New Mexico’s Best Boondocking Spots For RVers
New Mexico is called the “Land of Enchantment” thanks to the range of features and experiences throughout the state. It’s certainly easy to feel enchanted by the snow-capped mountains, jagged desert rocks, and timeless historical landmarks you’ll find here. Plus, New Mexico is full of boondocking locations that draw RVers looking for an adventure. Let’s explore seven great spots where you could boondock in New Mexico.
What Is Boondocking?
Boondocking is camping without access to electricity, water, or sewer hookups. Boondocking is also known as dry camping. When campers refer to boondocking, they mean camping on public lands such as those managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These public-use lands are often free to camp on, but not always. Be sure to research if you need a permit for camping in these areas.
Activities to Do While Boondocking in New Mexico
New Mexico has fantastic hiking. You can find yourself climbing mountains and scaling desert rocks all in the same day. If you’re boondocking in New Mexico in winter, you might even try out some skiing.
If history piques your interest, New Mexico has no shortage of noteworthy sites. You’ll find prehistoric rock carvings in abundance. A visit to Abó is well worth your time.
You may be surprised to come across many waterfalls as well in this dry, rocky state. One thing that boondocking allows you to do is to get out and discover things you didn’t realize existed. For example, you might discover Nambe Falls, not far from Santa Fe. There are many more dazzling waterfalls in New Mexico for you to experience as well.
Our Top 7 Best Boondocking Spots in New Mexico
With so many great places worth seeing in New Mexico, it’s tough to narrow the list down to seven. However, here are our top picks for boondocking in the state.
Sierra Vista Campground
GPS: 32.3227, -106.6306
This boondocking spot offers fantastic views of the Organ Mountains. It’s near Desert Peaks National Monument. The RV sites are easily accessible from the road. Those who have 4×4 vehicles and smaller RVs or tents will enjoy even more space the farther in they go.
Sierra Vista Campground lies within driving distance to many great tourist sites. Campers can drive south and explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park or Guadalupe Mountains National Park. White Sands National Park is a short drive east.
Campers have reported that all carriers offer some cell service at this location. The connectivity makes the area great for those who need to work remotely. Campers can get their work done, and play outdoors afterward.
Chosa Campground
GPS: 32.0885, -104.4321
Chosa Campground is great for rigs of all sizes. It’s an easy in and easy out location with plenty of room to park. There’s even a dumpster for campers to use. Reviews estimate that there’s space for about 20 RVs, so you can arrive feeling confident you’ll find a spot.
This campground is an excellent spot for those looking to explore Carlsbad Caverns and the Guadalupe Mountains. It’s close enough to the parks that you can even come back for a midday rest or meal. Plus, campers have reported decent cell service, making remote work possible.
Granite Camp Dispersed Camping
GPS: 32.0953, -108.9705
Granite Camp Dispersed Camping area is excellent for small trailers or truck campers. The road can be tight, and some campers have reported close calls with squeezing through brush and rocks. If you can make it in, you’ll have great views and a quiet location.
You won’t get the best cell service at this location. AT&T users have reported little to no service, while Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile users report some.
Bluff Springs
GPS: 32.8311, -105.7373
If you’re looking for a more forested area in New Mexico, Bluff Springs is a great spot. Located in Cloudcroft, the campground sits at a higher elevation, making this a great location during those hot summer months. There are many spots for RVs to park. Some reports say the biggest spots fill up quickly, though.
Bluff Springs is great for those looking to hike and take in nature. Campers can even park right beside a waterfall. Users have not left any reports about the quality of cell service at this location. If that’s critical for you, you could be taking your chances here.
Cebolla Mesa Campground
GPS: 36.6405, -105.6891
Cebolla Mesa Campground sits in northern New Mexico. This campground offers excellent mountain and canyon views in a forest setting. Campers will love the dedicated campsites, some of which have picnic tables.
Cabello Mesa Campground has a bathroom available at the trailhead. There are no other hookups or facilities. Reviews report spotty cell phone service depending on where in the campground you’re located.
This area is excellent for hiking, canyon views, and enjoying the river. The area tends to be a quiet location, making this great for campers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a bit of serene boondocking in New Mexico.
Angel Peak Campground
GPS: 36.5451, -107.8626
Find peace and quiet at Angel Peak Campground. The area is tucked away in northwest New Mexico. Campers will enjoy beautiful views of Angel’s Peak and the Badlands. The higher elevation makes this a great location for summer camping.
Those wishing to visit Angel Peak Campground should keep the weather in mind. The roads can get very muddy after recent rain.
Campers have reported decent cell phone service with most carriers. You may be able to juggle boondocking and working while staying here.
West Mesa Road Dispersed Camping
GPS: 33.517, -105.5153
West Mesa Road Dispersed Camping area is excellent for those looking to boondock in a forested area at higher elevations. This area is also a great stopover for those traveling between Roswell and White Sands National Park. The camping area features two larger sites, making it easy to access even for bigger rigs.
Despite the proximity to the highway, you’ll enjoy great views and ample privacy. Campers will enjoy views of the mountains and superb hiking trails. There are several nearby museums, monuments, and ski resorts as well. Campers report adequate cell service with AT&T and Verizon but spottier service with T-Mobile.
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