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Best Campgrounds near Albuquerque, NM

514 Reviews

Camping near Albuquerque ranges from well-developed grounds to basic backcountry sites in the surrounding mountains and desert. Turquoise Trail Campground sits near the Sandia Mountains with good hiking access nearby. Isleta Lakes and RV Park has full hookups not far from downtown for campers who need city access. Coronado Campground puts you close to the Rio Grande where you can fish or check out local historical areas. The Albuquerque Central KOA includes standard amenities like clean bathrooms and a pool for cooling off. If you prefer more remote camping, Manzanita Recreation Zone in Cibola National Forest lets you camp with fewer neighbors around. Some of these spots need vehicles with higher clearance, especially after rain. Spring and fall bring the best weather for camping here - summer gets pretty hot, so look for shaded sites and bring plenty of water. Watch for current fire rules and length-of-stay limits throughout the area. You might need permits for certain camping areas, so it's worth checking before you head out.

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Best Camping Sites Near Albuquerque, New Mexico (76)

    1. Albuquerque KOA Journey

    46 Reviews
    Monticello, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 296-2729

    "New Mexico is a land of wonders and beauty in every turn."

    "Good campground with access to all Albuquerque has to offer. Quick biking to the Sandia trails and short drive to hiking. The bus stop is nearby so getting around town is easy too."

    2. Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post

    21 Reviews
    Albuquerque, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 831-6317

    $30 - $37 / night

    "This is a well-run RV park by Hiway 40 just a few miles from Albuquerque, NM.  Full hookups, clean bathrooms, pleasant staff.  There is highway noise, but the convenience was nice"

    "It was off the highway by 7 miles but easy to get back on in the morning. There were a number of fun nostalgic things to walk and look at."

    3. High Desert RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Albuquerque, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 839-9035

    $40 - $44 / night

    "The metal art work around this place was incredible. The whole park was just really nice and clean. They have an area where you can vaccume your vehicle out. Clean showers and bathrooms.."

    "Nice RV Park that is close to town. The highway is nearby so very loud out all night. They also had water pressure issues well we stayed around 20 PSI. Site was all red dirt but fairly level."

    4. American RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Albuquerque, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 282-8885

    $50 / night

    "We live in Albuquerque, and just wanted to take our little Class A out to stretch her legs and let us have something resembling a getaway! The park is very in tune to the Coronavirus."

    "We only did an overnight and it's 20 minutes away from the Peroglyp's national monument. Close to the gas station too. Campground site is pretty clean and best of all we saw a bunch of rabbits."

    5. Turquoise Trail Campground

    33 Reviews
    Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-2005

    "Great spot not too far from Albuquerque, very peaceful and quaint. Friendly staff and dog friendly ( on a leash)."

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Turquoise Trail Campground, Cedar Crest, NM

    Turquoise Trail Campground is a small privately owned campground located five miles north of I-40 off Route 14 (exit 175) just outside"

    6. Isleta Lakes & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Bosque Farms, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 724-3800

    $38 - $50 / night

    "Staying at Isleta Lakes has convenient access to the city of Albuquerque while staying a bit more secluded. The lakes provide a nice walking trail and the staff are helpful."

    "We live in Albuquerque and wanted to try something close to home. This was a nice park located next to a lake that can be fished with a license."

    7. Kirtland AFB FamCamp

    10 Reviews
    Monticello, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 846-0337

    "Contrary to the previous review, Kirtland AFB has 24/7 access to all authorized persons via the Truman gate off of Gibson Blvd. There is 30 and 50 amp service available along with water and sewer."

    "You must show up Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm to get access to the base."

    8. Route 66 RV Resort

    20 Reviews
    Albuquerque, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 352-8000

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Clean, paved drives and concrete pull through diagonal sites with full hook ups. Gated control entrance. Good Wi-Fi."

    "We live in Albuquerque, and it was the middle of the early Coronavirus lockdown, but were looking to just get away from the house and still be away from people."

    9. Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    26 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    "Between Tijeras and Albuquerque. In the Cibola National Forest. When you turn into Juan Tomas (FS 542) Rd - be sure to go straight down nearly to the very end of the road."

    "I got here after dark on my drive from the west coast to NC. There were a couple of other campers at the front of the entrance. I did a little off-roading and drove deeper in for privacy."

    10. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    37 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    "Drove a short distance from Albuquerque through Placitas, saw so many horses! This is an open space that overlooks the tail of Albuquerque, and the vistas beyond."

    "Top of New Mexico" near Albuquerque is a fantastic camping spot if you love open spaces and beautiful desert views."

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Recent Camping Photos near Albuquerque, NM

87 Photos of 76 Albuquerque Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Albuquerque, NM

514 Reviews of 76 Albuquerque Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Adria L.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Santa Fe Skies RV Park

    Fenton lake

    Everything is online now did realize that the fishing was bad but still a great place to go and relax

  • K
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Coronado campground

    Really nice tent sites

    I love the tent shelters. We slept inside instead of setting up a tent again. Nice shower and toilets. Beautiful view. A bit noisy at night with a highway not far enough away. I am staying an extra night…

  • Todd L.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Happy Trails RV Park

    Nice Overnight

    It's an older campground, quite small but a very welcome overnight stop. I guess my biggest complaint is dirt/dusty driveway. The site is very long and very level and plenty acceptable in width. No septic at my site(#1), but they doo have a pull up dump station. Our 50amp service had very good voltage at 117.9vac with both our a/c units running on high. Only reason for 4 stars was dusty driveway. Oh, o e more thing, the office staff was awesome, very friendly and helpful.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    Great Location!

    My family and I camped here and chose this location as one of our stops on our road trip. It was easy to find and get to. Luckily, I have a have a high clearance vehicle due to the ruts on the road. The area had great views and was very private. Will definitely visit again.

  • 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.

  • K
    Jul. 20, 2025

    High Desert RV Park

    Beautiful rv park

    We have stayed at this rv park a couple times and every single time it’s clean, easy to access, mimi is so kind. Would recommend to anyone!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Complete serenity

    This was such a serene spot to camp for the night. Quiet & peaceful with beautiful views of the mountains, sunset & sunrise. Wild horses roamed around our site after sunset. Pretty epic.

Guide to Albuquerque

Camping near Albuquerque offers a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Visit the Sandia Mountains: Just a short drive from the city, the Sandia Mountains offer hiking trails and stunning views. One camper mentioned, "15 minutes from the Sandia Air tram, 20 minutes from the airport," making it easy to enjoy the outdoors while being close to amenities.
  • Explore local attractions: Albuquerque is rich in culture and history. A reviewer noted that the Coronado Campground is "on the same road as Coronado Historical Site, which is an amazing Adobe settlement circa 1300 AD."
  • Enjoy the Balloon Fiesta: If you're in town during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, it's a must-see. Many campgrounds are conveniently located for easy access to the event.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at the Albuquerque KOA Journey said, "The bathrooms/showers were likewise very clean and there was plenty of hot water."
  • Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. A parent at the Route 66 RV Resort shared, "The pool is resort style with hot tub. They even have a dog washing facility with tubs."
  • Convenient locations: Campgrounds like the American RV Resort are praised for their proximity to local attractions. A reviewer noted, "Good location, friendly office staff."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at the Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA mentioned, "Close to highway but easy in/out," indicating that while it's convenient, it might not be the quietest spot.
  • Tight camping spots: Many campgrounds have close quarters. A visitor at the Albuquerque KOA Journey remarked, "Spots are a little tight," so be prepared for that.
  • Seasonal weather: Depending on the time of year, temperatures can vary greatly. One camper at the Turquoise Trail Campground advised, "I recommend spring to fall for tents. Winter temps get down to 16 degrees F."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for kid-friendly activities: Choose campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. A parent at the Route 66 RV Resort highlighted, "Jump pad, playground, mini golf and a really nice pool were the highlights."
  • Plan for noise: If your kids are light sleepers, consider campgrounds away from highways. A reviewer at the Albuquerque KOA Journey mentioned, "Interstate noise could be an issue if you're not running AC/fan."
  • Pack for all weather: Be ready for changing conditions. A camper at the Dispersed Camping off FS 542 noted, "Roads are a little rough," so ensure your vehicle is suitable for the terrain.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at the American RV Resort appreciated, "Clean sites and laundry facilities."
  • Be mindful of space: Some RV parks have tight spots. A reviewer at the High Desert RV Park mentioned, "There did appear to be a lot of long-term residents staying here."
  • Plan for road noise: If you're sensitive to sound, consider campgrounds further from highways. A camper at the Route 66 RV Resort noted, "Expensive but with all the services you can dream of," indicating that the amenities might outweigh the noise issue.

Camping in Albuquerque, NM, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly spots to serene retreats. With the right planning, you can enjoy the beauty of New Mexico's outdoors while having access to the conveniences of city life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping options near Albuquerque?

Albuquerque offers diverse camping options within a short drive. Turquoise Trail Campground provides a peaceful retreat with pine and fir trees, clean facilities including showers and laundry, and is pet-friendly. For those seeking unique views, Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site offers spectacular desert vistas, potential wild horse sightings, and beautiful sunsets overlooking Albuquerque. Other notable options include Paliza Family Campground for a peaceful forest experience about an hour from the city, and Albuquerque KOA Journey for convenient city access with full amenities. Most campgrounds around Albuquerque are accessible year-round due to New Mexico's generally mild climate, though summer reservations are recommended due to higher demand.

Are there any tent camping sites in Albuquerque with good amenities?

Coronado Campground in Bernalillo offers excellent tent camping just 15 minutes from Albuquerque. At $10 per night for tent sites, campers enjoy great views of the Rio Grande and Sandia Mountains. The campground features necessary amenities while maintaining a natural setting. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Padilla Ranch provides a welcoming atmosphere with fire pits and complimentary firewood. While it lacks showers, it does offer water access and portable toilets. Other tent-friendly options include Paliza Family Campground for a more primitive forest experience and American RV Resort which, despite its name, accommodates tent campers with access to their facility amenities. Most tent sites around Albuquerque are available year-round but are most comfortable in spring and fall.

What RV campgrounds are available near Albuquerque?

Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post is a well-maintained option just a few miles from Albuquerque along Highway 40. It offers full hookups, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. While there is some highway noise, the convenience and facilities make it a popular choice. For those preferring a slightly more removed location, Route 66 RV Park is about 15 minutes from Albuquerque right off the interstate, offering helpful staff (especially welcoming for RV beginners) and a peaceful setting despite the proximity to the highway. Other RV options include Albuquerque KOA Journey for in-city convenience, High Desert RV Park with big-rig friendly sites, and American RV Resort offering resort-style amenities. Most RV parks around Albuquerque operate year-round with full hookups to accommodate all seasons.

Where can I find camping spots near water around Albuquerque?

Cochiti Recreation Area offers excellent lakeside camping about 50 miles from Albuquerque. Sites feature concrete pads with picnic tables and charcoal grills, strategically placed on different levels to maximize lake views. The well-spaced sites provide privacy while enjoying the water scenery. For a creek-side option, Vista Linda Campground in Santa Fe National Forest has about half its sites nestled among cottonwoods alongside Jemez Creek. Though some sites are closer to the road, the creek-side spots provide a peaceful water-adjacent experience not far from Albuquerque. The Rio Grande also offers camping opportunities at several points north and south of the city, with varying amenities depending on the specific location. Most water-adjacent sites are best visited from late spring through early fall.

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