Horse Camping in New Mexico
New Mexico is a solid state for horse camping because of its mix of public land and diverse terrain. Approximately 30–35% of New Mexico is public land, including Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Forest, and other federally managed areas. What makes New Mexico unique is the blend of landscapes. Riders can experience open desert, rolling grasslands, and forested mountain terrain depending on where they go. That variety allows for different riding styles and conditions across the state.
Listing 1 campground in New Mexico.
Campgrounds in New Mexico (1)ExpandCollapse
Bisti Badlands
Farmington, NMAmenitiesWaterWaterPensPensHighlinesHighlinesTurnoutTurnoutStoreStoreDump StationDump StationBring * Set up your own * AllowedWaterWaterPensPensHighlinesHighlinesElectric FencingElectric FencingHookupsWaterWaterElectricElectricSewerSewer00
Bisti Badlands
The Bisti Badlands (Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness) is a completely unique riding experience in northwestern New Mexico, about 40 miles south of Farmington. This isn’t a traditional campground—it’s a remote, undeveloped wilderness known for its surreal, moon-like landscape filled with hoodoos, petrified wood, and dramatic desert formations.
This is not a place you go for campground amenities. It’s a place you go for scenery and the experience. If you’re looking for something truly different, this area is well worth the effort.
Access is via State Highway 371 followed by a gravel road leading into the wilderness area. The location is remote, and navigation is important.
The pin on the map reflects the exact spot where we set up camp, which can be helpful since there are no designated campground areas or marked equestrian sites.
There are no designated equestrian facilities, so you’ll need to bring your own horse containment setup.
The ground is extremely hard, making it difficult or impossible to drive in standard hot wire posts. Plan accordingly with a setup that works in hard desert conditions.
This is more of a basecamp-and-explore type location rather than a traditional ride-out-from-camp setup with maintained trails.
There are no designated campsites, no water, and no amenities. You must be fully self-sufficient.
This is a remote wilderness area, so proper planning is essential, including navigation, water, and horse containment.
Come prepared for a completely undeveloped experience—this is about the landscape, not campground comforts.
Popular riding trails
These are some of the most commonly referenced areas for riding in New Mexico, especially for riders looking for public access and a mix of terrain types.
Trails tied to campgrounds in New MexicoExpandCollapse
These trails are pulled from campground entries in New Mexico and grouped under each campground.
Bisti Badlands
Farmington, NM

Trails tied to this campground (3)ExpandCollapse
What riders can expect
Riding conditions can vary depending on elevation and location. Lower areas tend to be more open and dry, while higher elevations provide cooler temperatures and more tree cover.
