New Mexico camping options are many and wonderful. In this beautiful Southwestern state, you will find both primitive and developed campsites, and RV enthusiasts will be happy to know that the state is full of inviting RV parks. If you don't have an RV, the tent sites are also in good supply across the state, and those who prefer having sturdier walls around them can always go the cabin route. Many campgrounds in the Land of Enchantment offer cabin rentals, and you might be surprised how many amenities some of these cabins are.

The north-central region of New Mexico is where many tourists choose to spend their time, and it's not hard to understand why. This mountainous region is prime for all kinds of outdoor pursuits, such as skiing and hiking, and the cities of Santa Fe and Taos have too many charms to list. Should you prefer being closer to Santa Fe when looking for New Mexico campgrounds in the region, then you might secure a spot in the Santa Fe National Forest. There are numerous campgrounds in this national forest, and they include the popular Jemez Falls Campground on State Route 4. There are 35 relatively simple sites at the Jemez Falls Campground, and most can accommodate a tent or RV. Facilities include toilets and a water station, and there are some great hiking opportunities to take advantage of.

When looking to camp near Santa Fe, you might also consider the more complete campgrounds in the area. These campgrounds include the Rancheros de Santa Fe, which is just minutes from the city's Old Town district. More specifically found at 736 Old Las Vegas Highway, the Rancheros de Santa Fe offers tent sites and RV sites with full hookups. That's not all, however. This is one of many campgrounds worth keeping in mind if you are interested in New Mexico camping cabins. The cabins at Rancheros de Santa Fe don't offer a lot of frills, but the campground facilities should make up for that. These facilities include clean bathrooms, hot showers, and a large outdoor pool. As is true of many other New Mexico campgrounds, Rancheros de Santa Fe closes during the winter season.

New Mexico Map

The Carson National Forest offers a few good campgrounds that are akin to the campgrounds in the Santa Fe National Forest, and they can be ideal for people who want to be close to Taos and Red River. There are also numerous RV parks to choose from in the area, so you won't want for camping options. Down closer to Albuquerque, you can find campsites in the Cibola National Forest or opt to stay at an RV park such as Enchanted Trails. Found at 14305 Central Avenue NW, this RV park offers more than 100 sites, and most of these sites have full hookups. As is true at the majority of the more complete New Mexico camping destinations, Enchanted Trails features free Internet access, and the facilities are extensive.

You don't have to limit yourself to the northern part of New Mexico when searching for good campgrounds. The Silver City KOA offers great facilities and is close to both Silver City and the Gila Cliff Dwellings, for example, and Brantley Lake State Park offers a pair of campgrounds that can be great places to stay near Carlsbad Canyons National Park. One of the campgrounds at Brantley Lake is developed, while the other offers a more primitive experience.

The Las Cruces area is also worth considering when trying to find good places to camp in southern New Mexico. To the near east of Las Cruces, the Aguirre Spring Campground offers some simple tent sites at the base of the beautiful Organ Mountains, and these sites are available year round. Another wonderful place to camp in the Las Cruces area is the White Sands National Monument. The white-colored gypsum dunes in this national monument area are arguably best enjoyed at sunrise or when a full moon is out, and you'll have to spend the night at one of the ten campsites if you want to experience such a thing. Permits for the first-come, first-served campsites that can be found at the White Sands National Monument are required, and you can get them at the visitor center. The overnight fee is about as low a camping fee as you will come across anywhere in the country.