New Mexico, otherwise known as ‘The Land of Enchantment’, is a state bursting in national heritage sites, monuments, and impressive natural wonders. Best of all, it’s relatively unpopulated by tourists, so if you want a secluded getaway, this is the state to visit.
Because of its Southern location, visitors can expect a diverse variety of landscapes, from deserts to forests. With all this nature to explore, there’s no better way to experience it than to stay in a cabin in New Mexico.
Regardless of whether you visit in the scorching summer or snowy winter, cabins in New Mexico provide the ultimate base to admire a natural setting away from the big cities. They have cozy amenities like fireplaces and fire pits, and wraparound decks to catch some rays and admire the views from. Sounds bliss, right?
The only problem is, there are far too many choices of cabins in New Mexico to choose from, so if you need help finding the best of the best, don’t worry, because I have listed all of them below.
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Staying in a Cabin in New Mexico
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Staying in a cabin in New Mexico has a sort of magic to it that’s impossible to put into words. While the style and appeal of a ‘cabin’ are similar across America, there’s something unique about staying in a cabin in a desert environment.
You can find some cabins designed by famous architects and others that were built by locals many years ago. There are cabins hidden between trees in the forests and in the foothills of desert canyons. If it sounds too daunting being right out in nature, you can also find a cabin near a big city like Albuquerque or the historic town of Santa Fe (renowned for its national parks).
One thing most of these cabins have in common is that they all have unbelievable views. The best way to experience nature is by becoming one with it. Whether you’re looking across the desert, a river, or a snow-capped mountain, you won’t need to search too hard to find a cabin with picturesque views in this state.
Cabins range massively in size and price, from small studio cabins or to luxurious multi-bedroom A-frames. The whole point of any cabin’s design is to bring you closer to nature, and the best cabins in New Mexico manage to do this in true style.
What to Look for in a Cabin in New Mexico
Where you stay in New Mexico is the first thing you’ll need to consider when picking the perfect cabin here. There are loads of exciting places to visit, and many have their pros and cons.
Cabins are usually located in remote areas, perfect for hikers, mountain bikers, and adventure enthusiasts. There are those near the cities, but generally, they are mostly off-the-beaten-track designed for those after a relaxing retreat away from the city buzz.
Because they are remote, you should check out the amenities and facilities that a cabin is equipped with. It can be inconvenient to travel to restaurants and grocery stores daily, so you will need to bring supplies that aren’t provided and stock up on food.
You should also check whether there is parking. You will also need to check if the road is accessible with a standard vehicle, especially in the winter, otherwise, you might need to hire a 4×4 when embarking on your USA road trip.
If you don’t want to go completely off-grid, check whether your cabin has WiFi and cell service, as these can be spotty in rural areas.
New Mexico can get super hot during summer and freezing during winter. So, it’s essential to make sure your property is equipped with either a fireplace or AC, depending on when you plan to visit.
Airbnb is the best overall platform for finding the best cabins in this state, and the good thing is you can contact the host before you book to check all the things I’ve listed above. However, there are also a few properties on Booking.com or VRBO if you struggle to find your dream rental.
Cool Cabin with Sunken Hot Tub
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Ten-minute walk to downtown Ruidoso
- > Blend of modern and traditional cabin interiors
Cabin with Private Backyard
- > $
- > 4 Guests
- > Short walk to Midtown Ruidoso
- > 100-year-old cabin with original timber interiors
Romantic Cabin with Hot Tub
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Hidden between redwood trees in Ruidoso
- > Different decks with a hot tub and a BBQ
Exquisite Cabin on Golf Course
- > $$$$
- > 16 Guests
- > On a golf course near a ski resort in Angel Fire
- > Huge patio space
Modern Cabin with Glass Walls
- > $$$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Overlooking the desert in Sandia Park
- > Private hot tub and office space
Cozy 3 Bed Cabin with Hot Tub
- > $$
- > 6 Guests
- > In Cedar Crest
- > Open-plan living area perfect for family gatherings
Rural Cabin Near Santa Fe
- > $
- > 5 Guests
- > In a rural area a short drive from Santa Fe
- > Fully equipped kitchen with essential foods provided
The 10 Best Cabins in New Mexico
New Mexico is teeming with history, culture, and outdoor adventure. If you’re searching for the perfect backdrop for your New Mexican adventure, check these incredible cabins out!
Best Overall Value Cabin in New Mexico – Cool Cabin with Sunken Hot Tub
If you’re after a relaxing getaway without spending an arm and a leg, this is the best cabin in New Mexico for the job. This affordable spot is set amongst a tall pine forest just a short walk from the iconic town of Ruidoso and the Cedar Creek Hiking Trail.
It’s a modern cabin, yet it still has a cozy charm to it. Guests can use the kitchen and the open concept living and dining room. The space features floor-to-ceiling glass walls inviting abundant natural light into the cabin. Another plus? There is a hot tub on the deck!
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Best Budget Cabin in New Mexico – Cabin with Private Backyard
One of the best things about cabins in this state is that you can almost guarantee they’ll be pretty affordable! This traditional cabin is hidden between the pine trees on a quiet residential road near Ruidoso midtown’s shops and restaurants.
It has one bedroom, but additional sleeping space on a sofa bed in the living room. This budget-friendly cabin in New Mexico has tons of windows allowing natural light and fresh air to flow throughout the space.
Enjoy the firepit on the deck during the summer months, and you might even catch some wild elk passing through the forest.
Budget Tip: Dorms in New Mexico start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best Cabin for Couples in New Mexico – Romantic Cabin with Hot Tub
With its warm wooden interiors, moody lighting, and secluded feel, this is the perfect cabin for a romantic getaway. It’s located in the historic Upper Canyon, overlooking an impressive pine forest.
The cabin has two decks, one with a gas fire pit and the other with a private hot tub and a BBQ grill. Choose to soak in the whirlpool tub in the ensuite bathroom or enjoy the view from the hot tub. The choice is yours.
The cabin has been furnished with contemporary cabin-inspired interiors, including wooden furniture and stone wall features.
Best Cabin for a Group of Friends – Exquisite Cabin on Golf Course
Not only is this six-bedroom cabin in New Mexico ideal for a gathering of friends, but it’s also one of the most luxurious. Its located on a golf course in Angel Fire and is just a short drive to a ski resort.
It’s massive, to say the least, and features a double-height common living area that opens onto a huge deck with a hot tub. There’s also a gorgeous sunroom with a dining table, where your entire crew can enjoy a meal year-round.
The cabin has a cinema room, a basement games room, and a fire pit overlooking the golf course.
Over-The-Top Luxury Cabin in New Mexico – Modern Cabin with Glass Walls
This cabin is called the Skyline House of Windows, and wow, does it live up to its name! The modern cabin features floor-to-ceiling glass walls throughout the space, making it feel like you’re one with nature, even from the comfort of the living room.
The kitchen is bright and spacious and has tons of preparation space. There’s even an additional BBQ area with a chef-standard grill and outdoor kitchen sink.
As one of the most luxurious cabins in New Mexico, this spot boasts incredible views from just about every window.
Best Cabin for Families in New Mexico – Cozy 3 Bed Cabin with Hot Tub
This cabin in Cedar Crest is inspired by a traditional ski lodge. It features timber interiors and exposed beams and is decorated with classic patchwork linens. The cabin has three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and washer/dryer facilities.
When you arrive with your family, you won’t have to worry about finding parking here. The area is well known for hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking and is the ideal base camp for a family of adventure seekers!
If you’ve exhausted all the outdoor adventures, then you can also take a quick day trip to Alburquerque and explore all the city’s top attractions.
Best Cabin in New Mexico for Backpackers – Rural Cabin Near Santa Fe
After the cabin experience with a backpacker’s price tag? I’ve found the perfect spot for the job! Located in a remote neighborhood in Santa Fe, this is the best cabin in New Mexico for backpackers in the USA.
Although it feels very secluded and off-the-beaten-track, it’s also super close to fantastic hiking, skiing, restaurants, and supermarkets.
You’ll have private access to the entire space here. The two-story log cabin features a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook and store your food.
Best Rural Cabin in New Mexico – Affordable Cabin w/ Desert Views
I can’t imagine anything better than living off the grid in New Mexico. If this is your dream, this cabin can make it your reality.
Set in the foothills of a mountain range, this cozy cabin is ideally located for you to take advantage of a bunch of hiking, fishing, and river rafting adventures.
There’s also a kitchen with everything you might need to cook meals, and if you want to start on your memoirs, there’s a dedicated workspace where you can shut off and concentrate on your writing. There’s no WiFi here, which is possibly part of the draw – no distractions!
Gorgeous Eco-Cabin in New Mexico – Eco-Friendly Cabin on River
Traveling comes with a hefty environmental price. So, what better way to offset your carbon footprint than by staying in an eco-friendly cabin in New Mexico?
This cabin is built using recycled and natural materials. Although it’s not the conventional timber structure, it still has the same cozy and remote feel you get from a traditional cabin.
The space has two bedrooms and space for four guests, an open-plan kitchen, a living and dining room, and a hot tub. It even has a meditation hut where you can align all your chakras.
Cabin in New Mexico with a Hot Tub – Geometric Cabin Loft with Canyon Views
If you’re looking for some affordable peace and quiet, you’ll find it here! Perched on stilts on the edge of the Cibola National Forest, this tiny cabin overlooks desert canyons and the San Augustin Plains.
The cabin is laid out like a studio, with one room featuring a double bed, living area, and kitchenette.
The structure is unique, to say the least. It’s designed in a geometric octagon shape with intricate timber beams and has a terrace surrounding it. It uses solar-powered electricity and even has its own hot tub!
Don’t Forget Your New Mexico Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Cabins in New Mexico
Those are my ten best cabins in New Mexico, from budget-friendly cozy cabins to expansive luxury cabins with high-end features. I hope that you are able to find something you like on this list.
Whether you’re looking for a winter escape or a desert retreat, there is no doubt that New Mexico is the perfect state for a nature lover’s retreat.
If you’re visiting from overseas, don’t forget to set yourself up with a comprehensive insurance policy before heading to your beautiful cabin in New Mexico. The only thing worse than getting injured on vacation is paying an arm and a leg for it!
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