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New Mexico in the summer sounds like a hot deal, but there are plenty of cool places to stay during the summer. Cool off in the campsite pool or stay in the mountains where temperatures are always moderate. You might want to stay directly in Santa Fe to experience everything the city has to offer. Here are the 5 best places to camp in New Mexico this summer!
1) White Sands National Park
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There may not be ocean beaches in New Mexico, but there is the white sand of the world’s largest gypsum dune field. You can take the 16-mile round trip, stopping along the way to get out and hike through the dunes. White Sands National Park also offers hikes directly from the visitor center. Plan ahead and bring plenty of water when hiking the desert dunes. Another unique activity is sand sledding, which involves going down the sand dunes in a plastic sled, like snow sledding.
There are 10 primitive backcountry campgrounds at White Sands, but they are CLOSED due to site redevelopment. Nearby is the Alamogordo/White Sands KOA Journey which is only about 20 minutes from White Sands National Park. They offer RV campgrounds with full hookups, as well as tent sites and cabins. Enjoy the indoor swimming pool, camp shop and recreation room. Then return to your campsite for a campfire and s’mores!
| Location | Southern New Mexico between the Sacramento and San Andres mountain ranges |
| the next town | Alamogordo, NM |
| Camping in the backcountry at White Sands | Currently closed, check website for updates |
| Alamogordo/White Sands KOA trip | 20 minutes from White Sands |
| camper pitches | 70, some fully hooked up, others just powered |
| tent sites | 4 pitches for tents only |
| cabins | 4 camping cabins |
| Picnic tables at each location | Yes |
| Fire pit at each location | Yes |
| Furnishing | Toilets, showers, laundry, swimming pool, recreation room, playground, dog run |
| Pet friendly | Yes, they have a dog run |
| reservations | Yes |
| Which makes it one of the best | Cool off in the pool near White Sands! |
2) Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks National Monument/Aguirre Spring Campground
©iStock.com/Todd Hogrefe
Not far from White Sands are the Organ Mountains and Desert Peaks National Monument. The pointed rock formations protrude from the ground and form tall, almost tree-like structures. There are two hiking trails in the Aguirre Spring Recreation Area, both are worth the hike. Try the Baylor Canyon Trail, a 6-mile trail where you can see Baylor Peak on one side and the Organ Mountains on the other. Keep an eye out for mule deer, the Colorado chipmunk, and hopefully not a mountain lion.
The Pine Tree Trail is east of the campground and is a 4.6 mile loop trail that takes an average of 2 1/2 hours to complete. Some recommend taking the anti-clockwise circular route for the best views! After a 2 ½ hour hike, return to your campsite for dinner and a nice campfire. Aguirre Springs Campground has 55 sites, including some that accommodate RVs under 23 feet. Definitely one of the best places to camp in New Mexico this summer!
| Location | On the east side of the organ mountains |
| the next town | Organ, N.M |
| camper pitches | 55 locations total, RV less than 23′ |
| tent sites | Yes, all pitches have a tent pad |
| Picnic tables at each location | Yes |
| Grill anywhere | Yes |
| Fire pit at each location | Yes |
| Furnishing | Pit toilets, water at the entrance |
| Pet friendly | Yes |
| reservations | No, first come, first served |
| Which makes it one of the best | Amazing views of Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Park |
3) Last Chance Gorge Karlovy Vary
©Tim Malek/Shutterstock.com
For all climbers, Last Chance Canyon is the place to go! With 15 different rocks there is a level of comfort for all climbers. In summer, experienced climbers recommend Mad Cow Wall and Hueco Cave for epic climbs. If you’re staying a while and want to try several crags, get this, there’s free camping in the Lincoln National Forest right near the parking lot. Keep in mind that the elevation is quite high, around 6,000 feet, so plan for some cooler weather ahead!
| Location | 25 miles southwest of Carlsbad, NM |
| the next town | Carlsbad, NM |
| Pitches for mobile homes/tents | Spread out in the Lincoln National Forest |
| Picnic tables at each location | NO |
| Fire pit at each location | NO |
| Furnishing | Restrooms, the Pilot Travel Center in Carlsbad has two shower rooms with chargeable showers |
| Pet friendly | Yes, pets are allowed |
| reservations | Not required |
| Which makes it one of the best | Some of the best rock climbing in New Mexico! |
4) Rancheros De Santa Fe RV Park and Campground
©iStock.com/Wolfgang Gafriller
If you want to stay right in Santa Fe, then the Rancheros De Santa Fe RV Park and Campground is a great option. Located on historic Route 66, it is just minutes from Old Town Santa Fe. The campground has RV sites, tent sites, and several RV cabins. Cool off in the pool or take your dog to the Okay Doggie Corral. There is a fun playground and nightly movies in the summer. A really comfortable place to stay as a base for visiting Santa Fe.
| Location | Northeast corner of Santa Fe |
| the next town | Santa Fe, N.M |
| Pitches for mobile homes/tents | Yes |
| Picnic tables at each location | Yes |
| Fire pit at each location | Yes |
| Furnishing | Toilets, showers, swimming pool, playground, laundry, theater area |
| Pet friendly | Yes, visit the Okay Doggie Corral! |
| reservations | Yes |
| Which makes it one of the best | Modern campsite right in Santa Fe! |
5) Columbine Campground, Carson National Forest
©James Orndof/Shutterstock.com
Would you like to camp right on the Red River? Then Columbine Campground in Carson National Forest is the place for you. With only 27 pitches, you are assured of a peaceful camping experience close to nature. For a challenging but rewarding experience, try backpacking along the Columbine-Twinning Trail. This 8.5 mile trail is a “round trip” trail that takes about 4 1/2 hours. Pack lunch to enjoy halfway, sit back and enjoy the beautiful National Forest. Look for mule deer, moose, antelope and bighorn sheep. Be aware that you are in bear country, but human encounters are rare. After a day’s hike, return to your campsite for a relaxing evening with beautiful views.
| Location | In the Carson National Forest |
| the next town | taos |
| Pitches for mobile homes/tents | 27 sites, 7 trailer sites under 32 feet, 20 sites for RVs and tents, basic sites |
| Picnic tables at each location | Yes |
| Fire pit at each location | Yes |
| Furnishing | toilets |
| Pet friendly | Yes |
| reservations | Yes |
| Which makes it one of the best | Peaceful camping right on the Red River! |
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