Places to Camp near Santa Fe, NM
Camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a unique camping experience with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot in the wilderness or a family-friendly campground with all the amenities, Santa Fe has something for everyone. From the high desert to the lush forests, the campgrounds around Santa Fe provide a perfect base for exploring the area's natural beauty and cultural attractions.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the top campgrounds near Santa Fe, what campers love about them, and what you should know before you go. We'll also share tips for camping with families and advice from RVers who have stayed in the area. Let's dive into the best camping spots near Santa Fe and what makes them special.
What to do
Santa Fe is a hub for outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Whether you're into hiking, exploring ancient ruins, or enjoying local cuisine, there's something for everyone.
- Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds, like Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument, offer direct access to hiking trails. Kim G. mentioned, "The hiking right from the campground is great - the two hikes are definitely worth doing." Read more.
- Cultural Sites: Visit the ancient Pueblos at Bandelier National Monument or explore the rich history of Los Alamos. Shari G. shared, "We enjoyed visiting the ancient Pueblos, especially climbing the 140 feet to the Alcove house." Read more.
- Local Attractions: Don't miss out on Santa Fe's vibrant downtown, with its art galleries, museums, and restaurants. Angela C. noted, "The campground was a good base for us to take the train to the city in the morning and then get back on the road." Read more.
What campers like
Campers appreciate the variety of campgrounds near Santa Fe, each offering unique features and amenities.
- Scenic Views: Many campgrounds provide stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Zachary H. said, "It was absolutely beautiful sunrise and sunset views of the lake and surrounding mountains." Read more.
- Quiet and Secluded Spots: For those seeking peace and quiet, campgrounds like Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed offer secluded spots. Noah E. mentioned, "If you continue down the road you can easily find a secluded spot." Read more.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like Santa Fe KOA are great for families, with amenities like playgrounds and game rooms. Sarah G. shared, "Super clean, polite staff, brand new playground, 20 min from Santa Fe." Read more.
What you should know
Before heading out, there are a few things you should know about camping near Santa Fe.
- Water Availability: Some campgrounds, like Black Canyon Campground, may not have water available. Elise A. noted, "Water is currently out at this campground and I heard a few folk mentioning it’s been under repair for some time." Read more.
- Cell Service: Cell service can be spotty in some areas. Sara B. mentioned, "They’re not kidding when they warn about no cell service." Read more.
- Reservations: Some campgrounds require reservations, especially for RV sites. Mike B. shared, "There are 35+ first come first serve tent spots and 10 ish RV spots on a separate loop, only 2 of which are first come first serve and electric only." Read more.
Tips for camping with families
Camping with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially in family-friendly campgrounds.
- Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for kids. Rachel G. mentioned, "They had a small rec room with a paddle ball table. Showed a family-friendly movie nightly in the movie room." Read more.
- Safety First: Ensure the campground is safe for kids to explore. Tiffany shared, "Our children made friends with other kiddos camping and played till sunset every night." Read more.
- Amenities for Kids: Campgrounds like Santa Fe KOA offer amenities like playgrounds and fenced dog parks. Pat M. said, "We got a site with a PawPen! This was GREAT for our dogs and us!" Read more.
Tips from RVers
RVers have specific needs and preferences when it comes to campgrounds. Here are some tips from experienced RVers.
- Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites. Jeff K. mentioned, "The sites are reasonably level. Easy hook-ups." Read more.
- Hookups and Amenities: Ensure the campground offers the necessary hookups and amenities. Mary F. shared, "There is not a bad site in this park that we could tell. All are level, spacious, and have a concrete patio." Read more.
- Proximity to Attractions: Choose a campground close to the attractions you want to visit. Angela C. noted, "The campground was a good base for us to take the train to the city in the morning and then get back on the road." Read more.
Camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a diverse range of experiences, from secluded wilderness spots to family-friendly campgrounds with all the amenities. Whether you're hiking through ancient ruins, enjoying the local culture, or simply relaxing by the campfire, Santa Fe has something for everyone. Use this guide to plan your next camping adventure and make the most of your time in this beautiful part of New Mexico.