Campsites around Blanco, New Mexico sit at approximately 5,500-6,000 feet elevation in the high desert near Navajo Lake, where summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F and winter lows can drop below freezing. The area features juniper and piñon pine forests with rocky terrain that requires careful site selection. Water access points vary significantly depending on reservoir levels, which can fluctuate by 25 feet or more throughout the year.
What to do
Fishing access from shore: At Sims Mesa Campground, campers can find less crowded fishing spots compared to the main marina area. "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. Several sites available right on the lake, just steps away from the water," notes Charlene H.
Explore nearby canyons: The surrounding landscape offers hiking opportunities through rocky terrain. "Not many marked trails but you can still explore. Temps were good with the breeze to help," shares Thomas E.T. about Sims Mesa Campground.
Kayaking the reservoir: Vallecito Reservoir, near glamping sites close to Blanco, provides paddling opportunities. "I recreational kayak so access to water is at the top of my list of must-haves if paddling is on the list of must do's. The water was calm and so clear," reports Gail about Pine Point Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The drive to camping areas often provides wildlife spotting opportunities. "I came in from the east side 64 to 527 and there were deer and elk EVERYWHERE! Which is why I arrived so late, you just have to slow down," explains one camper about their journey to the Navajo Lake area.
What campers like
Quieter camping areas: Many campers appreciate the less developed sections of Navajo Lake. "The quieter side of Navajo Lake State Park, this is a nice, clean campground with pull through and tent sites close to Sims marina. Nothing spectacular and a bit remote," notes Brett H. about Sims Mesa.
Spacious sites: Target Tree Campground offers well-spaced sites for privacy. "Beautiful well spaced sites with plenty of room to spread out. Sparkling clean bathrooms. Road noise but it's not so bad at night," explains Lauren.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain their facilities well. "Campgrounds were clean, well maintained. There wasn't too much noise and the campsites are reasonably spaced. Potable water available. Composting toilet as well," shares Hannah about Target Tree Campground.
Natural shade: The pine forests provide natural cooling. "It's right on the lake but tucked away in some towering ponderosas, with lots and lots of space between each site. It's quiet and beautiful, and most of the spots offer ample shade and lots of places to hang a hammock," describes Nathan R. about Pine Point Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Some access roads require extra time. "The road in from the main highway was pretty rough and had lots of potholes. That road is about 17 miles long," warns Lisa M. about accessing Sims Mesa Campground.
Water level fluctuations: Reservoir levels change significantly throughout the season. "The reservoir water level is down at least 25 feet since May. A little shocking at first but the campground is still beautiful and peaceful," reports John H. about Pine Point Campground.
Cell service limitations: Coverage is spotty or non-existent in many camping areas. "Cell service was also non-existent. There was one spot on the backside of the park you could get a signal to check messages and mail," warns Mike D. about staying in the Vallecito area.
Seasonal temperature extremes: The high desert climate brings challenges. "It was 100 degrees when I left for my trip deciding to wait until late afternoon to avoid setting up in the blazing heat. I arrived at 10:00pm or so. It was 73 degrees," shares Gail about visiting in summer.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Some campgrounds offer pools to complement reservoir activities. "The pool is pretty small, but it was clean and the kids had a great time," reports Ellen T. about Oasis RV Resort and Cottages near Durango.
Bring shade structures: Lakeside camping often lacks natural shade. "Not much shade on the Lakeshore, so make sure to bring something for the day time," advises Charlene H. about Sims Mesa Campground.
Activity planning: Consider the campground recreation options. "The campground was relatively small so nothing was too far away. Lots of activities to do. The staff was very friendly and professional," shares Ellen T. about family amenities at Oasis RV Resort.
Road safety awareness: Wildlife encounters require caution with children. "From the dam all along the San Juan drainage below the dam is well worth checking out for day use only but there are several 'holes' they call them where the fishing is said to be amazing," notes one camper about safe places for family outings.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For the best glamping close to Blanco, New Mexico, consider specific loops. "I think I would've chosen the loop with campsites 1 through 19 instead of the other loop that we stayed at. We were in campsite 26 and it was a little difficult to get our trailer into it because we had to back uphill," advises Lisa M. about United Campground of Durango.
Power connections: Verify electrical service before setup. "The only ding that I'd give this place is that there may be some power issues depending on the site. Thank God we had the surge protector and that I tested the outlet before plugging into the RV," cautions Glenn F. about HTR Durango Campground.
Length limitations: Be realistic about your vehicle size. "The spaces are short. If your RV/toad or travel trailer plus pickup is much over 48 feet, you'll be out in the road," warns Gary S. about space constraints at HTR Durango Campground.
Highway noise consideration: Many campgrounds have road noise. "We chose a mountain view site, which does have lovely views, but the reason for the review title is it is directly above the freeway and we needed earplugs for the traffic noise," advises Grace D. about staying near highways.
