Camping options around Albuquerque range from 5,000 to 7,000 feet in elevation, creating distinct temperature differences between city and mountain sites. The region's high desert climate means significant day-to-night temperature swings of 30+ degrees, especially at higher elevations. Most dispersed camping areas require vehicles with adequate clearance due to unpaved access roads that can become rutted after seasonal monsoons.
What to do
Hike at Petroglyph National Monument: Just minutes from American RV Resort, you can explore ancient rock carvings. "We stayed here one night in April, 2020...close to Petroglyph National Monument and downtown Amarillo. Easy access off 40," notes Angela G.
Enjoy fishing at stocked lakes: Isleta Lakes & RV Park offers fishing without leaving your campground. "Our site #63 was across from the lake that is stocked with catfish. Locals are allowed in to fish during the day up until 7 pm. Fishing License can be purchased in campground store," writes Jody J.
Watch hot air balloons: Schedule your camping trip during October's balloon fiesta. "We unknowingly were passing through town during balloon fiesta. The front office staff apologized for the festival prices as we commented we were just passing through," explains Heather at High Desert RV Park.
Bike along the Rio Grande: The Paseo del Bosque Trail provides paved paths for cycling enthusiasts. "Also, the Paseo del Bosque Trail offers great biking," mentions Jody J. from Isleta Lakes & RV Park.
What campers like
Shaded sites at higher elevations: Turquoise Trail Campground sits at nearly 7,000 feet with cooler temperatures. "Tucked along the base of the Sandia mountains, at 6940' elevation," notes Dave V., adding "Tent sites are separated by scrub brush, which offered partial privacy between most sites."
Stargazing opportunities: The darker skies at Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site provide excellent night views. "Beautiful quiet view!...And, you can clearly see the Milky Way. No light pollution except the beautiful view of the city far away," says Lauren I.
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds offer wildlife viewing opportunities. "My first morning I was surrounded by a group of 5 cows grazing. They ended up laying 30 feet from the trailer all morning," shares Josh F. about Top of New Mexico, while another camper mentions, "Wild horses roamed around our site after sunset. Pretty epic."
Unique attractions: Enchanted Trails RV Park features interesting displays. "The old vintage RVs are awesome. They don't make them like that anymore!!" exclaims Chuck M., while another camper notes "The old cars and trailers were cool."
What you should know
Interstate noise affects some campgrounds: Several RV parks sit close to I-40. "The noise from highway, and it is no joke!! We were so tired we did not care. But it is BAD!" warns Roxy V. about Albuquerque KOA Journey.
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Top of New Mexico has no amenities. "Don't arrive when it's dark. Not much going on, no fire rings, no wild horses to wake up to," cautions Frances L.
Access challenges for dispersed camping: Roads to backcountry sites require careful navigation. "Pretty rough getting here as neighbors are sabotaging the road making it narrow using loose gravel & boulders on turns," warns Cher & Walter P. about Top of New Mexico. Another camper advises, "Don't necessarily need a 4WD unless there is bad weather, but a few spots where ground clearance of a regular truck or SUV is important."
Water pressure considerations: Route 66 RV Resort has unusually high water pressure. "We were told that the water pressure was about 90 psi and it was, so use a reducer," advises MickandKarla W.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer special features for children. "They have a playground hot tub and a bounce pad for the kids," mentions E. M. about Albuquerque KOA Journey.
Consider accessibility needs: Some facilities are better equipped than others. "The site is one of the best handicap accessible sites I've seen. The bathrooms are large and indoors, ac'd and well placed. Showers had a padded fold down bench," shares Lara O. about High Desert RV Park.
Bring plenty of water: The desert climate creates high water demands, especially in summer. "Attached to the laundry room is a game room with free pool table, TV, 2 arcade games," notes Laura M. about Enchanted Trails, providing indoor options during hot afternoons.
Book in advance during events: The balloon fiesta fills campgrounds quickly. "We couldn't figure out why all the RV parks were full. We unknowingly were passing through town during balloon fiesta," explains Heather at High Desert RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Position wisely for water hookups: Coronado Campground has unique utility placement. "Water is on one side of the pad, electricity on the other but it was not a problem when we positioned our camper," explains Nick W.
Use discount programs when available: Some parks honor memberships even if not listed. "Accepts Passport America discount even though they do not appear on the Passport America website. We paid $19 for 30 amp site with water and sewer hookup with the discount," reports Laura M. about Enchanted Trails.
Consider cellular connectivity needs: Service varies greatly between camping areas. "Verizon cell service was really bad and wifi barely reached my site," reports Angela G. about American RV Resort, while at Top of New Mexico, a camper notes "Great Starlink location and pretty good cell service (3/4 bars)."
Seek pull-through sites when possible: Many Albuquerque nm camping areas offer these convenient spots. "Sites are clean level and have full hookups. The laundry is dated at best but usable," mentions Thomas S. about Enchanted Trails RV Park.
