Where to Stay on Your
Philmont New Mexico Tour


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Some Philmont groups have found it convenient to stay in motels. But, with a little extra effort and planning, you can keep your budget down and have a more interesting experience, staying at a college dormitory, an Air Force Base, or camping out.

Albuquerque

Consider Staying at UNM

In Albuquerque you can give your Scouts a taste of college living by staying in the University of New Mexico dorms. We enjoyed two nights in real beds in the dormitory at the University of New Mexico. UNM Conference Guest Services (505-277-5896) provided our group double-occupancy rooms at $13 per person per night. They require a signed contract and advance payment. Meal tickets are available at about $6 for dinner and $5 for breakfast. The cafeteria is usually open just weekdays in the summer. Our Scouts were disappointed that our stay did not coincide with the highschool cheerleader training which takes place on campus in the summer.

Kirtland Air Force Base

A notch down on the comfort scale, many Philmont groups have stayed in Albuquerque, sleeping on the floor of a gym at Kirtland Air Force Base. The base is close to the airport but somewhat less centrally located than UNM and, with base security, is less convenient for access in and out. You can arrange for an Air Force bus to pick you up at the airport for $35. Sleeping space can be arranged for free and eating at a base cafeteria is reportedly very inexpensive -- about $3 for lunch or dinner and $1.50 for breakfast. You can also arrange for a base tour that may include an up-close look at an F-15. Phone 505-846-1068.

Taos

The Abominable SnowMansion

A hostel and ski lodge with bunk rooms, teepees, and some private rooms. Summer group rates were $14 per person, $18 with breakfast. See SnowMansion.

Camping

There are many places for camping in New Mexico -- at national forests, some of the ten national monuments, and 28 of the 31 State Parks. Private campgrounds near major highways or tourist areas tend to be RV oriented. Camping will help keep your budget down, but will usually put you farther from the sights you want to see and spending time in camping activities (which you may get enough of at Philmont itself.) In the recent dry years some southwestern forests and campgrounds have been closed for parts of the summer, especially in June and July, due to fire danger. So have a back-up plan in case your chosen campground is closed at the time you need it.

Bandelier National Monument

We camped one night at Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos. There are two group campsites at the Ponderosa group campground which is several miles from the visitor center. Juniper campground, with individual campsites and the ranger campfire amphitheater, is closer. Picnicking, but no camping, is allowed in Frijoles canyon near the ruins and visitor center. Call 505-672-3861 ext 534 for camping reservations.

National Forests

For camping in central New Mexico see: Cibola National Forest Campgrounds. For camping in northern New Mexico see: Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds. For camping in far northern New Mexico see: Carson National Forest Campgrounds.

State Parks

For New Mexico State Parks See: New Mexico State Parks. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance at 1-877-664-7787 on the internet at www.icampnm.com.

Further Afield and Out of State

Here are a few suggestions further out of the way, and not all have camping on site, but they might be worthwhile destinations if you are passing while traveling by bus or car, or are taking extra time for a Scout or family trip.
  • West: Grand Canyon National Park, Mesa Verde National Park (extensive cliff dwelling ruins), Canyon de Chelly National Monument


  • North: Rocky Mountain National Park, Air Force Academy, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park


  • South: Bosque del Apache (nature preserve with whooping cranes), White Sands National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Saguaro National Park












"It was cool to be in a college dorm."
Scott, Troop 51