I typically rate campgrounds as they fit into 1 of 5 categories. This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area. Ratings for this category are based on: Value to cost: 4 Overall grounds: 5 Utility of sites (hookups, layout, accessibility): 5 Local Attraction Proximity: 5 Reservation Process/Ease of Getting a Site: 3 Amenities: 4 Customer Service: 5 Cleanliness: 5

Taos Monte Bello RV Park is an excellent place to stay in the middle of it all. There are limited options in the area and this small, family-run business delivers on exactly what we needed. Their sites are very wide and spacious, the views are outstanding (even though smoke from the wildfires caused some obstruction) and the area is full of spots to explore.

I had a little trouble making a reservation as they don’t currently accept online reservations and getting ahold of them via phone or email took constant attempts over the course of 24 hours. However, once I got through, they were exceptionally friendly and accommodated us for a same-day Reservation. The owner invited us to arrive early as the spot was empty and upon arrival, gave us a full download of the area including providing maps and guidebooks. All their amenities were closed due to COVID (laundry, bathrooms, BBQ grilling area) but I won’t detract any stars for this as I believe it’s a wise decision. The wifi was better than average the entire time, it was a little spotty at times but we were consistently able to stream and upload large videos without fail. We were in a spot close to the office and it’s a small enough park that this seems like there would be a consistent signal.

The park is 5 minutes from the Rio Grande Bridge and 10 minutes from Earthship Biotecture, both worth a visit. The Taos plaza is about 15 minutes away and there is plenty to do. We found an awesome restaurant in nearby Arroyo Hondo.

The cost is very reasonable for FHU, large spaces and good proximity. The hookups are solid. They also offer shaded tent spots that looked killer. The grounds are gated with a passcode which offers nice assurance, though the area is very quiet and rural. It’s off a major roadway but road noise is limited. There is a dog boarding kennel across the street that was a little noisy one night but not anything crazy.

They take very good care of these grounds and are very COVID conscious, so come prepared to respect distance and face coverings, just like in all places across NM. We will definitely return.