The best dog-friendly camping in New Mexico

·

Many dogs love camping and all that comes with it, from fresh air and new scents to the chance to explore trails with their human companions. Fortunately, almost all of New Mexico's state parks are pet-friendly, as long as four-legged friends stay on leashes no longer than 10 feet (which is generous in comparison to the 6-foot standard for leashes in most other states and in national parks and monuments). Leashed pets are also welcome in many of New Mexico’s national forests, as well as at campgrounds at select national monuments, including Bandelier National Monument, but—again—leash rules apply. If you'd rather be out somewhere where your pup can roam freely, look for pet-friendly Hipcamps near Santa Fe and Albuquerque, ranging from simple tent and RV sites to glamping domes and cabins.

94% (7.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

River Sanctuary by Ojo Hot Springs

3. River Sanctuary by Ojo Hot Springs

96%
(202)
4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Piñon Pine And Prickly Pear

5. Piñon Pine And Prickly Pear

100%
(5)
1 site · Tent, RV · Santa Fe, NM
Piñon Pine and Prickly Pear -Secluded hillside retreat just minutes from downtown Santa Fe 🌲 -Escape into nature without giving up convenience, hidden gem just off Hwy 599 and only 7–10 minutes from Santa Fe’s historic Plaza. -Surrounded by piñon and juniper trees this private, lightly rustic site offers sweeping views and peaceful surroundings. -Depending on the season you might see jack rabbits, woodpeckers, owls, coyotes, hawks, lizards, and more What to Expect: • Type of site: Mulched hillside for RVs, vans, or tents • Sleeps: Up to 5 guests • Vehicle size: Best suited for rigs under 24 ft and that have a bit of clearance (backup parking may allow slightly larger) • Terrain / access: Please be aware this site is more challenging than typical campgrounds 4×4 isn’t required but is recommended, approach angles are a bit steep, turns are a bit tight, and it can be a bit muddy with heavy rain. Helps to have a spotter for bigger vehicles. Many vans and cars have had no issues, one has gotten a little stuck when it was muddy. • Amenities:   • Potable water available via hydrant near house (~100 ft from site)   • No hookups (electricity, on-site water, or sewer)   • No toilets   • You must be self-contained with your own supplies Vibe: Extremely private and tree-surrounded — host’s home is just up the hill and barely visible depending on orientation Ideal For • Adventurers who prefer quieter, off-grid stays • Campervans, trucks and campers with mild ground clearance • Tent camping under the canopy of piñon and juniper • Travelers wanting a base close to Santa Fe but still in a more natural, secluded setting
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

Many dogs love camping and all that comes with it, from fresh air and new scents to the chance to explore trails with their human companions. Fortunately, almost all of New Mexico's state parks are pet-friendly, as long as four-legged friends stay on leashes no longer than 10 feet (which is generous in comparison to the 6-foot standard for leashes in most other states and in national parks and monuments). Leashed pets are also welcome in many of New Mexico’s national forests, as well as at campgrounds at select national monuments, including Bandelier National Monument, but—again—leash rules apply. If you'd rather be out somewhere where your pup can roam freely, look for pet-friendly Hipcamps near Santa Fe and Albuquerque, ranging from simple tent and RV sites to glamping domes and cabins.

94% (7.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

River Sanctuary by Ojo Hot Springs

3. River Sanctuary by Ojo Hot Springs

96%
(202)
4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Piñon Pine And Prickly Pear

5. Piñon Pine And Prickly Pear

100%
(5)
1 site · Tent, RV · Santa Fe, NM
Piñon Pine and Prickly Pear -Secluded hillside retreat just minutes from downtown Santa Fe 🌲 -Escape into nature without giving up convenience, hidden gem just off Hwy 599 and only 7–10 minutes from Santa Fe’s historic Plaza. -Surrounded by piñon and juniper trees this private, lightly rustic site offers sweeping views and peaceful surroundings. -Depending on the season you might see jack rabbits, woodpeckers, owls, coyotes, hawks, lizards, and more What to Expect: • Type of site: Mulched hillside for RVs, vans, or tents • Sleeps: Up to 5 guests • Vehicle size: Best suited for rigs under 24 ft and that have a bit of clearance (backup parking may allow slightly larger) • Terrain / access: Please be aware this site is more challenging than typical campgrounds 4×4 isn’t required but is recommended, approach angles are a bit steep, turns are a bit tight, and it can be a bit muddy with heavy rain. Helps to have a spotter for bigger vehicles. Many vans and cars have had no issues, one has gotten a little stuck when it was muddy. • Amenities:   • Potable water available via hydrant near house (~100 ft from site)   • No hookups (electricity, on-site water, or sewer)   • No toilets   • You must be self-contained with your own supplies Vibe: Extremely private and tree-surrounded — host’s home is just up the hill and barely visible depending on orientation Ideal For • Adventurers who prefer quieter, off-grid stays • Campervans, trucks and campers with mild ground clearance • Tent camping under the canopy of piñon and juniper • Travelers wanting a base close to Santa Fe but still in a more natural, secluded setting
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

Public campgrounds in New Mexico

Stories from the community

Other options in New Mexico

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field