THE HAPPY CASTLE CAMPGROUND
SOCORRO COUNTY. NEW MEXICO.
The Happy Castle Campground is one of the central components of Happy Castle and it's overall mission. The commune-and co-op is our core, but the campground is our public-facing interactive-connection to the rest of the world. It serves as an artistic oasis where visitors can come to get a glimpse of what it's like to live sustainably and communally, pooling collective resources and energy to create a new kind of community that is holistic, collaborative, and inclusive. Happy Campers are people from all over the world from all walks of life who believe in our vision and want to support us. Whether they just want to getaway from the stresses of their own lives for a few days and appreciate the natural and constructed beauty of our outdoor sculpture-gardens or they want to fully immerse themselves in the daily culture of communal-living, our campground allows them to. We plan to host weekly workshops that teach skills ranging from super-adobe earthbag construction, collaborative art-creation, farming, to event-planning, welding, homesteading, and administration of communal life.
From our interactive art-installations, to our many skill-building courses, to our biking and walking-trails, Happy Castle is constantly being improved by our both our campers and collaborators. Here, you can simultaneously make, experience, and embody both art and community. Costumes, culture, and energy, help build the campground that you want to see. Campsites are dispersed throughout the entire 160 acre property. So whether you prefer to be completely remote and tucked away or intimately nestled amongst the commune itself, we have the space for you. Go off-grid or rent your own Dome-Home. Either way, each day in the Happy Castle Campground is a transformative experience for the mind and spirit.
pITCH
A TENT
YEAR ROUND ADVENTURE
Unlike our Art Festivals, the Happy Castle Campground is open year round. With a constantly evolving cast of campers, there's always something new and exciting to experience in the campground. Whether you just want to getaway for a few days, build some Community Art, or go on a three week long spirit-quest, the Campground is always open and always ready.
Choose between several themed campgrounds depending on what you're looking for on your next trip. Choose between luxury cabins, RV sites, or dispersed open-camping. Maybe you want to party and network with other campers, or find an intimate campsite for you and your friends, or maybe you just want to stargaze and chill by yourself. Whatever the case might be, the Happy Castle Campground has the perfect spot for you.
TENT & CAR CAMPING
Pull up and pick your own campsite out of over 300 individual sites. Each site is meant to offer its own unique atmosphere and features, so whether you want big open-spaces and amazing views, interactive art and attractions close-by, noisy and ougoing neighbors, or shade and seclusion, you can have it.
FAMILY CAMPING
Ok, so maybe you don't want your kids around those hippies, party animals, nudists, and freaks. We love them, but we get it too. When you're older, son. Family Campsites are for families that want a bit more control over who their neighbors will be. These sites have access to playgrounds and more rules regarding more moderate self-expression.
CABIN CAMPING
Experience a whole new level of enchantment by booking your stay in one of our campground dome-homes. These otherworldly eco-domes are exactly like the ones our members live in and are made from the soil right beneath your feet. See what it's like to spend a few days in one. You might decide that you like it and want to join the commune.
Camground
Amenities
OFF-GRID SELF-SUFFICIENCY
STAY AS LONG AS YOU WANT FOR JUST DOLLARS A DAY
From the lively community to the massive art installations, even the physical layout of the campgroud invites you to participate and interact. Meet your neighbors, explore the commune, volunteer on new projects, or just enjoy the art and attractions together. Happy Castle has something for all of us.
Set up camp amongst massive interactive art installations. Get lost in the Labyrinth or climb the Pyramid of the Sun. From playgrounds to bike trails, we're always looking for new ways to improve campground attractions.
Some campsites have access to electrical outlets, powered by off-grid renewable energy systems. In the future, we'll expand power acess to all campsites and even offer EV charging as well!
Cook a meal at our Camp Kitchen. Do your laundry at our Laundromat. Or wash up at our massive restroom and shower facilities. The Happy Castle Campground will strive to continue building out campground amenities and providing visitors with essential conveniences.
Tranquil Environment
A peaceful and immersive desert setting featuring breathtaking views of the Magdelena Mountains and Rio Grande Basin, leisurely trails, lush gardens, and beautiful art, the Happy Castle Campground is ideal for relaxation or inspiration.
Browse our Districts and see what appeals to you. Whether you want to socialize with other campers and party all night in the Night Owl District, get a full night sleep in the Sleepy District, or let it all hang loose in the Nude District, Happy Castle has the perfect campsite for you..
Participatory Improvements
We take community engagement to heart in designing our campground and art garden. Let us know what you'd like to see at your fantasy desert getaway. Take a look at some long term proposals and plans like free-wifi and solar-powered EV charging.
Happy castle art camp
At the moment, Happy Castle is little more than 160-acres of high-desert wilderness containing a few roads and trails darting across it's interior, but with your support it can become the spectacular community and sculpture-garden we're envisioning, complete with acres of shade, trees, amenities, and massive landscape-art-installations such as our one-acre maze and hundred-foot pyramid. Every campsite will invite it's campers to explore and interact with the art around them. Each night you spend at our campground goes towards building the ultimate desert-oasis of tomorrow. So pull up, find a spot, and settle in. Kickstarter coming soon.
EVERY DOLLAR YOU SPEND HELPS BUILD HAPPY CASTLE
Happy Castle is in the startup phase and even with a team as willing and committed to building this community as ours is, startups are expensive. Besides the basic infrastructure necessary to sustain our members, we're also attempting to host fully-fledged music festivals for thousands of guests!
Did you know that every dollar you spend on our website goes back into building Happy Castle? So whether you're renting a campsite, getting a festival ticket, or scooping up the next new merch drop, you're also helping us hit our fundraising goals to make Happy Castle a reality. Thank you!
why Camp at
Happy Castle
Art Camp?
Park your vehicle under the wide desert skies, connect with nature, and explore the expansive art installations, permaculture gardens, and communal spaces of Happy Castle. Whether you're here for a weekend escape or an extended stay, car camping at Happy Castle offers a perfect balance of solitude, creativity, and connection.
cAMPSITE
options
REMOTE or NEIGHBORLY
FIND THE PERFECT CAMPSITE FOR YOU
Essentially the entire 160 expanse is open for you to explore, park your car, and pitch your tent. So whether you want to be right up in the action on the outskirts of the Eco-Village, or nestled amongst art-installations, or far away in a secluded alcove, the Happy Castle Art Camp has the perfect campsite for you. Some sites are built around communal bonfires while others are hidden away in Earthwork valleys. Wherever you choose to set up camp, we encourage you to explore the entire map.
Browse
cAMPSITES
Explore our different Districts
and find your perfect campsite
The Happy Castle Campground is divided into different Districts to appeal to the different tastes and personalities of our visitors. Look through our Districts and see what calls to you!
Attention:
Construction has not yet begun at Happy Castle Art Camp and these pictures do not show domes available for rent at our campground. These pictures are simply placeholders. See our Phase One construction goals.
Happy Castle
districts
At Happy Castle, we know that every camper has unique personality and preferences. That’s why our campground contains several different Districts, each designed to cater to a variety of personalities, interests, and lifestyles. Explore the options and find the perfect home for your Happy Castle adventure:
Choose Your AdventureEach district reflects a unique part of the Happy Castle spirit, ensuring you can tailor your camping experience to your tastes. Whether you’re looking for peace, connection, creativity, or celebration, there’s a district waiting to welcome you.
Festival Camping
Blackout Dates
Every year, the Happy Castle campground takes a brief pause, closing its doors for two weeks in preparation for the highly anticipated Happy Castle Art Festival. During this time, the focus shifts entirely to transforming the grounds into a vibrant, immersive space that brings our creative vision to life.
This temporary closure allows us to:
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Install Art and Attractions: Major art installations, interactive exhibits, and festival-specific features are brought to life during this period, with teams working around the clock to create awe-inspiring experiences.
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Enhance Infrastructure: Temporary stages, lighting, and sound systems are set up, and communal spaces are upgraded to accommodate the influx of attendees.
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Refine Campgrounds: Camping areas are reconfigured, cleaned, and equipped with the necessary amenities for a seamless festival experience.
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Foster Collaboration: Artists, performers, and volunteers gather onsite to prepare, build, and rehearse, ensuring every detail of the festival is perfect.
We understand that this closure may temporarily inconvenience campers, but it’s a vital part of hosting a festival that embodies creativity, community, and celebration. When the festival concludes, the campground reopens, often with exciting new additions and enhancements for our visitors to enjoy year-round.
Expanding the Commune and Campground
At Happy Castle, progress never stops. While we’re dedicated to growing the Eco-Village and Commune, we’re equally committed to expanding the campground to offer more opportunities for guests to experience life at Happy Castle.
Our goal is to regularly build additional infrastructure, campsites, and domes to continuously enhance the Happy Castle Campground experience. Whether it’s planting trees, adding new art-installations, building shade structures, expanding utility hookups, or erecting more domes, each addition enhances the camping experience.
This ongoing expansion ensures that more people can enjoy the magic of Happy Castle, whether they’re attending our Art Festival, taking part in a workshop, or simply camping under the stars. Every new campsite represents a step forward in creating a space where art, sustainability, and community thrive together.
campground
Improvement plan
Happy Castle
Phase 1: Foundational Upgrades and Early Experience (Months 0–12)
Goal: Lay the groundwork with essential infrastructure and low-cost projects that immediately improve the visitor experience and set the tone for the campground.
Key Focus Areas: Site preparation, essential utilities, small-scale art, and communal spaces.
1. Campsite Preparation and Earthworks
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Level and Clear Campsites: Ensure all campsites are flat, clearly marked, and safe for tents and small RVs.
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Basic Drainage and Paths: Establish simple gravel or packed-earth pathways between key areas to improve walkability and prevent erosion.
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Community Berms and Landscaping: Use excess soil from leveling to create small berms for windbreaks, shade, and visual interest, planting native desert species.
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Campground Zones: Divide the campground into themed districts to encourage exploration and a sense of place. Example zones:
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The Maze District (near the art maze)
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Sunset Ridge (with views of the Pyramid of the Sun)
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Art Garden District (scattered with interactive sculptures)
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2. Basic Communal Amenities
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Fire Pits: Build several communal fire pits with seating made from earthbags or reclaimed materials. These become social hubs at night.
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Basic Picnic Tables and Seating: Add simple, durable seating and tables around campsites and communal areas.
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Small Art Installations: Start adding affordable interactive and whimsical sculptures throughout the campground to encourage exploration.
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Some small scale shaded communal areas and rainwater collection.
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Information Kiosks: Create rustic but attractive information boards with maps, rules, and event schedules.
Campgroung improvements Build a campsite and stay for free
For every day you spend improving the campground, you'll earn a free day of camping for later. That means if you spend a week planting trees and blazing trails with us, you'll get a voucher for seven days of free camping.
Whether you returning to cash in your voucher for a relaxing retreat or just want to bank some more days while attending another workshop or volunteer day, this reward allows you to fully experience the fruits of your labor. So sign-up to volunteer at one of our Build Days and help bring Happy Castle Art Camp to life!
campground
Improvement plan
PHASE TWO
Phase 2: Intermediate Amenities and Programming (Months 12–36)
Goal: Build infrastructure to improve visitor comfort and offer daily activities, generating a reputation for unique and interactive experiences.
Key Focus Areas: Composting toilets, showers, shade structures, and expanded art.
1. Infrastructure Expansion
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Composting Toilets: Construct multiple well-designed composting bathroom units. Prioritize clean, functional spaces with artistic flair.
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Shower Stations: Build a few basic solar-heated shower stations with privacy stalls and rustic charm (e.g., reclaimed wood, colorful murals).
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Shade Structures: Add shade structures to key gathering spaces and exposed campsites using low-cost materials like tarps, canvas sails, or bamboo.
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Water Stations: Install water refill stations with filtration to reduce single-use plastic waste and improve guest convenience.
2. Art and Themed Zones Expansion
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District Development: Further develop campground districts with interactive elements and district-specific art.
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Example: Create a “Sunken Garden” in a natural depression with winding paths and seating.
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Art Installations: Use Eternal and Community Art Grants to build large-scale installations like Clonehenge or the Giant Spider, turning the campground into a desert art park.
3. Programming and Activities
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Daily Activities: Begin offering daily programming for campers during peak seasons, such as yoga, guided art tours, sustainable building workshops, and campfire storytelling nights.
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Mobile Art Carts: Develop pop-up experiences with mobile art pieces and performances.
campground
Improvement plan
PHASE THREE
Phase 3: Advanced Amenities and Immersive Experiences (Years 3–5)
Goal: Transform the campground into a fully immersive destination with top-tier amenities, regular events, and a self-sustaining revenue model.
Key Focus Areas: Full-service amenities, larger communal spaces, and immersive programming.
1. Full-Service Infrastructure
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Wi-Fi and Solar Power at Campsites: Gradually install solar panels and provide Wi-Fi access for each campsite, offering visitors a modern off-grid experience.
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Expanded Shower and Bathroom Facilities: Build larger, permanent structures with multiple stalls, artful designs, and hot water.
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Onsite Recycling and Waste Management: Set up a comprehensive waste management program with clearly labeled stations for compost, recycling, and trash.
2. Communal Spaces and Activities
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Campground Diner: Open a small diner-style communal kitchen offering simple meals and snacks. Use local ingredients where possible.
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Outdoor Amphitheater: Build an amphitheater for performances, workshops, and movie nights under the stars.
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Community Garden: Start a small communal food garden with herbs and vegetables, integrating permaculture principles and involving campers in gardening workshops.
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Art Walks and Guided Tours: Expand programming to include guided art walks, storytelling events, and night sky tours.
campground
Improvement plan
PHASE FOUR
Phase 4: Fully Realized Campground Experience (Years 5–10 and Beyond)
Goal: Create a world-renowned destination combining art, nature, and amenities in a seamless experience.
Key Focus Areas: Large-scale projects, long-term sustainability, and high-end experiences.
1. Permanent Structures and Advanced Amenities
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Eco-Lodges and Dome Rentals: Build several rentable dome homes for visitors seeking more comfort and a unique off-grid experience.
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Visitor Center and Camp Store: Open a centralized visitor center with a camp store, café, and lounge space.
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Community Pool or Desert Oasis: Create a natural-style pool or oasis with surrounding shade structures and hammocks for relaxation.
2. Festival and Event Integration
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Regular Festivals and Events: Expand to host multiple annual festivals and events that draw larger crowds and showcase the full range of Happy Castle’s art, music, and lifestyle.
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Themed Campgrounds: Develop themed weekend retreats focused on wellness, creativity, sustainability, and adventure.
3. Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency
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Food Forest and Desert Nursery Integration: Ensure the campground becomes an educational hub for permaculture and desert greening.
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Carbon-Neutral Operations: Achieve carbon-negative status through energy generation, reforestation, and waste reduction.
Budget and Revenue Strategy Funding Sources: Kickstarter: Initial funding for Phase 1 infrastructure and early art installations. Festival Revenue: Reinvest profits from annual festivals into campground improvements. Workshops and Classes: Use income from sustainable building and permaculture workshops to fund infrastructure projects. Art Grants: Leverage art grants to fund large-scale installations that enhance the campground’s unique appeal. Prioritization and Flexibility: Focus on high-impact, low-cost improvements in early phases to generate immediate returns. Scale larger projects based on revenue growth and available manpower, using build days and volunteer labor for community-led projects. Regularly evaluate the plan at community meetings to adjust priorities and respond to new opportunities or challenges.
kickstarter Premium Reward-Tier
$350 Special
Group Campsite
Three-hundred-fifty dollars.
Exclusive group Campsite.
Shade and electricity.
three vip tickets.
early arrival.
Free Merch.
afterparty Access.
One of our Kickstarter's Premium Reward Tiers is the Special Group Campsite. While the majority of festival attendees will share a 125-acre-wide open-camping space, fifty lucky Backers will reserve individually designed, intimate, Group Campsites featuring additional amenities like picnic tables, firepits, water and power hookups, shaded lounging areas, and convenient proximity to restrooms. This $350 limited-tier also comes with three VIP wristbands and three Happy Castle tees so you and your friends can embrace the festival spirit in the best way.
These fifty campsites will be among the first actual designated camping spaces built at Happy Castle and by sponsoring one, you're contributing directly to the campground's construction. But this isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s your own retreat in the heart of the action to use as you please for the entirety of the event. Most of all, it's a badge of honor to other festivalgoers, declaring your role in bringing Happy Castle to life.
However, this Reward Tier doesn't simply include a special campsite for the three-day festival, but grants Backers two additional days onsite. From early arrival to an exclusive post-event afterparty, your Special Group Campsite will serve as the home base for you and your friends for five incredible days of the ultimate festival experience.
Why Back This Reward Tier?
This limited-tier experience is perfect for those who want more than just a festival—they want an upgraded adventure. Staying in one of these Group Campsites means you’ll be part of Happy Castle’s vision while enjoying some extra perks.
By backing this tier, you’re not only treating yourself to a one-of-a-kind festival stay, but you’re also directly supporting the growth of Happy Castle by sponsoring some of the very first designated campsites. Secure a Group Campsite before they’re gone and get ready for a festival experience like no other!