Equestrian Camping in the West — Horse Campgrounds, Trails & Riding Info

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)Expand

Bisti Badlands

Farmington, NM
Amenities
WaterPensHighlinesTurnoutStoreDump Station
Bring * Set up your own * Allowed
WaterPensHighlinesElectric Fencing
Hookups
WaterElectricSewer
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Overview

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

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.

Equestrian

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.

Important Notes

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.

Map & Directions
Destination: 36.266177, -108.252097

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.

Carson National Forest
Santa Fe National Forest
Gila National Forest
Lincoln National Forest
Bisti Badlands
Open desert and high desert riding areas
BLM-managed riding areas across the state
Trails tied to campgrounds in New MexicoExpand

These trails are pulled from campground entries in New Mexico and grouped under each campground.

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.

A mix of desert, grassland, and mountain terrain
Large areas of public land with fewer crowds
Open riding with fewer marked trail systems in some areas
Forested riding in higher elevation regions
More self-sufficient trip planning in remote areas

Best for

Riders who want a mix of terrain types
Open riding and less crowded areas
Desert and high desert riding experiences
Mountain riding in select regions
Riders comfortable with more independent trip planning

FAQ

How much of New Mexico is public land?
Approximately 30–35% of New Mexico is public land, primarily managed by federal agencies.
What kinds of public land are common in New Mexico?
Much of New Mexico’s riding access comes from National Forest land and BLM land, along with some state-managed recreation areas.
Can you ride directly from camp in New Mexico?
In many areas, yes. Public land access often allows riders to camp near or within riding areas.
Is New Mexico mostly desert riding?
Not entirely. While desert and high desert terrain are common, the state also includes forested mountain regions.
What kind of riding terrain is most common?
A mix of desert, grassland, and mountain terrain depending on the region.