Top Horse Camping near Belen, NM
Are you looking for a place to stay in Belen with your horse? It's easy to find Belen equestrian campgrounds with the Dyrt. Search horse campsites and discover top-rated spots, as reviewed by other campers.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Belen, NM (8)
1. Dispersed Caming off FS 542
23 Reviews•40 Photos•424 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
2. Red Canyon Campground
6 Reviews•6 Photos•61 SavesSites: 38, Elevation: 7,600 large, well shaded campground (38 units + 11 picnic sites in the lower loop) is a good way into Manzano Wilderness via Red and Spruce Canyon trails on foot or horseback. Corrals and parking for horse trailers. This site is open for day use or overnight camping. No water available. PLEASE NOTE: Recreational Vehicles (RV's) longer than 22 feet are not allowed in this campground. Vehicles of this size may only park at Ox Canyon Trailhead, approximately 1.5 miles South of Red Canyon Campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
3. New Canyon Campground
5 Reviews•7 Photos•78 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Trash
- Picnic Table
4. Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel
4 Reviews•14 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
5. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
18 Reviews•52 Photos•325 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Group
- Equestrian
6. Manzano Mountains Camp
1 Review•2 Photos•25 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
7. Water Canyon Campground
11 Reviews•47 Photos•115 SavesThis campground is located at an elevation of 6,800 feet in the Magdalena Mountains.
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
8. Coyote Trailhead
1 Review•2 Photos•13 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Recent Equestrian Reviews In Belen
46 Reviews of 8 Belen Campgrounds
Junaid A.
Scout
Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
My True Review about Top of the New Mexico
Top of New Mexico" near Albuquerque is a fantastic camping spot if you love open spaces and beautiful desert views. The sunsets here are breathtaking, and you might even spot wild horses roaming around. There's plenty of space for tents or RVs, and it's quiet and well-maintained, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. It can get a little windy, but that just adds to the experience. The road to get there winds through some houses, but once you arrive, you're surrounded by pure nature. also the food is so good, there are many food brands like subway menu who offers quality fast food services.
- K
Karl K.ScoutTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
place to relax
There are no neighbors, and other vehicles are parked here, but they had to be a quarter of a mile away. Wild horses visit in the morning. We enjoyed the sunrise to sunset. There are easy hikes, and you can do some mountain biking.
Alice S.
RangerTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Quiet Little Get Away
Used Google Maps and had no problem finding the place. Lots of open area to choose from for parking. The road up to the location is paved but once you enter it is gravel. I have a pro master van and had absolutely no problems. Just drive slow and you should be fine. Might be worse if it was raining heavy or something but overall not a bad path. Saw wild horses which was awesome. The vegetation has a lot of thorns and spikes so for a casual hiker it’s best to stay on the gravel roads. The cell signal was pretty good but not perfect. Enough to have phone calls easy but internet connection was a bit slow.
- Elle M.
TravelerTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Stunning Space for Small Vehicles
Everything about this place is gorgeous. The 360 views from the top are incredible. I didn’t go down into the valley to see what was available but a man came through and mentioned there were options there too.
On the top of the ridge you’re a little limited for spots but it wasn’t busy enough to cause me an issue. My closest neighbor was a few hundred yards away just like I like it.
I car camp in a small SUV and the road is definitely not as well worn in as others. You’re also pretty close to the sides of the mountain on a winding rock path so larger or trailered vehicles are probably not ideal.
The wild horses are active. I saw them in the neighborhood coming through and they came through camp a few times in the evening/night. Dog didn’t love it but they gave us about 30ft of space and didn’t bother much.
Love this spot but definitely keep size and safety in mind.
Clay L.ScoutTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Superb
From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the sheer beauty of the surroundings. The panoramic views of the mountains and valleys are simply stunning, making every moment a perfect photo opportunity. The site is well-maintained, with plenty of flat areas for tents and parking. And at this place i also wish to try Chicken Strips
Joshuah F.Scout
New Canyon Campground
Nice place!
Overall a nice place to camp. Most beautiful drive into the campsite. Some of the campsites had concrete picnic tables and bear containers. They were up a walkway and some stairs though. The vault toilets were clean. We were approached by a guy letting us know there was a boar and a bear coming down the canyon. He said they were about 700 yards away.
Maya T.
GuideTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Hidden Gem
Didn't camp here but came to enjoy the beautiful sunset. 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. I came for the sunset but would definitely stay if I was car camping. Wouldn't necessarily set up a tent for me, but some are braver than others!
Mallory W.TravelerTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
beautiful
The road to drive up is through a neighborhood and is 2 miles of windy road it was a little hard to maneuver with my 32’ trailer I just had to go slow nothing crazy. I was the only one around and the view was great, it was a little windy but it didn’t shake the trailer or anything. The only reason I’m giving 4 stars and not 5 is because or the rebar I found sticking out of the ground. At first I thought it was random but then I found 2 other pieces sticking straight out of the ground and they were in there deep
Tyler C.GuideTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Worth it
I had some trouble finding the entrance, you have to get in from the southeast side of the neighborhood, @ Llano el Norte street, but other than that I’ve spoiled myself with finding such a great campsite so early on in my trip. Definitely windy.
- hheidi H.Traveler
Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Great view and very private
Beautiful place to watch the sunset. A little windy, but very beautiful and private.
S H.GuideTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
huge mesa dispersed camping at top of windy road
Really easy to get to, up this lil windy residential road, go slow, that opens up into a huge public land past an open gate. Lots of paths from cars, just follow anyone you'd like and then pull over beside any ol bush. Don't run over any cactus.
Stayed for two nights and the sunsets were awesome. During the day it was very very windy but not too hot. Saw some wild horses the first morning but when I got too close one of them starting running toward me and I said hell no. Classic dispersed desert camping but with good service and close to Albuquerque.
- DDania H.Traveler
Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Great dispersed spot
Your on top of a mesa like area so it may be a little windy, it was when we went. Stayed for 1 night. It was very clean and no one else was around other than a few walkers in the morning.
William C.GuideTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Great getaway close to ABQ
Stayed here overnight for a quick stop. Wide open range with amazing views and a herd of wild horses.
Taylor M.TravelerTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Spirit Film Set
Pulled in right before sunset and only saw 2 other cars in the area. Watched a rainbow form over the Sandia Mtns and a herd of wild horses ran right through our campsite! Best night of my life!!
- ddustin W.Traveler
Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Great spot
This is a gem of a spot. You drive through a residential area of really nice hi purses and horses. It’s opens up with a spectacular view and some wide open spots to watch the sun go down. It is windy though but worth it.
Seth R.TravelerTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Beautiful scenery and peaceful,
Keep in mind that you will be cutting through neighborhoods once the pavement ends you will see signs stating "public land". Some of the roads are gravel and rocky, so if you have a low car be cautious. Horses roam freely out here. Open space. You can literally camp anywhere out here. I personally don't like camping off the main road. Several "signs" of camp fires, some trash (please pick up your trash people) not a lot. Not enough to make the place dirty etc. The place is literally 40 mins away from me so this is a great get away place. I spent the day there and plan on camping there.
- SSalo C.Traveler
Coyote Trailhead
Bit trashy
Totally serviceable for a quick camping spot. You will need high clearance to get up 462. There’s a ranger station on the way in for info that closes at 4:30.
You’ll pass the Coyote trailhead where the toilets are. The road veers right and starts getting hairy.
You’ll have to park along some boulders blocking the path up to the site. There’s a nice fire ring in a circle of trees that do a solid job of blocking the wind.
Fair amount of trash at nearby areas. Definitely where teenagers go to drink. We heard coyotes howling here and there too.
Leave no trace!
Jacob S.Traveler
Red Canyon Campground
Wildflowers and deer!
We stayed in the camping area near the trailhead. Very green and lush with deer visiting our site at dusk!
Alexander D.ScoutTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Epic, accessbile, and open campsite with good views
This campground offered amazing views of the Sandia mountains and the surrounding area. We found a fire ring and plenty of level areas to set up camp in addition to large bushes to take shelter behind. Also plenty of wild horses roaming around, though we didn't ever see any at near our campsite.
- CCarsonTraveler
Red Canyon Campground
Come early
I’ve been here a couple times. The site itself is in a really nice area with lots of pine trees and direct trail access. The only issue is it seems a lot of people who come here don’t know camp etiquette and leave the sites completely trashed. Fire pits buried and unusable, beer cans and trash everywhere. I’d recommend going before Memorial Day while the sites are still clean
Greg R.Guide
Manzano Mountains Camp
Great spot to get away from the City
This area is very wooded. Could get muddy when it rains. Lots of sites. Big rig friendly
- JJohn R.
LegendKiva RV Park & Horse Motel
Horse Motel
Park is very nice. Spots are accessible and park is clean. Stables for horses with exercise area. A little bit noisy from interstate but not to bad.
Patrick B.Guide
Water Canyon Campground
Can't beat the price (for now)
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. It seems to be one of those spots that people don't take the time to get off the highway to explore -- on a weekday in July there was only one other campsite occupied.
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, all about ten minutes outside of Socorro and an hour from Albuquerque.
While the campground is free for now, I did see some notices posted about the Forest Service taking public comment on levying a $10 per night fee per site.
- Greg R.Guide
Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel
Hot weather, but great customer service.
Nice area, clean, shade trees and the management works with you no matter what. Little noise from I25 but very pet friendly. Will be back.
- IIkela M.Traveler
Water Canyon Campground
Beautiful Canyon, simple free camping
Beautiful Canyon with a handful of free camping spots. Fire pits, picnic tables, and bathrooms (pretty clean for late June).
There’s a group camping section with a large gazebo and a number of picnic tables, but it was closed when we were here.
No cell reception (Verizon & TMobile). No water so bring your own.
Please practice LNT.
- HHannah W.Guide
Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Windy but private
This place is kind of elevated and somewhat exposed but there are enough large bushes to park behind to get out of the wind. Dirt is dry so it’ll blow around but we just put a blanket down to keep most of it from bothering us while we sat outside. Perfect temperature for The tail end of May. Tons of space to choose from. Would definitely recommend. Cell service was great.
Ben S.TravelerTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Beautiful views
Curvy tight roads coming in there’s also wild horses in the area so look out for them. I didn’t go to far down the road because of the rocks I’m in a Camry I started dragging the bottom but there’s a couple spots with good views of the mountains and sunset views there’s lots of hiking and MTBiking trails around too if ya into that
Guide to Belen
Camping near Belen, New Mexico, 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:
- Explore the outdoors: The area around Belen is great for hiking and enjoying nature. Campers have noted that the Dispersed Camping off FS 542 offers beautiful views and plenty of space to set up camp. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice place to stop. I was the only one there," highlighting the peacefulness of the area.
- Visit local attractions: If you're near Albuquerque, check out the Albuquerque KOA Journey. It's just a short drive away and has amenities like a pool and playground. A visitor shared, "The site is spotless and the security is excellent," making it a reliable choice for families.
- Enjoy the desert landscape: The San Lorenzo Canyon is a stunning spot for those who love unique rock formations. One camper said, "Simply gorgeous area," which captures the beauty of this location.
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At the Route 66 RV Resort, a guest noted, "Extremely clean. Quiet. Good internet," which is a big plus for those who want comfort while camping.
- Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like the Albuquerque KOA Journey offer fun for kids, including a jump pad and mini-golf. A parent mentioned, "My kids loved every second of it!" which shows it's a hit with families.
- Safety and security: Campers feel secure at places like the Kirtland AFB FamCamp. One reviewer stated, "I had no concern for my safety staying on base," which is reassuring for many.
What you should know:
- Noise levels: Some campgrounds, like the American RV Resort, are close to highways, which can lead to noise. A visitor mentioned, "Freeway noise and sites right next to each other were the negatives," so be prepared for some sound.
- Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. For example, the Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post has basic offerings, with one camper saying, "Just the basics but clean."
- Wildlife encounters: Campers at the Kirtland AFB FamCamp have noted seeing wildlife. One reviewer shared, "You will see plenty of wildlife as well," which can be a fun experience for nature lovers.
Tips for camping with families:
- Check for kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. The Route 66 RV Resort has a resort-style pool and a dog washing facility, making it a great choice for families.
- Plan for activities: Make sure to have games or activities ready for downtime. One parent at the Albuquerque KOA Journey mentioned, "Clean, modern and convenient showers were pluses for Mom and Dad," indicating that parents can enjoy some relaxation too.
- Be mindful of noise: If your kids are light sleepers, consider campgrounds away from busy roads. The Dispersed Camping off FS 542 offers a quieter experience, as one camper noted, "I was the only one there."
Tips from RVers:
- Look for spacious sites: RVers appreciate campgrounds with ample space between sites. The High Desert RV Park has been praised for its spaciousness, with one reviewer stating, "Easy access from highway and we had a great pull thru site."
- Check for amenities: Make sure the campground has the necessary hookups and facilities. A visitor at the American RV Resort mentioned, "Clean sites and laundry facilities," which is essential for longer stays.
- Be prepared for weather: The desert can get hot during the day and cool at night. Campers at the Manzano Mountains State Park Campground enjoyed the cooler temperatures, with one saying, "The temps were cooler (60’s at night)."
Camping near Belen, New Mexico, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to find the best fit for your adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Belen, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Belen, NM is Dispersed Caming off FS 542 with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Belen, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Belen, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.