One of the best ways to become immersed in the natural beauty of New Mexico is to camp outdoors under the stars. Here's a campground that offers just basic camping amenities, but after the sun sets, you'll be treated to some of the most spectacular night skies you've ever seen.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located in northwestern New Mexico, and it was once home to the ancient Pueblo Peoples.
The park protects and preserves ancient dwellings that date back to 900 A.D., and you'll want to explore these incredible ruins to learn more about the people who once called this desert home. Not only did the Pueblo peoples build some absolutely stunning homes, buildings, and worship sites, but there's also some evidence that they even paid close attention to the solar and lunar cycles, and kept close astronomy records.
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To thoroughly explore the park, you'll want to plan an overnight stay.
You'll find the Gallo Campground just a mile from the Visitor Center, and it's situated at the base of the Gallo cliffs. The cost to stay here is just $15 per night - a bargain considering the star show you'll enjoy at night.
Campsites here are very rustic, offering just a few amenities.
Sites include a picnic table, fire ring and tent pad. You'll also enjoy restrooms and drinking water. While the sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long, there are no hookups here.
Some of the campsites are located directly under a cliff dwelling.
The Night Sky Program is held at the Chaco Observatory every Friday and Saturday evening from April through October. You'll enjoy presentations from park rangers that cover archaeoastronomy, the history of the park, and the many constellations and planets visible here at night. The park has powerful telescopes that you can use, too.
Spending time in nature away from civilization is almost a necessity at times. It allows our minds and bodies to rest and recharge as we enjoy some peace and quiet, breathe in fresh air, and devoid ourselves of any and all distractions. One of the best ways to get away from it all is to spend time at a remote campground in New Mexico, and I found one you're going to like.
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Located between the Questa River and the Red River in the depths of Carson National Forest, Columbine Campground sits at an elevation of 7,900 feet and offers a serene camping experience.
Peak season is between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends and reservations must be made if you plan on camping within this timeframe. Otherwise, sites are first-come, first-served in the off-season.
Running right by Columbine Campground is the Red River. Just imagine going to sleep with the sound of flowing water — no sound machine needed! Falling asleep to the sounds of nature is the kind of peace we all need from time to time.
The campground is also conveniently located by a trailhead you can take into the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness area for a day hike. It's such a beautiful area to explore!
Are you ready to pitch a tent at this remote campground in New Mexico? Where is your favorite place to camp? Let us know! To learn more about Columbine Campground, visit the U.S. Forest Service website. To reserve a campsite, visit Recreation.gov.
If you're looking for new camping gear, check out REI for high-quality tents, sleeping bags, and other gear. I can't recommend them enough!——
New Mexico was made for camping. Whether you prefer to use a tent or an RV, camping is one of the best ways to appreciate our state’s natural beauty - especially the clear night skies. In fact, there are lots of amazing Dark Sky locations in New Mexico. If you’re searching for inspiration for your next overnight outdoor adventure, look no further. Add any of the best camping in New Mexico locales to your to-do list ASAP:
This cluster of volcanic rocks known as City of Rocks State Park are clumped in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert, near Deming. Some of these boulders are 50 feet tall, providing appreciated shade during hot weather. There are 52 developed campsites here and even a botanical garden!
The main draw of this campground is that you sleep below the needles of the Organ Mountains. In fact, the campground is where the Pine Tree Trail begins. It's a four-mile loop that takes you to the base of the needles. This campsite, which is located on Aguirre Springs Road, overlooks White Sands as well. It's on the basic side, but water is available at the host site. There are 57 family sites plus 2 group sites (no RVs over 23 feet) at Aguirre Spring Campground.
Fishing fans should check out this campground for its proximity to Snow Lake, which is well-stocked with trout. There are 40 sites available at the campground. Amenities include potable water, fire rings, picnic tables, and toilets. Dipping Vat Campground is about 50 miles from Reserve.
You don't come to Gallo Campground for the amenities: water, bathrooms, picnic table, and fire grate. You're here to literally immerse yourself in history. Since there's nothing around Chaco, camping gives you time to explore the park fully. Chaco is the 12th park in the world to be certified as a Dark Sky Park, meaning that it's ideal for stargazing. Gallo Campground offers 49 sites, plus 2 group sites and it can accommodate RVs under 35 feet. Reservations needed.
There are five developed campgrounds with a total of 40 campsites within Wild Rivers Recreation Area. Most spots have good views of the river but, if you're seeking more solitude, try La Junta campground.
Although there are eight lakes at Bottomless Lakes State Park, close to Roswell, Lea Lake is the biggest. It has 32 campsites with hookups; showers are available as well.
Located near Deming, Rockhound State Park is unusual because you can collect and remove up to 15 pounds of gems and minerals - assuming you can find them! If you're traveling along I-10, break up your journey at one of the 29 developed campsites here, which offer the basics, along with showers.
Staying at El Vado Lake State Park gives you access to two lakes: El Vado and Heron. There are 80 developed camping spots, along with some primitive beach camping in New Mexico. Recreational opportunities are plentiful - from birding to boating and swimming.
You'd never guess that Santa Fe is only a few miles away when you're relaxing in one of these 35 camping spots. Black Canyon Campground is more basic than some of the other campgrounds nearby, but it has such a secluded feel that it's worth giving up a few amenities. Hiking opportunities abound in the Santa Fe National Forest. You can also access the Pecos Wilderness from here.
People have inhabited the area around Bandelier National Monument for more than 11,000 years! Follow in their footsteps with a stay at one of the three campgrounds. If your group consists of fewer than 10 people, head to the Juniper Family Campground – reservations not taken — for some family camping in New Mexico. Sites come with a picnic table and grill and most can accommodate a tent or RV.
Take a look at this video of spots around Los Alamos, including Bandelier National Monument, by @OnlyInYourState:
It's unusual to be able to explore a lava flow, never mind camp near one. This section of the Tularosa Basin was filled with lava when Little Black Peak erupted approximately 5,000 years ago. This camping spot boasts sites with RV hookups, two wheelchair-accessible sites, and there are showers. Both as a recreation area and as a campground, Valley of Fires Recreation Area flies under the radar, which keeps crowds at bay and lets you enjoy the breathtaking sunsets in peace.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park is popular with water sports enthusiasts. Although there is a campground, you can camp pretty much anywhere along the shore, if you're fine roughing it. This is one park that offers some of the best tent camping in New Mexico.
McCrystal Campground is pretty rustic but, if you're looking for a true escape, this 60-site campground in the Valle Vidal section of Carson National Forest may be a good fit. It's horse-friendly, but you will need to bring your own water.
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There are endless places to camp in New Mexico. In your opinion, what places have the best camping in New Mexico? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Need new camping equipment? Take a look at the selection of camping gear from our friends at REI.
Ready to explore more of New Mexico's enchanting outdoors? Take a look at this video from OnlyInYourState:
