Best Campgrounds near San Acacia, NM

San Acacia, New Mexico provides access to several dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds within a short drive. San Lorenzo Canyon stands out as a popular dispersed camping destination approximately 15 miles north, featuring primitive tent and RV sites along canyon walls. Escondida Lake Park & Campground offers developed sites with hookups for campers seeking more amenities. The area primarily supports both tent and RV camping across BLM land and county-managed facilities, with most sites located along the Rio Grande corridor or in nearby desert canyons.

Road conditions vary significantly when accessing dispersed camping areas, particularly in San Lorenzo Canyon where many visitors report navigation challenges. Several camping areas require driving on rough terrain or dry riverbeds, making high-clearance vehicles recommended for reaching deeper canyon sites. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer brings intense heat with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Cell service becomes increasingly limited when venturing deeper into canyon areas or away from main roads. Water sources are extremely limited at dispersed sites, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies. A review noted, "Don't follow Google Maps! You will end up at a closed gate with instructions on where you are supposed to go, wasting 30 mins in the process."

Canyon camping experiences near San Acacia receive consistently positive reviews despite access challenges. San Lorenzo Canyon offers dramatic rock formations and slot canyons for exploration, providing campers with privacy and scenic views. Reviewers frequently mention the striking landscape and relative solitude compared to more developed areas. Escondida Lake Park provides basic amenities including hookups, potable water, and fishing opportunities for a modest fee. Campers should be aware of occasional noise from nearby train tracks and road traffic at established sites. One visitor described San Lorenzo Canyon as "a special place" where "the canyons were amazing to hike in and bike among," though they cautioned that the access road eventually becomes "just a dry river bed" requiring careful navigation.

Best Camping Sites Near San Acacia, New Mexico (39)

    1. Escondida Lake Park & Campground

    14 Reviews
    Lemitar, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 418-7350

    $18 / night

    "I didn't stay but I did drive through to check it out for future stops. First impression was very clean!"

    "Not much to catch at the lake. 3pm someone rolls up next to us. Definitely in the wrong spot and he would have known that if he was aware of the “back in” policy."

    2. San Lorenzo Canyon

    6 Reviews
    Polvadera, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 835-0412

    "Follow the coordinates to the exit. Make a left off to go over pass then make a right onto the frontage road."

    "Don't attempt unless you have 4 wheel drive and/or sand mode if you plan to pull a heavy trailer. Otherwise, most other vehicles out tent camping didn't seem to have too many problems."

    3. San Lorenzo Canyon Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Polvadera, NM
    5 miles

    "I saw very few people it will feel like you are not driving on the right place as the ‘road’ is eventually just a dry river bed, but keep going the course and you will find gorgeous sites to camp at."

    "Not easy to find but gorgeous spot to hike many canyon trails. Zero cell service. Don't follow goggle to find."

    4. The Box Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Socorro, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 835-0412

    "It worked and allowed quick access to the crag in the morning.  Does start to get busy with climbers fairly early (8am or so).  Would be perfect for somebody with a camper-van or teardrop."

    "There is no service, but walking back down the road just a bit a could find a few bars. Several hiking trails with beautiful views! A lot of great climbing also!"

    5. Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel

    4 Reviews
    La Joya, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 861-0693

    "Kiva RV Park is just a 5 minute drive from the NWR, so we stayed there on a Friday night, so we could get up bright and early for our hiking the next day."

    6. Water Canyon Campground

    13 Reviews
    Magdalena, NM
    21 miles
    Website

    "You don't often find free developed camping at the end of a paved road in New Mexico, but Water Canyon is one of those exceptions. "

    "Decided to drive into the mountains more instead of turning right into the campground, and didn’t regret it. Took us out to copper trail 10 and there were 4-5 sites with fire rings already there."

    8. San Antonio Bosque Park

    12 Reviews
    Socorro, NM
    23 miles
    Website

    "We are surrounded by what looks to me like oak trees, but I have yet to confirm that. It reminds me of my home state of Minnesota!"

    "It is right near the Rio Grande (but admittedly not a very spectacular portion). The foliage in late fall is a lovely pale yellow and orange."

    9. San Antonio Riverine Park

    7 Reviews
    Socorro, NM
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 835-8927

    "Here, the Rio Grande pauses on its long winding path to the Gulf of Mexico and allows these waterfowl and other migratory birds a place of rest and safety during their bi-annual migration."

    "There are walking paths where you can walk to the river. Mosquitoes / other bugs not bad when we were there in early December. No trash bins and no bathrooms. Please pack out your waste!"

    10. Plateau Hame de Colquhoun

    1 Review
    Belen, NM
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 874-0826

    $12 - $20 / night

    "It took us almost an hour after taking exit 191 off I-25 to reach the camp. We have a towed car with very low clearence so we were going really slow."

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Recent Reviews near San Acacia, NM

145 Reviews of 39 San Acacia Campgrounds


  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    The Box Recreation Area

    Dispersed Camping Box Recreation Area

    A short drive off of US 380 a few miles west of Socorro NM. Several flat areas with toom for multiple vehicles and tents.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Isleta Lakes & RV Park

    Good stop.

    Large park with a choice of gravel or concrete. Sites are good size but not set up well. Beautiful fishing lake. Casino with all the amenities.

  • Rob S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Escondida Lake Park & Campground

    Trashy

    The price is right for a spot with water and power at 22. Bathrooms are dirty and trash everywhere. It smells like a dead animal is close by too, however that may be without fault. Place is full, but not a pleasant vibe here. Also no picnic table at this particular site.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

    Safe, well kept camp in Ponderosa forest

    Dirt road to campground is in good condition, cell service was 4g, clean, well stocked pit toilets, a number of trail options, most sites appear level, lots of shade, safe. Had electric site but really did not need it (did not need a/c in late July...yay). Evening temps lower 50s, afternoon ~70s, low 80s. Quiet, not many people there during our mid-week stay. One of the trails is marked as a "track chair" trail. No showers, water available at some spigots, but not others, dump station available on grounds.

  • Aetheric Whispers O.
    Jun. 28, 2025

    La Vista RV Park

    Awesome little spot!

    Everything is great about this little site, only drawbacks are no facilities, and no shade.

  • Claude P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Escondida Lake Park & Campground

    If you have to stop

    No anwser on the phone ,restroom locked,not very clean .it's late and i am tired but...

  • Emily S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    San Lorenzo Canyon Dispersed

    The canyons are calling

    Truly, a special place. The canyons were amazing to hike in and bike among. I saw very few people it will feel like you are not driving on the right place as the ‘road’ is eventually just a dry river bed, but keep going the course and you will find gorgeous sites to camp at.

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    The Box Recreation Area

    Not many sites, lots of trash

    Very few sites: just after the entrance and by the vault toilet in the parking lot. We also drove down the Box Canyon rd for a while past the farm and only saw 1 spot. Went back to the parking lot but there was so much trash around and « donut » tire tracks that we decided not to stay there. Also, despite what it says, I had very little cell signal.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Manzano Mountains Camp

    Remote and quiet

    Took awhile to get here, well off the beaten path. Ponderosa Pines, oak and juniper scrub. Ample supply of downed trees to use as firewood. Gets muddy if it rains.


Guide to San Acacia

Camping near San Acacia, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around Water Canyon Campground. Reviewers mention, "There are about a dozen campsites, vault toilets, trash cans, a group campsite at the bottom of the hill and easy access to some great hiking trails."
  • Birdwatching: Visit the nearby Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. One camper noted, "Bosque Del Apache is a bird nerd’s paradise during the winter. Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes, and thousands of others congregate in this wetland wonderland."
  • Rock Climbing: The Box Recreation Area is a popular spot for climbers. A visitor shared, "This was a lovely spot to overnight... This is an important rock climbing destination and there are several hiking trails."

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at San Antonio Bosque Park. One review states, "The sites are nice enough... I decided to leave immediately so I could get on with my day."
  • Free Camping: Campers enjoy the no-cost options available at places like San Antonio Riverine Park. A reviewer mentioned, "It’s free and a good place to crash overnight."
  • Natural Beauty: The stunning views at San Lorenzo Canyon are a hit. One camper said, "Simply gorgeous area."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Escondida Lake Park & Campground have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "The campground has the basics but that's it."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas, such as Isleta Lakes & RV Park, are near train tracks. One camper warned, "Trains rumbling by blowing the horns... it's not my idea of an RV getaway!"
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at Red Canyon Campground. A camper shared, "We were approached by a guy letting us know there was a boar and a bear coming down the canyon."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Spots: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. Chupadero Mountainview RV Park has a clean bathroom and shower available during the day, making it suitable for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Campgrounds near hiking trails, like Manzano Mountains State Park Campground, offer great opportunities for family hikes. One reviewer said, "The trails are fabulous."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially in areas with wildlife. A camper at San Antonio Bosque Park mentioned, "I confronted the hunters saying they ought to mind their aim because there’s a campground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds, like Water Canyon Campground, have rough access roads. A visitor advised, "Road access is pretty rough and it is easy to miss the campground turnoff!"
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Campgrounds like Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel may have limited amenities. One camper noted, "The sewer hookup is just an open pipe. No threads."
  • Plan for Noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider campgrounds away from busy roads or train tracks. A reviewer at Isleta Lakes & RV Park mentioned, "There’s no denying those traffic noise is real."

Camping near San Acacia, New Mexico, offers a variety of experiences, from serene landscapes to exciting outdoor activities. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near San Acacia, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, San Acacia, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 39 campgrounds and RV parks near San Acacia, NM and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near San Acacia, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Acacia, NM is Escondida Lake Park & Campground with a 3.4-star rating from 14 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Acacia, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near San Acacia, NM.