RV campgrounds near Belen, New Mexico sit at approximately 4,800 feet elevation in the Middle Rio Grande Valley. Summer temperatures typically range from 90-100°F during day with cooler nights, while winters bring occasional freezing temperatures. Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds, with stronger signals at locations closer to Interstate 40 and more limited connectivity in the foothills of the Manzano Mountains.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Isleta Lakes & RV Park, located 20 miles north of Belen, campers can fish in the stocked lake just steps from their sites. "We stayed on the concrete pad side. 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," notes a visitor.
Hiking trails: The Manzano Mountains offer several hiking options near Belen. Red Canyon Campground provides direct trail access with sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping. "We live in Albuquerque, but wanted to spend a day hiking the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. 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," reports one camper.
Cultural exploration: Visit the Petroglyph National Monument, accessible from several RV parks west of Albuquerque. "Nice location, close to Petroglyph National Monument and downtown Amarillo. Easy access off 40," reports one visitor at American RV Resort.
What campers like
Clean facilities: NomadLand RV Stay receives high marks for its maintenance standards. "The park is impeccably clean with new and clean restrooms and shower. The park is gated with cameras so we felt very safe in the middle of the city in a camper," writes one reviewer who stayed for several weeks.
Extra amenities: Many parks offer unexpected conveniences beyond standard hookups. "They offer free internet, free filtered water, free bags of ice, free coffee, free use of washer and dryer and a free RV wash bay that has an 'upper level' so you can reach your rv roof," notes a NomadLand visitor.
Mountain views: Campgrounds throughout the region provide scenic vistas. At Route 66 RV Resort, campers enjoy "Beautiful mountain scenery, park had putt putt, gym, pool and other amenities but not all open yet. Staff was very nice."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds near Belen have railroad proximity issues. "It is almost literally right next to the interstate. There's no denying those traffic noise is real. We slept with no issues, but if traffic noise doesn't act like white noise for you...you might want to look somewhere else," explains a visitor at Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel.
Water pressure considerations: Many RV parks in the region have strong water systems. "High water pressure so pressure regulator highly recommended and sold in check in office," warns a Route 66 RV Resort camper.
GPS navigation challenges: Finding some campgrounds can be challenging even with GPS. "Your GPS will take you to the front of the 66 Casino. You will keep driving west on service road past Casino parking lot. On west end turn left and go straight back to gated entrance to RV park," explains one Route 66 RV Resort visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly spaces: Multiple campgrounds offer designated pet areas. "There is a large corral area for horses. We walked over to it but there were no horses there. There's a little dog park, a bathhouse and laundry," reports a Kiva RV Park visitor.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds provide recreation opportunities on-site. "Campground doesn't take reservations so arrive early. Parking spots are gravel, level and nicely spaced. The closer the lake you are the farther away from the restrooms and showers," notes a visitor at Isleta Lakes & RV Park.
Safety features: Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post offers a secure environment with organized activities. "Staff very friendly. There is a gift shop on site. You can refill propane on site, but the propane company is a different operator than the RV park and were closed when we were there," explains one reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At La Vista RV Park, location within the campground matters. "Everything is great about this little site, only drawbacks are no facilities, and no shade," notes one reviewer about the Belen facility.
Seasonal considerations: RV parks in the region have varying facilities based on time of year. "We woke up to a gorgeous view of the nearby scenery and were just a half mile from a Loves to gas up and head out for another day of driving," reports a La Vista RV Park visitor.
Connectivity options: For those needing internet access, available options vary. "I believe the laundry is listed as free. (This is not the case with the wifi, which was complex and had a fee.) I just used my hotspot from my Verizon service and because we had 4 bars, that worked just fine for streaming some Netflix that night," explains a Kiva RV Park visitor.