The best star host campgrounds in New Mexico

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.

99% (5.5K) • 201 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near New Mexico

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.

99% (5.5K) • 201 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near New Mexico

1. Camp Across From Pecos River

96%

(25)

4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Tererro, NM

Escape the crowds and reconnect with nature at Vida Bonita Pecos. Tucked deep in the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest, our three private campsites offer quiet seclusion, stunning views, and exclusive access to a peaceful slice of Northern New Mexico wilderness. Full Description: Welcome to your own private forest escape. At Vida Bonita Pecos, our two campsites are designed for those seeking quiet, space, and solitude. Set apart from each other and completely removed from any other campers, you’ll feel like you have the entire forest to yourself. Each site is nestled beneath towering Ponderosa and Blue Spruce pines and Aspens. They offer level ground for tents, grill for cooking, and easy access to nearby hiking trails, Cowles Ponds, and the soothing sounds of the Pecos River. Whether you’re stargazing by your campfire or sipping coffee with the morning breeze, this is where relaxation lives. Your campsite is part of the Vida Bonita Pecos complex, which includes beautifully remodeled cabins and the remodeled Ponderosa Lodge. While you’ll have total privacy at your site, guests are welcome to explore designated areas of the property, our trout pond, and free roaming chickens and turkeys. We don’t pack campers in. No RVs. No generators. Just you, the trees, and a sky full of stars. What’s Included: Two secluded tent campsites (book one or both) Access to filtered spring drinking water Campfire ring (fire restrictions may apply) Access to clean outhouse toilet. Cell service is spotty—perfect for unplugging, but we have free WiFi at the main cabin. Things to Know: No other campers will be placed near you—guaranteed privacy. Firewood available on request. Check-in at our main lodge before heading to your site. Come experience the slower pace of mountain life. Whether you’re here to hike, fish, write, or simply breathe, our campsites at Vida Bonita Pecos are the perfect place to begin your New Mexico adventure.

2. Star Gazer Ranch

98%

(264)

1 site · Tent, RV · Highland Meadows, NM

We are a secluded, one site camp. Our home is 22 miles west of Albuquerque NM. Just 4 miles from i40. Adjacent to Navajo reservation where “Breaking Bad” was filmed. Hundreds of acres of naturalized land. Panoramic view of mountains and unobstructed view of the night sky. Beautiful sunrises, sunsets and starry nights. We would love to share our homestead with you. Come unplug, Safe. Everybody welcome. Most of your questions are answered in this listing. Text me for any additional concerns.

3. Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

98%

(24)

4 sites · RVs · Tularosa, NM

We are a winery and vineyard that offers RV parking, with 20/30/50 electrical hook ups. We have a tasting room and retail shop, our hours currently are 12-5 daily CLOSED on TUESDAY. (you can still stay onsite Tuesday, we just wont offer tastings). Our Estate grown wines are produced and bottled on our site. We have pistachio trees and pecan trees, tranquil property that offers a beautiful redwood deck enclosed with Ivy outdoor patio with tables and chairs. Attractions located nearby include White Sands 30 miles away and Ruidoso. RV Parking Pad with 20/30/50 Electricity is $45 / night. Check in noon, check out 11 am No water hook - ups Bring your picnic, we do not have food.

4. Ridgetop Oasis Private Tent Site

1 site · Tent · Santa Fe, NM

Enjoy sunrises, sunsets and a sky full of stars in your own private and fenced tent site. This site is one and the same with our cabin site. Rest assured that only one will be rented at a time so that you are guaranteed privacy. This site can also provide the perfect opportunity for small groups (up to 4) with some campers who prefer to glamp and others who prefer to rough it. Please contact me if you'd like to rent both sites simultaneously. There is a composting toilet beside the cabin that tent campers may use. There is no running water or electricity. Please adhere to Leave No Trace Policies; Take only pictures and leave only shoe prints.

5. Camp Darkmoon

100%

(78)

3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Belen, NM

Camp Darkmoon is a living example of alternative architecture and the off-grid lifestyle. On site are a handful of earthen structures. Lodging and tent site are available to book. Two acres of sage flatlands. Close to town but even closer to the mountains. Monte Largo Cañon is a short rocky drive away. Perfectly clean air, peaceful atmosphere, and flawless stars at night.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

P

Paul

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Camp Across From Pecos River

The cabin was a good size, away from other cabins, and had everything we needed. The cabin stayed warm throughout the night, and the bathroom is completely re-done.

P

Paul

December 2025

Tent

3 nights at Camp Across From Pecos River

Great spot, very quiet. Not hard to get to. If it is snowing I’d recommend a 4x4. The drive between here and skiSantafe was not bad at all.

D

Dallas

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Star Gazer Ranch

Absolutely amazing! Stunning scenery, hospitality, and accommodations. Owners were wonderful! We were coming late and they helped us find our location via text and directions. Offered to take care of some garbage so we didn’t have to drive with it. They also have the sweetest little dog ever! Came up said hi and went back to what he was doing super interesting. The site itself was gorgeous. We were able to star gaze and point out consolations very easily. Overall a wonderful stay. Be prepared! It gets cold at night and hot during the summer. Thank you! Appreciate you!

Robert

November 2025

With pets

4 nights at Camp Darkmoon

Camp dark moon is awesome and Roan and Ivy are great hosts. Stayed in Casa Huevo this time and stayed very warm in freezing temps. A beautiful, quiet camp.

Miranda

November 2025

1 night at Camp Darkmoon

Absolutely wonderful campsite and environment, well curated, cared for, and maintained. The hosts, Ivy & Roan, were incredibly welcoming and kind—I would recommend their camp highly to anyone passing through, as well as to anyone wishing to spend a few days camping by the fire and nights under the stars!

s

sang

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Camp Darkmoon

Lovely spot. Peaceful, beautiful view of the mountains, moonrise was sublime.

L

Lisanne

November 2025

4 nights at Camp Darkmoon

Really great to see someone making charming tiny houses out of native materials with his own hands! Also, the area has a lot to offer, including great hiking in the nearby mountains (but reasonably high clearance vehicles necessary to get to the closest trail heads) and a comfortable and inexpensive train into both Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Lastly, the hosts are really good people--community minded, kind hearted, thinking for themselves.

Rasika

October 2025

1 night at Camp Darkmoon

Just can't say enuff good things! A lovely, mystical, adorable break in the long drive thru New Mexico, boasting creative DIY solutions worth taking notes from, with some rad-tabulous hosts who live on site and make great campfire chat buddies. Def will be back to stay in the cozy, warm egg. Loooved taking a composty dump in a serene Naturescape and helping the planet along! And so happy to have made new friends!

J

Jennifer

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Star Gazer Ranch

Fantastic spot close to I-40 just west of Albuquerque. Easy to find (even in the dark!) thanks to the very detailed instructions. Would 100% stay again. ✨

S

Susan

October 2025

31 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

Site was clean and level. Vineyard was nice, wine was excellent. The owners, both old and new, were welcoming and friendly. Patio was a great place to hang out and meet people.

Will

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Darkmoon

Roan & Ivy are amazing human beings. They were so welcoming to us. The land is amazing. The view is serene. Our experience exceeded our expectations on every level. We'll definitely return when we're passing through New Mexico again.

S

October 2025

1 night at Camp Darkmoon

Casa Huevo is a cozy delight. Gorgeous open New Mexico skies and kind, lovely hosts. It was chilly outside (early October), but inside the little dome I was more than comfortable. Loved the experience and wouldn’t hesitate to return!

r

romeo

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Second time camping here and it was great. Very quiet and relaxed. Hosts were very friendly. Definitely a good place to spend the night or maybe even a few days just outside Albuquerque. This has been a good spot for us to spend the night on our way up to Utah on 2 separate trips.

Michael

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Darkmoon

Nice spot with expansive views. Outdoor privy. Roan and Ivy were very friendly and helpful. I would stay again.

C

Charlotte

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Camp Darkmoon

We had such an amazing stay at Campo Crudo! The sunsets were so beautiful and the star gazing was unlike anything else we’ve seen. Definitely recommend. Gets nice and chilly at night and hot in the day so plan accordingly:) If you plan to camp, keep in mind that the space is not huge. I would say a four person tent or less would fit ideally in the area they have.

L

Lea

September 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Star Gazer Ranch

Beautiful 360 views, sunset and sunrise were amazing.

Jerrod

September 2025

With kids

2 nights at Camp Across From Pecos River

The area is absolutely beautiful!! And Duc was amazing and accommodating! We felt welcomed and taken care of. Our cabin was lovely, and the area of the river we could walk to was absolutely stunning! And our boys loved feeding the animals and even got to help collect eggs. We couldn’t have had a better time!! Would love to come back and spend more time!

S

Sara

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Across From Pecos River

Nice, quiet site. Very comfortable accommodations with everything we needed for our stay. We were able to walk to the river as well as the trails up by Cowles Pond. We also enjoyed hiking the Cave Creek trail which was just a few minutes up the road. Duc was a great host and taught us how to build the best campfire of our lives.

L

Lindsay

September 2025

1 night at Camp Darkmoon

We loved staying here, we felt safe and cozy. The sunrise was beautiful and the hut was so cool! This is a great space and both Roan and Ivy were kind and welcoming :)

V

Victoria

September 2025

1 night at Camp Darkmoon

The earth dome matches description and also exceeds in ways you have to experience yourself. Waking up to dead silence on this land was special- being more attuned to the work and projects made out of earth, and the sweeping mesa-like setting. The windows of casa huevo let you fall asleep to the moon and wake with the sun right there, and also catch nighttime breezes 🌙

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host camping in New Mexico guide

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.