Camping near Blanco, New Mexico features several dry, high desert campgrounds situated between 5,500-6,500 feet elevation. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F during daytime hours while dropping significantly at night, creating substantial temperature swings that campers should prepare for. The San Juan River basin terrain alternates between rocky mesas and river valleys with limited natural shade at many locations.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Lake Farmington offers designated launch areas for non-motorized watercraft. "You can fish with a permit. You can call ahead to reserve a spot or you can walk in there is FCFS spots available!" notes a camper at Lake Farmington.
Mountain biking trails: Alien Run Trailhead provides direct access to mountain biking routes through mesa terrain. "Flat, very clean pit toilets, picnic tables with shade and a great trail. 100%!" reports a visitor to Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp.
Wildlife viewing: Angel Peak offers opportunities to spot local wildlife including rattlesnakes, deer, and various bird species. One camper at Angel Peak NM Badlands mentions, "Had to switch sites because of a rattlesnake den. EXACTLY what I wanted, frankly."
What campers like
Dark sky stargazing: Minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. A visitor to Angel Peak NM Badlands noted, "We've been grilling outdoors and sitting for hours at night enjoying the night skies."
Desert canyon views: Many sites feature views across rugged badland formations. "This is one of the most stunning views we have experienced! It is worth the 6 mile drive in. Look for the sign Angel peak scenic area. It is a gravel road," shares a visitor at Angel Peak Scenic View Campground.
Uncrowded camping experience: Many dispersed and established sites maintain a sense of solitude. "If you don't have a boat or fancy water toys.. Sims Mesa is where you should go. Much less crowded than the main marina," reports a camper at Sims Mesa Campground.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. "The 2.5 mile dirt road to the campground is a little wild since there are a lot of washes that have gone across the road but it was doable for our 2 wheel drive class c RV," notes a visitor to Brown Springs Campground.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans frequently limit campfire options. "Right now due to fire restrictions, there is no fire or charcoal fire allowed, only camp stoves are accepted," reports a Lake Farmington camper.
Gate hours: Some campgrounds restrict overnight access. Lake Farmington campers note, "At night the gates do locked by themselves so you are unable to leave or enter the Lake after 10pm, gates unlock at 6am."
Limited shade: Many sites lack natural shade cover. One visitor to Sims Mesa Campground observed, "Not much shade on the Lakeshore, so make sure to bring something for the day time."
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: Free and low-cost camping sites accommodate family budgets. A Brown Springs camper noted, "Free BLM campground. Modern and well kept. Only a few others there the night we stayed so it was quiet and peaceful."
Swimming areas: Several locations offer designated swimming spots. One camper at Moore's RV Park shared, "We enjoyed their nice pool which was cool and refreshing."
Wildlife safety precautions: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters. "I would strongly recommend tying at least one tent line to the shade structure around the picknick table in times of iffy weather," advises a visitor to Angel Peak NM Badlands who experienced sudden wind conditions.
Bathroom accessibility: Consider proximity to facilities when selecting sites. "The sites don't have tables or fires pits. Each of these sites is 21' by 41'. There is a dump station on site. There are a lot of sites on the river. Showers and restrooms are by fair buildings so they are a little walk away from the sites," notes a visitor to San Juan McGee Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Various levels of hookups exist across the region. "Sites were level clean gravel. She also walked out to site to make sure we understood hookups. Friendly and helpful. Site was quiet. We would stay there any time we're in the area. Was $30. Full hookups 30 amp service," reports a visitor to Ruins Road RV Park.
Space considerations: Site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Brown Springs Campground noted, "All 9 or so sites are nice w covered picnic tables... Sites: All 9 or so sites are nice w covered picnic tables."
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require additional effort to level larger rigs. "We were in campsite 26 and it was a little difficult to get our trailer into it because we had to back uphill," shares a camper at Sims Mesa Campground.
Cell service coverage: Connectivity varies throughout the area. "I had zero Verizon cell service. Had to drive up to The Sportsman Bar and Grill in Navajo Dam to get a signal," notes a visitor to Cottonwood Campground.
