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Best Campgrounds near Abiquiu, NM

853 Reviews

Camping options surrounding Abiquiu, New Mexico range from established campgrounds with amenities to dispersed sites on public lands. Riana - Abiquiu Lake, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, provides electric and water hookups for RVs along with tent sites across several loops with views of the reservoir. Ghost Ranch offers cabins and tent camping with access to hiking trails and cultural activities. Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area provides free primitive camping without amenities for those seeking a more rustic experience. Echo Campground and Rio Chama Campground round out the selection with tent and RV-compatible sites in the area.

Most campgrounds near Abiquiu operate seasonally, with many closing during winter months. Riana - Abiquiu Lake typically operates from April 15 to October 15, while Rio Chama Campground is open from May to November. Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation, bringing cool nights even during summer and occasional strong winds across exposed campsites. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with visitors reporting "spotty" coverage at Riana campground. Drinking water availability differs between developed and dispersed sites, requiring planning for those heading to more remote locations. A camper noted, "The views from the campground are wonderful and there is much to do in the area. The Ghost Ranch is just down the road with great hiking and of course the home and studio of Georgia O'Keefe is in Abiquiu."

Many campgrounds in the Abiquiu area feature stunning views of the lake, mountains, and red rock formations that inspired artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Several visitors mention the quality of camp hosts, particularly at Riana - Abiquiu Lake, where the facilities are kept "very clean and well maintained." Campsites at Riana offer covered picnic tables, fire rings, and some have electric hookups, with spacing described as "generous" between sites. The prohibition of alcohol at some campgrounds can be a consideration for visitors. During peak season, campgrounds with water access become particularly popular. One reviewer shared, "It was peaceful and quiet. Good hiking opportunities. The views were awesome," highlighting the combination of scenery and recreation that draws campers to this northern New Mexico region.

Map showing campgrounds near Abiquiu, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Abiquiu, New Mexico (185)

    1. Riana - Abiquiu Lake

    20 Reviews
    Cañones, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 685-4371

    $10 - $80 / night

    "There are nice trails that you can hike or mountain bike. Some are near cliff edges and not for the beginners. The lake is nice for New Mexico and sees a lot of use."

    "Awesome view of Abiquiu Lake with amazing sunsets nightly. Hot showers, clean pit toilets, BBQs, tent pads, picnic tables & friendly camp hosts. Senior Passes work here for half price discount."

    2. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

    15 Reviews
    Ojo Caliente, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 583-2233

    $40 - $60 / night

    "The camping area is more of a campground than an RV park, in a positive way. Many of the sites are shaded with mature trees."

    "The spots further from sitting have most privacy and are still only a 5 minute walk to entrance (I timed it from our site)."

    3. Ghost Ranch

    6 Reviews
    Cañones, NM
    11 miles
    Website

    "Recommend arriving not too late to see if you can get a good spot, we didn’t have shade so had to go find a nice shady bench away from our site for eating lunch / relaxing after our hike."

    "All in all we got three meals for our family of 4 and a nights stay while we hiked around trails on the property for less than $100 all in, and the food (upscale summer camp type) was very good."

    4. Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Youngsville, NM
    17 miles
    Website

    "Seems a given, since it’s close to the river!

    I found a site right next to the Rio and even though it was muddy, I still appreciated being able to get in to cool down a bit."

    "One down side being close to the river is the bugs, literally thousands of them can make it unpleasant. Outside of that the spot on the river is fantastic for viewing pleasure."

    5. Echo Campground

    6 Reviews
    Canjilon, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    $20 / night

    "Small campground next to U.S. Highway 84. There are 9 campsites with 3 small pull-throughs. I have seen large RVs in the day use area, not sure if this is tolerated.  No services.  "

    "Hour outside of santa fe."

    6. Rio Chama Campground

    14 Reviews
    Gallina, NM
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 638-5526

    "Rio Chama RV park in Chama, New Mexico, is at the intersection of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the upper Rio Chama. A nice place to stay May 1 thru mid October."

    "It's an easy dirt road drive down the river and you will pass many dispersed site and a couple of defined camping grounds."

    7. El Rito Campground Group Shelter — Carson National Forest

    4 Reviews
    El Rito, NM
    14 miles
    +1 (575) 581-4554

    $225 / night

    "We had no clue that this gem was close to us we went for a quick weekend camp we were right next to the creek with amazing views of the mountains."

    "Seems to be a common problem, which is too bad because it is a pretty place and convenient to the large rock climbing area nearby."

    8. Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument

    30 Reviews
    White Rock, NM
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 672-3861

    $20 - $50 / night

    "There are trail heads that are a short walk from the campground including a 1.5 mile trail to the visitor center

    The spots have picnic table and fire rings, there is potable water and vault toilets throughout"

    "Shuttle bus takes you to visitor center Where ruins are and access to trails. There is a lovely 2 mile trail  from campground that you can also walk to center. Ruins are interesting."

    9. Star Dance

    1 Review
    Youngsville, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 901-2936

    10. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    18 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    26 miles

    "While most of the trees in this area were burnt by fires less than 10 years ago, it still provides great views of the valley below and the highest mountains in all of New Mexico! "

    "We stayed in site fairly close to the entrance and off to the right on the East spur for 6 days in a 36’ motorhome and Cherokee Trailhawk."

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Recent Camping Photos near Abiquiu, NM

268 Photos of 185 Abiquiu Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Abiquiu, NM

853 Reviews of 185 Abiquiu Campgrounds

  • A
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Oasis on the Mesa

    Lovely spot with beautiful walks nearby

    The camp site is private and comfortable with lovely views of the mountains and sunsets. It has full hookups, a flagstone patio, and a partial fence for privacy. You can walk out the gate to trails that go along the Mesa overlooking the river canyon or down to the river and hot springs. Victoria is a kind and helpful host.

  • Angela L.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Titilla Peak

    I love beautiful views!

    Most of the sites on the outside overlook the Rio Grande or the Cochiti Lake. The views are amazing! Bathrooms and showers are available.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Sparkling Location!

    Spotless, spacious level concrete pads with barbecues and sheltered picnic tables. No campfires are permitted. Water views from many sites. Boat launch and swimming beach are both less than a mile from the lower loop and available for day use as well as two campers. Dump station, free, hot showers, dumpster, portable water, and electric available at various sites. There is a Ranger on duty at the visitor center up the hill and a good walking/hiking trail that begins near the boat launch. Some steep spots so don’t forget that you’re at over 5000’ here.

  • K
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Santa Fe Skies RV Park

    Clean, Friendly, Seamless

    Needed a place to stay while passing through Santa Fe. Found this place on the Dyrt and was able to call and get a full hookup site for our after hours arrival. Easy to find, very clean facilities, and friendly and accommodating staff.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Jemez Falls Campground

    Tranquil in the pines

    Quiet spot, decent separation of sites, water, clean pit toilets, interesting hiking right from the campsite, decent cell connection (xfinity).

  • B
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Beautiful area

    We stayed at Cochiti to be close to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The area is beautiful and the campground is great. Sites are spacious with paved pads and a parking spot next to your RV sites it has a concrete area with a covered picnic table. We stayed in the Buffalo loop and had 50 amp electric as well as water. The bathhouse was near and was clean and nice

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Forest Service Rd 268 Dispersed Site

    Beating the Heat at 8800 ft.

    Great place to get away for the week. Cattle will walk thru your camp and people were far enough away to enjoy the cool.

  • Kara C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Carson national forest

    Great Views, Right on the Rio

    We drove around Forest Trail 9 (FT9) until we found a great spot on the edge overlooking the Rio. Nestled in some trees, it was flat for our tent, awesome views, fires were allowed and already had an established rock ring.

Guide to Abiquiu

Camping near Abiquiu, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax under the stars, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are fantastic trails right from the campgrounds. At Juniper Family Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The hiking right from the campground is great - the two hikes are definitely worth doing." You can explore the ancient Pueblos and enjoy breathtaking views.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Fenton Lake State Park is a great spot. A reviewer noted, "If you’re coming for fishing, get there and grab a spot before 7am for your best chance of catching something."
  • Exploring Hot Springs: For a relaxing experience, check out the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. One camper shared, "The hot springs are amazing and you can leave and come back."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Riana - Abiquiu Lake said, "Awesome view of Abiquiu Lake with amazing sunsets nightly."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A review for Black Canyon Campground mentioned, "Summer temps were very comfortable during the day and cool overnight. Perfect camping weather."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive high praise. At Jemez Falls Campground, a camper noted, "The camp host Leo was extremely helpful!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Black Canyon Campground, lack amenities like showers and electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "No electric, water, sewer or dump station."
  • Reservation Systems: Some campgrounds have a first-come, first-served policy. A reviewer at Jemez Falls Campground stated, "Reservation system ran till the end of September, then First come First served came into effect."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper at Rio Chama Campground mentioned, "We found a secluded spot, not on the river. It was nice due to the area being overwhelmed with people."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with ample space between sites. A family at Juniper Family Campground appreciated, "The campsites are lovely, and somewhat spaced apart."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities. One reviewer at Fenton Lake State Park suggested, "Enjoy the hike along the creek to the lake."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring enough supplies, especially water. A camper at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa noted, "The nearest grocery/convenience store is just down the road, but the selection is pretty limited."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Riana - Abiquiu Lake mentioned, "Great sites for our 17' camp trailer."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Many campgrounds, like Black Canyon Campground, do not have electric or water hookups. A reviewer said, "No electric, water, sewer or dump station."
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, arrive early. A camper at Rio Chama Campground advised, "Overall it was enjoyable but can be a long winding journey for those that are impatient."

Camping near Abiquiu, New Mexico, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permits for camping in Abiquiu?

Permit requirements vary by location around Abiquiu. At Ghost Ranch, reservations are required for camping, which serves as your permit. For dispersed camping on Forest Service land like FR376 Dispersed, no formal permits are needed, but campers must follow fire restrictions and leave-no-trace principles. Camping at Abiquiu Lake recreation areas requires payment of camping fees at self-pay stations, which act as your permit. Always check current regulations before your trip, as requirements can change seasonally, particularly during high fire danger periods when additional restrictions may apply.

What amenities are available at Abiquiu Lake campgrounds?

Abiquiu Lake campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities. At Riana - Abiquiu Lake, you'll find a well-organized campground with basic facilities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The campground features hiking and mountain biking trails, some with challenging sections near cliff edges. Shade is limited, and sites offer minimal privacy. The friendly camp hosts provide assistance to visitors. While the campground doesn't have electrical hookups or showers, the beautiful lake setting and recreational opportunities make it popular for boating and water activities. Some sites may accommodate RVs, though hookups are not available.

Where can I find camping areas near Abiquiu, NM?

The Abiquiu area offers diverse camping options. Riana - Abiquiu Lake provides lakeside camping with hiking and mountain biking trails. For those seeking free dispersed camping, Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area near Abiquiu offers a more primitive experience. Additional options include Ghost Ranch for cultural history enthusiasts and Echo Campground for a forest setting. The Carson National Forest also has several campgrounds within driving distance of Abiquiu. Many sites are seasonal, so check availability before traveling, especially during summer when popular spots fill quickly.

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