Top 10 Campgrounds And Rv Parksalbuquerque New Mexico
Albuquerque is the most populous city in the state of New Mexico and sits on the banks of the Rio Grande. It has a deep cultural heritage that incorporates the cultures of the United States and nearby Mexico. You can see that heritage alive and well today in one of the many museums, historical sites, performing arts centers, opera houses, and sports stadiums.
Whether you are passing through Albuquerque on your way east to Texas or west to California or you intend to stay for a spell, there is a plethora of Albuquerque, New Mexico, campgrounds that are perfect places to set up your rental RV. These RV parks and campgrounds vary in size, shape, and amenities, but they all offer you a spot to hang your hat with quick access to the most vibrant city in the entire state. With that in mind, here is a list of the 10 best places in and around Albuquerque for RV camping.
- Discounts: Military
Jemez National Recreation Area Nm
127 RV rentals
The Jemez National Recreation Area is located near Jemez Springs in north-central New Mexico. This is a very rural area, comprised mostly of rugged, forested hills. The nearest larger town is Bernalillo, which is around 40 miles to the south, while the nearest large city is Albuquerque, which is around 70 miles to the south.
This area is located within the Santa Fe National Forest, so there are numerous recreational activities that can be enjoyed here. There are also all sorts of historical and natural sites that you can visit. Should you need to refresh your supplies, you will find a few gas stations and grocery stores within 25 miles of the recreation area. There is also a
Cibola National Forest Nm
71 RV rentals
Cibola National Forest was originally established in the late 1800s as a forest reserve park. The national forest’s status was upgraded in the 1950s to grant it additional protection. The origin of Cibola, which is pronounced as SEE-bo-lah, is murky. Its thought to be either a Zuni Native American word for their pueblos, which once dotted New Mexico or a Spanish word for buffalo.
Cibola National Forest sprawls across a huge swath of New Mexico, and small portions are also in Texas and Oklahoma. Though its clear that various Native American tribes have dwelled in this region for a few hundred years, archeologists have found evidence of human presence as far back as 14,000 years ago.
The closest large town,
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Carson National Forest Nm
62 RV rentals
The dry heat and mild winters of the southern United States, and New Mexico, can be an incredibly inviting atmosphere. More specifically, the desert areas leave some to revel at the sandy expanse, while others only see a barren and unbearable terrain. But, Taos, NM, is able to draw interest from those who love the wasteland riddled with cacti and tumbleweeds and those who favor a more sustainable environment.
Individuals looking to book a rental RV to Carson National Forest will have access to the forest and the surrounding area, which is rich in Spanish and Native American history. Book an RV in Taos County and head out on a fabulous outdoor adventure.
Spread over 1.5 million acres of
Best Free Camping In New Mexico
Free camping might as well be New Mexicos middle name. Itstruly amazing just how many opportunities there are for free camping in this southwestern state, including many free campsites nearmajor tourist attractions!
Here are 5 of the best places for free camping in NewMexico:
- Big TesuqueCampgroundThis free campground is located in a scenic strand ofaspen just north of Santa Fe. All campsites are walk-in, so theyre suitablefor tent camping only.
- CowCreek CampgroundIf you can brave the often-rough access road, thiscampground is one of the best places for free camping in New Mexico. Itslocated near Santa Fe and is ideal for fishing, hiking, and more.
- Rio ChamaCampgroundPart of the Santa Fe National Forest in the northern partof the state, this free New Mexico campground has 9 total campsites and can accommodateRVs up to 20.
- Angel Peak Scenic AreaAn expansive section of BLM land near Farmington, this free camping areais popular among RV campers. It can fit RVs of all sizes plus it has plenty ofprivate tent camping areas. The scenic beauty of the badlands-esque canyons areworth a visit for the views alone.
- Ojo RedondoCampgroundLocated near towering Mount Sedgwick, Ojo Redondo is oneof the best free campgrounds in New Mexico thanks to its forested setting, spacioussites, and all-around tranquil atmosphere. It has 15 campsites suitable fortents and small RVs. The road in can be rough, especially after rain.
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park
New Mexico is spectacular on the surface, but at least one of the state’s natural treasures lies underground at Carlsbad Caverns national park. Located on the southern border with Texas, Carlsbad is far from everything else in New Mexico, but well worth the drive. Underlain by limestone deposited by an ancient coral reef, Carlsbad boasts 119 mapped caves, including the Big Room, a natural chamber 4,000ft long, 625ft wide and 255ft high, which makes it the third-largest cave chamber in North America and the seventh-largest in the world.
Carlsbad isn’t just big it’s also strikingly intricate, featuring thousands upon thousands of unique cave formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, cave pearls, flowstones, cave crystals and underground lakes. Visitors can explore the well-lit caves on their own, or sign up for a ranger-led excursion into one of the less-visited caves. The King’s Palace and Left Hand Cave tours are suitable for children and beginners, while the half-day Hall of the White Giant and Spider Cave tours are not for the claustrophobic. Camping is allowed in the park’s backcountry, but the closest developed campsite is over the Texas state line at Guadalupe national park.
Top tip: Half a million Brazilian free-tailed bats call Carlsbad Caverns home in the summer. Visitors can go to the amphitheatre to watch them head for the skies each evening, just before sunset. There are also pre-dawn programs where you can watch the bats return to the caves en masse.
Navajo Lake State Park
Open year-round, Navajo LakeState Park is home to some of the best camping in New Mexico, no matter theseason. The second largest lake in the state, Navajo Lake is a hub of waterrecreation, including motorized boating, kayakingand canoeing, swimming, fishing, and so much more. There are 7 campgroundswith 244 developed campsites total. PineCampground and CedarCampground are two of the most popular.
Learn more about camping at NavajoLake State Park.
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Coyote Creek State Park Nm
62 RV rentals
Coyote Creek State Park is situated in the northern section of New Mexico and is nestled within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The park was home to numerous Native American tribes before the land was taken by settlers and eventually turned into ranches.
This state park is home to a vast amount of unique geological structures, including some made of limestone and sandstone. The area has an interesting climate, with summers being brutally hot and winters being very cold and snowy.
The Aldo Leopold Interpretive Trail And Forest
The Open Space Division and a host of local and national organizations dedicated the The Aldo Leopold Interpretive Trail and Forest in February of 2009. The trail winds through shady cottonwood groves and a restored forest fire site, and has great views of the river.
Eight interpretive signs about the life of Aldo Leopold, who helped protect the Rio Grande Valley State Park are located along the trail. Bald Eagles frequent the area during their winter migratory season.
Parking is available at the Pueblo Montaño Picnic Area, located at Montaño and Coors. Walk east over the river and look for the sign for the Forest and trail entrance.
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Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway Tx
71 RV rentals
In the northern section of Texas, almost equidistant from Amarillo and Lubbock, is the Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway. When you book an RV in Briscoe County, youll be able to explore this state park with ease. Just be sure to spend a few days or more motorhome camping here to see all there is to see. The park was originally opened in 1982 after the State of Texas purchased the land from Theo Geisler in 1975.
But the history of the land that the park is on goes back way further than 1975. The earliest known people to live and explore the area surrounding the park were Native Americans, specifically the Folsom culture, which can be
Best Winter Camping In New Mexico
New Mexico is undoubtedly one of the best states for wintercamping. Theres plenty of options to choose from whether you prefer to roughit hunkered down in a four-seasontent and cold-weathersleeping bag while snow piles up outside or keep cozy in your RV at one ofthe states many state park campgrounds that stay open year-round.
Here are 5 of the best places for winter camping in NewMexico:
- Ponil RV ParkSet atthe foot of the Rocky Mountains, this campground and RV park is open year-roundand is the perfect place to camp during the winter in northern New Mexico. FullRV hookups as well as an array of amenities are available.
- Rock HoundState ParkHome to 29 developed campsites and 23 electric campsites,this state park campground is a great place to camp no matter the season. Yetcamping here in winter is particularly special thanks to the smaller crowds andgreater sense of tranquility.
- Oliver Lee MemorialState ParkDramatic views, made even more dramatic in winter, are thehighlight of camping here. The Sacramento Mountains set in the background andthe surrounding Chihuahuan Desert make for a beautiful atmosphere. Year-roundcamping is available at nearly 40 spots, many with water/electric RV hookupsthat are left on throughout the winter.
Use our guide to winter camping and our winter camping gear guide to further help plan your New Mexico camping trip!
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Columbine Campground Carson National Forest
Season: Summer
You wont find much seclusion at this popular spot, where the campground is regularly packed with tents and RVs. But even during the height of summer, you can nestle your tent in shaded pine and spruce forest and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of Columbine Creek, which flows past the campsites to the Red River. The forest floor is dotted with bright red thimbleberry flowers and the yellow columbine that gives the canyon its name. For a morning hike, hit the Columbine-Twining National Recreation Trail, which leads the few miles to the Columbine Hondo Wilderness Area. If you register in advance for a llama trek with Wild Earth Llama Adventures, a cordial camelid will carry your pack along this trail to a lunch spot in a wildflower meadow.
Getting there: 5 miles east of Questa, off NM 38. Info: Questa Ranger District, 575-586-0520. Fee: $20 per night
Note: Weather conditions and campsite availability vary, so be sure to call ahead for the latest info. Also, due to the remoteness of some of these sites, dont forget to come well equipped and ready for a wilderness experience.
The Cottonwood Campground offers a shady campsite near the cottonwoods. Photograph courtesy of New Mexico State Parks.
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Tx
35 RV rentals
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area lies in the northern panhandle region of Texas, between the towns and cities of Amarillo, Pampa, and Dumas. The land spans much of the shoreline of Lake Meredith, which gives the recreation area its name and is the main draw for visitors to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Campers from the big Texan cities such as Amarillo will seek out this oasis of land and water, far from the chaos of city life.
Whether they come for the fantastic fishing and boating on Lake Meredith or for hiking and hunting along with Lake Meredith’s Recreational Areas green landscapes, there is something for everyone here. The combination of wilderness beauty with easy road
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Hyde Memorial State Park Nm
125 RV rentals
Hyde Memorial State Park is located in north-central New Mexico, less than 100 miles from the state border with Colorado. The state park sits in the northeast portion of the well-known tourist town of Santa Fe, which is also the state’s capital. It is also around 75 miles northwest of the larger city of Albuquerque.
The park sits within the wooded hillsides of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It is also surrounded by national forestland, including the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests. This region is far greener than much of the rest of the state, and its altitude means snow is even possible during the winter months. This is a prime place to enjoy outdoor recreational
City Of Rocks State Park
Formed about 34.9 million years ago from a large volcanic eruption and millions of years of slow erosion, the City of Rocks is a stunning, otherworldly landscape of large geologic formations. Encompassing one square mile within the Chihuahuan Desert, the city is made up of large rock skyscrapers, rising as high as 40 feet in the air, separated by paths and lanes that resemble city streets. Spend the day exploring hiking trails, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and birding, and a desert botanical garden before setting up camp and enjoying the cool desert air under an incredible night sky, as the city is also a dark sky site. City of Rocks State Park offers RV sites with electric hookups that are available on a first come, first served basis.
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Morphy Lake State Park Nm
125 RV rentals
In the northern section of New Mexico, on the opposite side of the Pecos Wilderness from Santa Fe, is Morphy Lake State Park. This state park is a wonderful place to visit when you book an RV in Mora County, offering activities like fishing, swimming, hiking, and more. Morphy Lake State Park was established in 1965 and is one of the states smaller state parks, covering under 40 acres in total.
Motorhome camping at Morphy Lake State Park will put you at about 8,000 feet in elevation, and youll have the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as the backdrop for many of your views. The lake takes up about half of the total parks area, covering approximately 15 acres
Can You Camp For Free In The New Mexico National Forests
Home to millions of acres of forestland, from pinyon pine deserts to tall ponderosa pines, the US Forest Service provides enough campgrounds and wild camping locations to fill a lifetimes worth of adventures.
Carson National Forest
RV camping in Carson National Forest puts you in the heart of the mountains north of Santa Fe. Carson National Forest is home to Wheeler Peak, a 13,000-foot behemoth surrounded by several companions over 12,000 feet themselves. These silver faced, snow-capped ridges and dense pine forests ready you for the transition from the Land of Enchantment to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains to the north.
At the center of the three major landscapes that make up Carson National Forest is Taos, New Mexico, an artsy little villa that beckons everyone from bikers to bodhisattvas to explore whatever mystical nature the town seems to hold.
Gila National Forest
Though the Gila National Forest is wild and beautiful in its own right, it is best known for being the home to the Gila Wilderness. The Gila Wilderness is the United States’ first designated Wilderness, established way back in 1924. Together with its surrounding national forest, the Gila complex is rugged, remote, and stunningly gorgeous.
Gila National Forest is reached via roads that wind through juniper forests, and while they are passable to any vehicle, their twists and turns aren’t for the faint of heart. Keep an eye out for creatures such as the roadrunner and the elusive Gila monster.
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Elephant Lake Butte State Park
New Mexico has a lot of top-notchstate park campgrounds but Elephant Lake Butte State Park is one of the bestfor RV camping. It has 173 total developed campsites. 144 of these havewater/electric hookups while 8 have full RV hookups. The lake itself has plentyof room for you to spread out, both on the lake itself and along its sandy shores. Fishing, swimming, and scubadiving are all popular here.
Learn more about camping at ElephantLake Butte State Park.
Albuquerque Koa Journey Campground
The KOA campground is located near the Sandia Mountains, just off Historic Route 66. Even if youre seeking huge rig-friendly 75-foot RV spots, cottages, or just tent camping, this campsite has everything. Theres a pool, an indoor hot tub, mini-golf, a playground, and four pet parks.
During your camping trip, there will be much to do. The globes lengthiest aerial tramway is nearby, as is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Also. KOA is the nearest campground to the Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds.
The campground is also close to several restaurants, as well as the aquarium, zoo, a number of museums, and the famous Old Town shopping district.
This article has compiled the list of all the suitable options for dispersed camping near Albuquerque, New Mexico. All you need to do now is to pick a location for your next dispersed camping adventure. We recommend that you check the official websites of all the spots listed in this article before making your mind.
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