you to come and camp on our isolated 160 acre New Mexico ranch and experience peace, tranquility and breathtaking scenic beauty. Whether you're headed here or there on I-40, we're located just 5 miles off of the interstate. After a long days' drive, we offer a peaceful experience. Pitch a tent on one of several designated camping spots (or pick your own) or bring your RV or camper trailer and prepare yourself for amazing radiant sunsets, jaw-dropping night skies, and rejuvenating sunrises. During the day hike the surrounding red cliffs and mesas, view the ancient petroglyphs and find amazing pottery shards scattered throughout the property, or just hang out. Occasionally a herd of elk will venture out. At night you will be serenaded by the neighboring coyotes and resident spotted owls. Feel like exploring off the ranch? Visit the nearby Casamero Pueblo ruins a 1/2 mile down the road, Bluewater Lake State Park or drive to the small post-mining town of Grants and explore the Mining Museum, Bandera Volcano & Ice Cave, El Malpais National Monument and many other nearby interesting sites!
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$40
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95%
(236)

Healing on the Rio Grande !

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Albuquerque, NM
Come to New Mexico ! The Land of Enchantment. Sing Chants to the Moon, The Sun, The Rain, The Stars , The Beautiful Land and the Ancestors ! HAPPY 2024, The Year of the Dragon. We won , an award with Hipcamp, Best of 2023 !!!! - out of a list of many great places in NM . 2024 will be yet another great year ! We love hosting, this will be out 7th year . We are so happy to Host . Come enjoy organic . Urban Permaculture . Awesome, thanks for loving on our peaceful garden. It is an honor to serve the traveler, the camper, sweet tourist , wild vacationer , folks visiting friends and family , the many folks who explore and folks on grand adventures. We love to camp as well. BE OUTSIDE ! Heal from Nature . We have a lot to offer. Our place is good for folks who work on the road, Great WIFI ! Easy to manage a job while on the road . Eat flowers and herbs. There is a great herb store , herbal clinic and more . Just down the road, called, RED ROOT , next to the Food Co-op on Rio Grande Blvd. Our Space is in the heart of the Griegos Neighborhood , A very old style , old world area. Safe area. Same Hispanic families have lived here since 1712, no joke, that is real. Rural feel for an urban / suburban setting , space space, off street parking. We are NOT an RV park nor are we a " camp ground " . We Are an Organic Garden ( Urban Permaculture ) that you can stay inside a magical, growing goodness space . This place is very, very private . The parking area is not private . Our road is dead end , very low traffic . The garden wall around the whole tent area has a 6 foot tall , very thick wall , and trees , surrounding every thing. There is a forest and pond for ducks behind the garden . Our place is for Wildlife, to be fed, and given water and safe space to raise young. We are located in an area where the birds of the world fly from the north to the south and then change direction each season. Many lizards . Many wild mammals . There are many farms in the area. With Horses , goats , chickens , ducks , mules, donkeys , other livestock . We have no pets and no livestock. At night this is dark ( we do have solar lights on walk ways ) and it is peaceful. A safe zone for travelers . Serene , gentle and lovely . You get your privacy . New Mexico is so amazing, all year . We have inside space in Fall / Winter . Welcome to Mother Bosque Garden . Started in Corrales NM in 2010 . We are in the North valley of Albuquerque New Mexico 87107. The same families have lived here for 100, 200, 300 plus years . 1000s of years . Native people have lived in this valley for close to 20,000 years more . The Rio Grande is very close by ( 2 miles west of us ) bike or by car . We are close to route 40 and route 25, just 7 mins. away . There is a Food Co-op with in a 5 mins. drive . And a regular store and gas within one mile of our place. Come eat Traditional New Mexican Foods and Heal with Very Living Traditional New Mexican Herbal Medicines . Relax, rest, find repose. Happy travels, happy hiking, happy sleeping under the stars, happy home made food, happy resting. Old Town is close by, so is the Rio Grande River and Nature Center ( 2 miles up the street ) . So many things in our area to see, to do, learn history . Awesome food, music and arts/ crafts, everywhere. So much activity all over. SO MANY CULTURES and Languages , so much diversity !
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$45
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97%
(151)

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.
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$35
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99%
(305)

Sunny Mellow Eco Villa

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Tijeras, NM
Sunny Mellow Eco Villa is the land with a great history. The QUIET, secret Shangra-La Valley just over the ridge from Route 66 (and I-40) was the camping place for Billy the Kid and his gang! They could quickly saddle up when the posted lookout on the ridge above signaled the passing of the stagecoach! Even more stunning, it was the Tijeras Indian Pueblo Tribe's place of roaming and rest. The land now sports an Organic Vineyard, Orchard and Vegetable Garden that guests my forage from when in bloom. A Large, Clean, Secluded Redwood Yoga Deck, Ping-Pong, Horseshoes, and a Giant Swing Set, along with patios and lounges that are found over the 8 acre land, and all joined by a network of Scenic Pathways and Bridges that connect The Vineyard, The Orchard, The Garden, The Solar Array, The Swing, The Yoga Deck, Ping Pong Terrace, Horse shoe Pit... Perfect Place and Feel The Akashic Records of Where Billy the Kid and his gang camped and the Tijeras Indians Lived! 8 Minutes to Albuquerque. 7 minutes to Cedar Crest, 20 minutes to The Infinite View off the Sandia Crest, 10 minutes to Edgewood. 50 minutes to Santa Fe. Located in THE CENTER of The ZIA of NEW MEXICO! Views of meadows, mountains and the Enchanting New Mexico sky from the Every stopping point on the Eco Villa Trail System. Ride a bike, take a sauna, Read a book... Take a nap. Enjoy the Unique Feel and Romance of the Yoga Yurt, The Awesome Modern Outdoor Kitchen, The delicious KING Bed. Watch 4K TV with 900 download and 35 upload! Enjoy Dining at your Private HipCamp Site! Hike into the Cedro National forest a short walk to the end of the road. If you feel sociable, join in a campfire with the guests at The Chi-Treehouse or Invite guests to the Fire-pit at your own Yoga Yurta! Sit in the Secluded "Starchamber" by day for a sun tan, or by night for moon glow and infinite star gazing. Drive to Sandia Peak, Hike, Ski, Mountain Bike (Even out your back door if you do not want to drive). Albuquerque and The East Mountains has more trails in proximity to a metropolis than an city in the country. Pick sandy, rocky, or meadow, or a forest ascent. Grove at top notch restaurants in ABQ and some local ones just down the street.
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$85.55
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93%
(166)

Taos Goji Farm & Eco Lodge

13 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · San Cristobal, NM
Taos Goji Ecolodge, is an historic property with ten renovated cabins and a 4-acre goji berry farm located on 40 acres of pristine land in San Cristobal, New Mexico. The cabins were built at the beginning of last century, originally for sheep herders. Both Alduous Huxley and D.H. Lawrence lived and wrote in this cabins, and later Elizabeth Kubler Ross and Ram Dass stayed here.
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$50
 / night
96%
(344)

Jackalope Ranch

14 sites · RVs, Tents355 acres · Las Vegas, NM
I inherited the ranch from my mom who inherited from her dad and we have used it for recreational and hunting purposes it is very fun in the summertime I inherited the ranch from my mom who inherited from her dad and we have used it for recreational and hunting purposes it is very fun in the summertime!!!!! This is a 355-acre ranch it has been used by my family for recreation and hunting it is perfect for hiking mountain biking and driving around on an ATV or horseback with provided trails! There is also a little River flowing year-round and a couple of perfect swimming holes! The road to sites in the canyon are extremely rough a high clearance vehicle and 4x4 is recommended, also any camper past 18" is not recommended at these sites. Site's 1, 3, and 8 and 7 are ideal for camping trailers 30" or larger. Fire ban is in effect propane grills and fire pits are permitted.
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$25
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100%
(82)

Elk Ridge Ranch

1 site · RV7 acres · Placitas, NM
Park your RV up to 40 foot overlooking a beautiful pond and endless Mountain Views. Enjoy our Bison and Elk roaming near your campsite, you can even feed them apples out of your hand! You can swim in the crystal clear pond and enjoy the endless stars at night. We have 50 amp service and sewer hookup. Pets are welcome if well behaved and leashed because of the resident animals. Only 45 minutes to Santa Fe and 20 minutes to Albuquerque. Explore the great Southwest attractions: Tent Rocks, Bandolier National Monument, Chaco Canyon, Coronado Monument, and Sandia Tramway. Excellent hiking and biking area. Less than an hour to Santa Fe Ski area and 2 hours to Taos Mountain.
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$85
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90%
(10)

Peacock Lane

1 site · RV1 acre · Albuquerque, NM
Half acre lot nestled in the heart of the beautiful North Valley. Surrounded by ancient cottonwood and elm trees, amidst the migrating cranes, and frequent sightings of colorful Peacocks, only native to this location in the USA. Equipped with two 220V 30 amp plugs on site to facilitate all electrical needs. Water on site for campers, as well as sewage for longer term stays. Come soak in the sunlight and inhale the fresh mountain air.
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$37.40
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100%
(13)

Casa de KAMA (The Silo)

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Medanales, NM
Kasa de KAMA (The Silo) is a repurposed grain Silo brought in from Kansas! It sits on 4 acres of it's own but Many more expansive acres support the Fabulous Panoramic views of Mountain ranges , Chama River, Sunrises and sunsets. Completely Peaceful and Gorgeous landscape with Vista de Pedernal (the mountain Georgia O'Keeffe painted so much she decreed God would Give it to her!) out many of the windows...
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$125
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90%
(10)

Crow Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Lama, NM
Our property is at 8500 feet elevation on the west slope of the Northern Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Faces west with a view of the Rio Grande Gorge Wild River recreation area about 5 miles away. I have 1 RV sites, with electric hookup, and plenty of room for multiple tents, or secluded sites. 1 mile below the Lama Foundation spiritual center. Between the Red River Ski area (15miles) and Ski Taos (25 miles). 10 miles from John Dunn bride on the Rio Grande, and Black Rock natural hot springs on the river. And 20 miles to the Town of Taos and Historic Taos pueblo.
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$18
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100%
(1)

Chaderossa

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Arroyo Hondo, NM
Very off the grid community where we are building an Earthship, a TaosComedy kiva, a wallipini and other fun stuff sustainably. We have two out houses, a composting toilet, two schoolies, a few sheds, a couple campers, and a pit garden. One of the campers will become a community kitchen very soon. You will need a vehicle with high clearance and four-wheel drive, preferably.
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$36
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Desert camping in New Mexico with swimming 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.

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