The best camping near Valles Caldera National Preserve

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Valles Caldera National Preserve adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Valles Caldera National Preserve

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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.

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Tierra del RavenTree

1 site · RV, Tent18 acres · Placitas, NM

Ultimate peace and privacy. Nestled in juniper-wooded hills with sweeping views. Close to Albuquerque (20 minutes) and Santa Fe (40 minutes) but feels like a secluded retreat. Most people have no problem finding my place by entering my address in their GPS. However, I have had 2 HipCampers report their GPS directed them to a road called Camino de las Brisas or Las Brisas Loop. Turning here will lead you to a steep, dangerous road where it will be very difficult to turn around if you're in an RV and impossible with a trailer. Continue on Camino de Las Huertas to Senda Osa Vieja. It's marked with a street sign, a stone monument with brass plate. There's also a blue "private road" sign with a dragon. This land was purchased in 1956 by my archeologist parents because of the ancient pueblo site (dating from 1000 A.D.) and pit house sites (dating from 800 A.D.) Until the mega drought seriously impacted the land, a stream ran through it year round. Now it is only intermittent. Across the valley from this property, and within view of the campsite, is the site of a Spanish Colonial village, San Jose de las Huertas. It dates from the 1700s and is now owned by the Archeological Conservancy. This area is rich in history both Native American and Spanish. Learn more about this land: Located in the high desert 20 minutes from Albuquerque and 40 minutes from Santa Fe. Views of Sandia mountains, and near historic archeological sites. Within a 10 minute drive are popular mountain biking trails. Petroglyphs are a 20 minute, moderately strenuous hike from property. Very peaceful, quiet and safe. Read all the Rules and Safety info before booking so you understand exactly what facilities are and are not available, particularly if you in an RV or trailer.

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Rancheros De Santa Fe Resort

94 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Santa Fe, NM

Located just minutes away from the heart of historic Santa Fe, Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground is nestled in a serene and tranquil environment surrounded by lush trees and natural beauty. Our RV park offers a range of amenities to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable, including a swimming pool, picnic area, dog park, hiking trail, and more.

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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.

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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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Star Dance High Desert Retreat

9 sites · Tents50 acres · Youngsville, NM

Visit the startling beauty of the plateaus above Lake Abiquiu in northern New Mexico. Star Dance provides a secluded experience for travelers, artists, fishermen, birdwatchers, stargazers, and more. Star Dance sits above the upper Rio Chama canyons on 30 acres of trails and undisturbed natural terrain. **ATTENTION POTENTIAL GUESTS** Recently we've had a rash of guests who, either through the difficulties with using the mobile app or just not reading our provided information, have been arriving passed our check in time. We require guests to arrive no later than an hour before sundown (summer 7:30pm - winter 5:00pm) We require this because we are very rural and our sites are not lit to keep our property natural and prevent light pollution for ourselves and our neighbors. In the past we've issued refunds for people who have neglected this rule. We will no longer be doing so in the future.

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Little Valley Camp

3 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Chamisal, NM

*Prefer to text because of limited cell service*Semi-remote lush valley surrounded by national forest 8000 ft in the ponderosas.We came here in 1989 with intentions to live off the grid and among nature. Raised our kids here in a school bus and cabin. I put up the teepee in the summers and move the kitchen outside. We hold the land with high respect, plant trees, and enjoy the peace of the forest. Some people have stayed here for a night, others for many months. *Hosting through Hip Camp for the first time in the summer of 2021.* Looking forward to welcoming new visitors and working together to create a great experience for everyone.

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Dancing Trees High Desert Hideaway

5 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Eldorado At Santa Fe, NM

Star gazers and solitude seekers rejoice. Your peaceful hideaway with rolling hills, blooming cactus, mountain views, and all the tranquility the high desert is known for awaits. Located just 4 miles off the Turquoise Trail, enjoy 14 acres of private camping and hiking. Convenient and easy driving to both Santa Fe and Madrid, and only 45 minutes to Albuquerque. Wifi near house. You can chill on the casita patio if you need to check email. Otherwise, be prepared to enjoy being off grid for a minute. (Pretty good cell signal throughout property except at bottom of hill and Arroyo.) We offer 3 sites currently as well as a small guest suite.

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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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Abiquiu Tiny House

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Abiquiu , NM

Situated at 6300 ft. above sea level the Chama River Valley is surrounded by forested mountains. There is white water rafting on the Rio Chama and Rio Grande Rivers nearby during spring and summer. Within an hour there are ski areas at Taos and Santa Fe during the winter. Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is 17 miles away and has a full spa and restaurant. There are beautiful hiking trails throughout the area and Abiquiu Lake is less than 20 minutes away. The location of the Tiny House is in a quiet, private and beautiful setting. Abiquiu Lake is only 15 minutes away for fun swimming, Ghost Ranch is 20 minutes away and has 3 beautiful hikes. Santa Fe and Taos are 60 minutes away. The tiny house is a healthy house built on the golden mean and has no electrical radiation inside except wi-fi. All material used are nontoxic.Notable aspect. There are no pets allowed on the property.

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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.

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Montoya Area

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Rio Rancho, NM

Looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle? Rent out this private piece of land just 15 minutes away from Rio Rancho! Nestled among beautiful trees, this secluded spot offers the perfect camping experience, far from the crowds and noise. Enjoy nature, stargaze in the clear night skies, and unwind in complete tranquility. Whether you're seeking solitude or a serene camping adventure, this spot has everything you need for a memorable getaway. Book your stay today!

The best camping near Valles Caldera National Preserve guide

Overview

About

When a volcano erupted 1.25 million years ago, it laid the foundations for this breathtaking park. A volcanic depression 13 miles wide astounds even the most cynical traveler. Explore this 89,000-acre preserve, and enjoy outdoor recreation year round.

Unique landscapes surround the crater of a dormant supervolcano. See volcanic domes, sweeping valley meadows, and streams. Explore the Historic Cabin District. There's no camping in the park as of 2018. However, there are miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders (strictly BYOH—Bring Your Own Horse). Our advice: Hike La Garita on the north rim for the best views of Valles Caldera.

The park's elevation is 8,000 feet, so packing plenty of water is a smart move. Cell coverage in the park is also limited, so get ready for an unplugged experience. Stop by the Valle Grande Bookstore to stock up on drinks and snacks.

If fly-fishing is your vice, don't miss the 6.5-mile segment of the Jemez River. Thousands of brown trout inhabit the river and nearby streams. While you're casting a line, keep an eye out for prairie dogs, mountain bluebirds, and elk—the park has the largest population in New Mexico.

Each season at the Valles has its highlights. Spring and early summer are the time to see wildflowers. Fall is gorgeous (think golden aspens). But if you're traveling from September through December, keep in mind it's elk hunting season—wear orange to stay safe.

Visit in the winter to enjoy cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Traverse miles of groomed trails, or chart a course through the backcountry. You can rent snowshoes and poles (but not skis) at the Valle Grande Bookstore.

Valles Caldera is one of the wildest spots in the state. While it may be rustic, the park is truly a nature lover's paradise.