Mother Bosque Gardens, near Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a unique camping spot that combines the charm of a garden with the comforts of home. With just six sites, it offers a cozy atmosphere where you can unwind and connect with nature.

This place is all about relaxation and community. Visitors rave about the beautiful garden and the welcoming hosts, who go out of their way to make you feel at home. One camper described it as a “magical healing place,” highlighting the enchanting plants and the peaceful energy that surrounds the area. You’ll find amenities like clean bathrooms and showers, making it easy to freshen up after a day of exploring.

For those looking to venture out, the nearby Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is a must-visit. It’s a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the natural beauty of the Bosque. Plus, you’re just a short drive from the vibrant attractions of Albuquerque, including Old Town and local eateries.

While some campers noted the unique experience of camping in a front yard, the overall vibe is friendly and laid-back. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Mother Bosque Gardens offers a refreshing escape with a personal touch.

Mother Bosque Garden , in Albuquerque , NM USA 87107

We are on Google, and Google Maps, easy to find. We are in the North valley , in the Griegos neighborhood .

Urban Organic Permaculture in an Urban / Suburban Setting, We are 2 miles East of the Rio Grande River. and walking, bike paths . The paths starts at our neighborhood.

contact , Michaela and Ernesto Maestas . 505 688 9721, text is best

6 camp sites only , 8 x 8 is the largest tent . $45- per night, 2 adults . 2 Inside rooms too.

NO RVs , We take vans, cars , truck, bikes . You may sleep in your van , truck or car.

We are NOT an RV park . We are Not a camp- ground. We are organic gardens .

Urban Permaculture, with Fruit trees , flowers, cactus and herbs.

We are a wildlife safety zone , we feed birds and provide water .

A Clean shared bathroom , inside toilet / shower , includes towels, soap , shampoo.

We have a shared kitchen / laundry room you can use . we ask for $3- to do laundry , cash .

We are 7 Mins. from Route 40 and 25.

No smoking, no drugs , no parties , dog friendly , 420 ok.

We are 10 mins. from Old town and 15 mins. from Downtown .

We are close to the Rio Grande Nature Center .

There are gas stations and stores within a 2 mins. drive .

We are one hour to Santa Fe , NM and 3 hours to Taos, NM.

We are 2 hours to T or C, NM and 5 hours to Silver City , NM .

We are dog friendly, must be on a leash and please clean up poo. We will give you bags .

We have trash cans, and recycling and compost.

Our tent sites are private , if you choose to sleep in your van or car , you are in a parking area but may use the house and gardens . There is a public pool , 2 mins, from the house . A city pool , that is awesome.

Mother Bosque Gardens

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Mother Bosque Gardens is a little retreat in an urban Albuquerque neighborhood. I’ll admit, for me, it was a first for camping in a backyard (that wasn’t my own). Ernesto and Michaela, our hosts, were immediately welcoming and kind. They feel like we could have known them for a lifetime, even though we’ve only met for minutes. Upon arrival, they gave us the tour, and even offered to share a bowl of the aromatic soup simmering upon their stove.

Campsite and Amenities

The campsites (I believe there are two tent sites) are located on the two opposite sides of the house. They are both very private and remarkably quiet. The quiet was surprising being in a city, but it was quieter than many campgrounds we’ve stayed where other groups of campers may be playing music or chatting (loudly) by the fires. The campsite has a private entrance through a gate; parking is off the street. Our campsite space in the side yard, had a table, a couch, and a grill. As stated on the website, and in the Dyrt details, there are no campfires allowed. Michaela and Ernesto welcomed us to use their kitchen, although we preferred some mother and daughter time outdoors during our stay. The tranquil backyard is towered over by old growth trees, and the gardening is exquisite. We shared the space with hummingbirds and roses. The clean bathroom is inside the home where there is a shower available. Michaela and Ernesto even offered the use of their towels. My daughter quickly pointed out that there is Wi-Fi.

Location

The location is very near to the Rio Grande River and the Bosque, which is the natural forest that runs along the Rio Grande. My daughter and I left early in the morning to explore the banks of the flooded Rio Grande (May), and noted the many remarkable birds: violet green swallows swooping along the river exposing their vibrant colors, ducks, egrets, herons, a red-tailed hawk, and several Canadian Geese. We sadly missed the wily roadrunner with three babies in tow. The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park was an excellent starting point for the Bosque. 

Mother Bosque Gardens is also located only a few miles from the heart of old Albuquerque, including Old Town, the zoo, the botanical gardens, and the excitement of Central Avenue.

Practical Pointers

As noted on the website, the camp space can only accommodate an 8X8 tent; it may accommodate two smaller tents. We’ve shared a photo of a standard 2-person backpacking tent set up in the space. I believe the website lists a maximum of three campers in the site. A family with children exceeding a total of 3, who can manage to sleep in tents that meet the size restriction, might consider contacting Michaela and Ernesto for permission to bring more than three. Finally, there is a small walk from the parking at the front of the house to the campsite, so plan to make sure your gear is portable enough to carry it the 75-ish feet (I’m not a good judge of distance so it may be anywhere from 40 feet to 100).

Final Impression

My daughter and I planned to spend a day in Albuquerque for some quality time. In honor of new experiences, we tried something new for us by staying at Mother Bosque Gardens. We were both incredibly happy that we did. We had a wonderful experience not only camping in a beautiful garden, but from the opportunity to meet Michaela and Ernesto. We were welcomed strangers, but I couldn’t help but feel like we departed from friends.

Fine print about my ratings 

When I use a star rating system, I truly do consider 3 out of 5 to be average and expected. Anything above three stars is superb and awe-inspiring. I save 5 out of 5 for what I feel is the most enchanted locations. After all, dishing out a 5 for every spot I like wouldn’t help other campers (as it doesn’t help me in return). I consider it rather difficult to provide a star rating for Mother Bosque Gardens because it was such a unique experience for me. As hosts, I would absolutely give Ernesto and Michaela a 5 out of 5\. The campsite has some natural limitations as compared to a traditional site, so while the campsite was very comfortable, when compared with large campsites surrounded Giant Sequoias or a serene alpine lake, well…that’s just hard to beat. So, I’ve settled on a 4 out of 5.

Booking with The Dyrt

I had the honor and pleasure of booking this trip through The Dyrt even as they were still rolling out the bookings. I found the process to be simple and effective.

Tranquility near Old Town

I visited this magical place. It is absolutely beautiful. During the day the myriad of plants are enchanting. At night the stars and sounds otherworldly. And the healing energy of Michaela and Ernesto brought me back into light. Forever grateful.

Magical Healing Place

You’re staying In the front yard with an tension cord although seemed to be relaxing nice people after a 5 hour drive with a travel trailer we pulled up Into a narrow street where they told us to park on there front driveway it was a no for us 

Catfished

Very Private , clean place . friendly ! Sweet spot !!

Organic Garden

Airbnb for tent camping, overnight parking for van camping, full access to home amenities - this was exactly what we needed for a one night stop. The hosts were quick to respond, communicative, warm and accommodating; the site is peaceful and has a genuinely good energy. I love the whole setup and would definitely stay there again.

Wonderful hybrid camping concept

I stayed for four days at Moss Gardens in Albuquerque. My host were really generous, easy-going helpful. The garden is really beautiful, their house is very clean and tidy. I was able to shower and come out when I was sick. I got to rest on the couch for a little while. They offered us their kitchen. Overall, it was really great to stay there. Very affordable. I highly recommend..

Photos of Mother Bosque Gardens

Real photos from real campers