Renting an RV in New Mexico

The American West is a place of legend. It's where native peoples build civilizations that spanned the centuries. Where European settlers learned to live in the deserts and lush prairies.
New Mexico is the very center of this Western culture, with so many must-see national parks and monuments that it’s hard to believe they’re all located in the same state. With plenty of those wide-open spaces Americans dream about, New Mexico is the perfect place to plan a vacation in a rented RV.
With so many of these destinations on federal land, there’s always a place to park your RV and camp for the night—sometimes far from any electric hookup, and sometimes on some of the nicest developed campsites anywhere in the country.
Very few states can boast the sheer number of historical monuments and national landmarks as New Mexico. As you explore the state, you’ll find the ruins of an ancient and sophisticated civilization you never knew were there. You’ll climb your way through deep caverns, hike winding trails to isolated watering holes, and even fish in lush meadows where massive volcanic explosions once raged.
Learn more about Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
For thousands of years, people have been drawn to the glistening white gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park in New Mexico. There, the white dunes represented shelter and shade for some groups and precious resources for others, with each of them leaving a piece of their culture behind. Visit the park to see the historic pueblos and ranches and of course, the white dunes themselves, which are home to countless species of desert flora and fauna.
White Sands National Park does not offer camping of any kind. However, the National Park Service recommends many RV-friendly campgrounds within one hour of the park, many of which are located in and around nearby Alamogordo and Las Cruces, NM. To find the best overnight spot for your RV trip, check out Oliver Lee State Park, Aguirre Springs Recreation Area, and Lincoln National Forest. Learn more about White Sands National Park.
Learn more about Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
Learn more about Petroglyph National Monument.
Learn more about Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah.
Learn more about Chaco Culture Natural Historical Park.
The 33,000 square acres of mesa wilderness at Bandelier are a testament both to the wonder of nature and the rich history of humanity in what is today New Mexico. Throughout the park, petroglyphs and stone houses carved directly into the cliffs tell a rich story of the area’s Pueblo people. Winding trails offer glimpses at bursts of pink flowering cacti and the local Abert’s squirrels, known for their distinctive white tails and tufted ears.
At the park, the Ponderosa Group Campground requires reservations and allows RVs, but only one per group. The Juniper Family Campground, however, is available on a first-come, first-served basis and has 40 campsites, all accommodating to RV camping. Keep in mind, however, that these are primitive sites without hookups. Learn more about Bandelier National Monument.
Learn more about Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Learn more about Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.
Learn more about El Morro National Monument.
Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort in Elephant Butte, New Mexico, is another good spot. If you’ve ever heard of the historic Truth or Consequences Hot Springs, this park is the place for you. Nearby the springs, you’re also right at the desert oasis that is Elephant Butte Lake, with its many watersports activities and lush golf courses.
Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is one that you shouldn’t overlook. This campground is also on Route 66, and it offers a truly New Mexican experience in a natural desert setting. There’s a pool, free Wi-Fi, and dozens of available spots with electric and water hookups. Good Sam has a list of their campgrounds here.
Potable water is a major concern for campers in New Mexico. Many campsites are advertised either for their lack of water sources or the actual presence of accessible water.
New Mexico is a camper’s playground, but viable options for your trip are going to depend heavily on how much work you want to do to secure water for cooking and drinking. In some campsites, you may find yourself walking down to a river or stream to collect water—so be sure to bring plenty of receptacles, or just bring your own drinking water with you.
If you prefer to camp with more comfort, focus on those destinations that offer fully developed campgrounds with water as well as electric hookups.
The US Forest Service manages a lot of land in New Mexico, even if you don’t think of woodlands when the state comes to mind. In places like Gila National Forest and Lincoln National Forest, boondocking is encouraged and very accessible. Just be sure you’re prepared with plenty of drinking water.
Otherwise, the RV community reports several great free camping spots throughout New Mexico, including Trout Lakes Campground in Amarilla, Fort Stanton Recreation Area in Lincoln, and if you have a smaller RV, Ojo Redondo Campground in Thoreau.