Because Mexico City is a metropolis of 20 million people, we tend not to associate it with camping. As hard as it may be to believe, there are many nearby places to immerse yourself in nature and leave behind the craziness of the city. Here are 5 of the most beautiful and exciting spots in and around Mexico City where you can go camping and enjoy nature’s peace and quiet.
Photo: Kevin Capretti/Shutterstock
The 5 Best Camping Spots Near Mexico City
1. Parque Nacional El Chico
This beautiful national park is located two hours from Mexico City, in the state of Hidalgo. It’s cold all year long in Parque Nacional El Chico, so don’t forget to bring some warm layers, as well as a good tent and sleeping bag.
The park has over 2,000 hectares where you can find four camping areas with kitchens and hot showers. The highlight of El Chico is its crags, ideal for rappelling, rock climbing, and mountaineering.
2. Las Estacas
Las Estacas is one of the most beautiful natural parks near the city. It has a natural river with a delicate current that allows you to swim or raft safely. The site also has several pools, restaurants, toilets, showers, security lockers, a temazcal (prehispanic steam bath), a spa, and activities such as zip-lining, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, and diving.
Bring your tent, food, and beverages.
Las Estacas is located in Morelos, around two hours from Mexico City. Avoid visiting in summer, as it gets pretty crowded and rains at night.
3. Campamento Xopilco
Campamento Xopilco is located nearby the Tepoztlán — less than two hours from Mexico City. The camping site is surrounded by mountains, so you can hike and enjoy beautiful starry nights away from the light pollution of CDMX.
Its proximity to Tepoztlán makes it ideal to wander around the town by day — check out the Tepozteco pyramid and the herbal medicine clinic to learn more about the area’s history and traditions.
Xopilco has tents for rent, food, and is equipped with toilets, hammocks, and water to take baths in designated area with some privacy. The area gets very chilly at night, so we recommend visiting during the hot months (April and May); avoid summer vacations as it rains during this season.
4. San Nicolás Totolapan
This place is a 1,900-hectare communal park located within the city limits, close to Ajusco Volcano. It is a local favorite for mountain biking, hiking, and fishing. It also has a zip line and climbing walls.
For camping, you need to bring your tent and supplies, but you don’t have to worry about food, as it has a restaurant that serves regional dishes. Once again, this area gets cold, so pack some blankets and warm clothes.
5. Malikualli
Just five minutes away from the cool little town of Malinalco and only two and a half hours away from Mexico City, Malikualli is an ecotourism complex. It has a nice camping area (with tents and sleeping bags rentals), a secure zone for bonfires, and a pool. There’s also a 200-meter zip line, as well as the possibility to rappel, rock climb, and paraglide.
From March to May you’ll find hot weather; from June to October is the rainy season; from November to February it can get cold, but a good jacket will do the trick.
Malikualli is a great option if you’re traveling with kids. 