The definition of a hidden gem, the state that’s aptly known as the Land of Enchantment is absolutely chock-full of must-see landmarks — including both popular destinations and ones you may not have heard of before. Here’s our top-10 list for those visiting New Mexico.
Top Landmarks in New Mexico
New Mexico Landmarks
Shiprock Peak
Shiprock Peak is a one-of-a-kind geological formation, which looms about 15 miles southwest of the town of Shiprock. This formation is a volcanic structure that has long served as a navigational aid to Native Americans and the settlers who displaced them.
As this place is still sacred to the Navajo people, climbing or hiking on and around it is forbidden. Driving the dirt road to its base is also not allowed, but it sure makes for a fantastic photo opp from the paved road.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Northwest New Mexico is nothing if not remote, so take in those endless desert vistas and only-in-the-southwest skies. You might also consider visiting Flowing Water Navajo Casino in Shiprock.
As far as camping goes, consider staying at Homestead RV Park, which is about 16 miles outside of town.
Earthship Biotecture
Have you heard of Earthships? They’re a marvel of engineering: sustainable houses that use recycled and natural materials to create off-grid, eco-friendly living accommodations. These houses harness geothermal energy for heating, sun for power, and precipitation for the home water supply.
A vision that started in the 1960s by architect Michael Reynolds, these one-of-a-kind dwellings have gained a lot of popularity. They can today be found around the world, but the whole thing started right here in New Mexico. You can see for yourself, and learn lots more about this unique way of living, at Earthship Biotecture, which is kind of the headquarters of the operation.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located just outside of the town of Taos, a drive to Earthship Biotecture requires that you cross the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. We recommend you take the time to stop and walk across, so long as you’re not afraid of heights (and maybe even if you are). You may also want to visit Kit Carson House and Museum or the Taos Art Museum.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park or Heron Lake State Park make excellent places to stay nearby in your RV.
Georgia O’Keeffe Home & Studio
Having certainly earned her title as the mother of American modernism, Georgia O’Keeffe was famed for her paintings of flowers, doors, and desert landscapes. This makes a lot of sense, since she called New Mexico home for much of her life.
“Those hills — our wasteland — I think our most beautiful country,” she said about her adopted homelands, and you can see what inspired her so thoroughly when you visit her historic home and studio in the town of Abiquiu.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
In Abiquiu, you can take long dips in the lake or lay out in the sun on its small sandy beaches. O’Keeffe fans will also want to drop by nearby Ghost Ranch, which is still a working resort made famous by the painter. They may also want to see the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum down in Santa Fe.
We recommend parking your rig at Riana Abiquiu Lake campground. This park is run by the Army Corps of Engineers and is a great place to call home for a few days.
Bandelier National Monument
New Mexico is home to so many national monuments and other important spots, we had to be choosy about which ones we included. That said, Bandelier National Monument definitely made the cut.
Here, more than 33,000 acres of rugged yet colorful and thriving landscape, characterized by canyons and mesas, with preserved evidence of human inhabitants as long as 11,000 years ago. Be sure to see the technologically impressive cave dwellings carved into the soft rock of the area and keep your eyes peeled for petroglyphs.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Another (literal) hot spot worth visiting in this area? Valles Caldera National Preserve, which is characterized by an enormous geothermal surface. You may also want to head into the nearby town of Los Alamos to see the Bradbury Science Museum or the Los Alamos History Museum.
You can actually stay at the national monument in your RV. We recommend checking out the onsite Juniper Campground.
Palace of the Governors
The city of Santa Fe is well known for its scenic and exciting plaza. This popular plaza is home to the Palace of the Governors, which is currently operating as the New Mexico History Museum.
While the museum offers a fascinating look at the history of the state, the building is a historical artifact in its own right. Dating back to 1610, it’s the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States, and served as the seat of the state’s government for not decades, but centuries.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The Plaza is always alive with something to see and do, and in front of the Palace of the Governors in particular, you’ll see local Native craftspeople selling their wares. Other things to see in Santa Fe include the Museum of Arts and Indian Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art, and more.
One of our favorite campgrounds in Santa Fe is the lovely Santa Fe Skies RV Park, which is the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring.
Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf is a one-of-a-kind immersive art experience that started in Santa Fe but has quickly been taking the country by storm, with new locations opening in Las Vegas and Denver.
Here, you’ll enjoy wandering around The House of Eternal Return and trying to piece together the narrative. This place is also a beloved music venue drawing artists both local and world-famous. Plus, the mission running in the background is a great one: to harness the power of creativity to change the world. Hard to argue with that!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located a little further off the beaten path in Santa Fe, visiting Meow Wolf gives you the opportunity to see a side of town many tourists skip over entirely. We recommend, for example, popping by the Second Street Brewery Rufina Taproom for a pint or three, and maybe a friendly board game.
Santa Fe Skies RV Park is one great place to stay, but if you’re looking for other options, try the Santa Fe KOA Holiday.
Walter White’s House
Die-hard Breaking Bad fans don’t need to be told that the show is set in the beautiful and unique town of Albuquerque. In fact, there’s a whole cottage industry that’s sprung up in the city around giving people insider tours.
One of the most popular stops? The house that featured as Walter White’s home in the smash-hit TV series. That said, if you visit, do be respectful and bear in mind that someone (who is not Walter White or Bryan Cranston) does actually live here, and they probably don’t want to be gawked at at all hours. They definitely don’t want you to throw a pizza onto their roof!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
There are plenty of other Breaking Bad hotspots to see in and around Albuquerque, from the car wash to the hot dog stand where so many illicit deals went down. And, of course, Albuquerque is also home to Petroglyph National Monument and is surrounded by stunning wildernesses like the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge.
A favorite Albuquerque RV park is Enchanted Trails RV Park and Trading Post.
Truth or Consequences
It’s not often that an entire city ends up on one of our landmark lists, but what can we say? Truth or Consequences is a special place.
This town got its name after airing the NBC radio quiz show of the same name, and officially changed from Hotspring to Truth or Consequences in the year 1950. However, its old name was no less accurate, and indeed this place is well-known for its incredible hot spring soaking opportunities. It’s the perfect spot to head after a long journey of hiking, climbing, and other outdoor adventures.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Head a short way out of town to visit the historic Old Cuchillo Bar & Hotel, which still operates today. If you want to hang around town, consider visiting the Geronimo Springs Museum.
Wondering where to park your Rv during your visit? You can actually stay at Riverbend Hot Springs, and we highly recommend doing so.
White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park preserves what can only be called one of the natural wonders of the world, the largest dune field of white gypsum sand anywhere on the planet. As you might imagine, this is an absolutely stunning and otherworldly sight to see, and one you won’t want to miss.
Sledding down the dunes is a super fun family-friendly activity, but be prepared for a workout, as claiming the dunes is not for the faint of heart.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
This national park is located right outside of the town of Alamogordo, where you can find shopping, dining, and pretty much anything else you might need. The Toy Train Depot is a fun little museum in town, and the Alameda Park Zoo is a good spot to visit with kids.
When it comes to lodging, we recommend the Alamogordo/White Sands KOA Journey for a comfortable stay that you’re sure to enjoy.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Featuring more than 100 caves, Carlsbad Caverns National Park offering stunningly-decorated underground rooms so vast, they’ll take your breath away. Listen to the drip-drip of the living structures of this cave that are still being shaped today, and see the power of what water and stone can do.
There are plenty of hiking trails up top for those who feel less than awesome about going underground, too!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Carlsbad Caverns is located outside of Carlsbad, NM. The town is home to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, Carlsbad Water Park, and plenty of shopping and dining.
The Carlsbad KOA Holiday offers a nice place to stay and a Greta’s place to relax after exploring the caves and the town.
Planning an RV Trip to New Mexico
Given its vast desert landscape and wonderful New Mexico landmarks, the Land of Enchantment practically begs to be explored by RV. While you’re road tripping through the state, make sure to visit the best campgrounds in the state as well as some of the top state parks out there. You’ll also want to explore the urban landscapes found in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.
No matter where you go, you’re sure to have an amazing time!
