Camping near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands

Cibola National Forest and Grasslands in New Mexico has many camping spots across its land. Coronado Campground sits near the Rio Grande with sites that have water and electricity hookups. It's close to Pueblo Kuaua, which makes day trips easy. From the camps, you can see the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rising in the distance. Most camping areas can be reached by regular vehicles, though some roads get muddy and rough after rainfall. Fire bans happen often during dry months, so check current rules before planning to have a campfire. If you want to stay at Coronado, try to book ahead, especially in summer when it fills up fast. You can also camp in undeveloped areas throughout the forest, but you won't have bathrooms or water there. Remember to take all your garbage when you leave. White Sands is worth visiting if you're camping in the area. Weather changes a lot by season - summers get hot while winters cool down significantly. The forest works well for both tent and RV camping, depending on what area you choose.

Best Camping Sites Near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands (98)

    1. Albuquerque KOA Journey

    47 Reviews
    Monticello, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 296-2729

    "New Mexico is a land of wonders and beauty in every turn."

    "Good campground with access to all Albuquerque has to offer. Quick biking to the Sandia trails and short drive to hiking. The bus stop is nearby so getting around town is easy too."

    2. Turquoise Trail Campground

    33 Reviews
    Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-2005

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Turquoise Trail Campground, Cedar Crest, NM Turquoise Trail Campground is a small privately owned campground located five miles north of I-40 off Route 14 (exit 175) just outside"

    "We arrived around 6pm and our info was thumb tacked to the entry board. Call her and she comes right down to show you your spot. It’s located next to a little brewery and pizza place."

    3. Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    26 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    "I got here after dark on my drive from the west coast to NC. There were a couple of other campers at the front of the entrance. I did a little off-roading and drove deeper in for privacy."

    "Can make it up to camp with 2 wheel drive low clearance. Maybe some minor scraping as you leave/arrive over a bit of a rough ramp lip."

    4. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    39 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    "Top of New Mexico" near Albuquerque is a fantastic camping spot if you love open spaces and beautiful desert views."

    "This campground offered amazing views of the Sandia mountains and the surrounding area."

    5. Coronado Campground

    26 Reviews
    Bernalillo, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 980-8256

    $18 - $40 / night

    "Operated by the town of Bernalillo, New Mexico. Prices range from $10.00 per night for tents and $20.00, $30.00, $35.00 per night for Rvs. Great view of the Rio Grande and Sandia Mountains."

    "Great place to camp if visiting Rio Rancho, Bernalillo and the surrounding area. Super nice camp sites, more than enough room for our 39’ trailer and inexpensive."

    6. Hidden Valley RV park

    10 Reviews
    Rincon, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-3363

    $40 - $75 / night

    "Easy access to all facilities. Will stay here again when in the area."

    "Close to Cedro Peak mountain biking and hiking trails."

    7. Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA

    14 Reviews
    Bernalillo, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-3616

    "Close to highway but easy in/out. Some smaller trees have branches that can damage your rig so be mindful of the space above as you navigate through the sites."

    "We walked to the brewery next door and made good use of the dog parks."

    8. Kirtland AFB FamCamp

    10 Reviews
    Monticello, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 846-0337

    "Contrary to the previous review, Kirtland AFB has 24/7 access to all authorized persons via the Truman gate off of Gibson Blvd. There is 30 and 50 amp service available along with water and sewer."

    "You must show up Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm to get access to the base."

    9. Route 66 RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Edgewood, NM
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-0893

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Our site and adjacent sites were not level. However, Our fifth-wheel auto alignment overcame this. This campground offers propane, firewood and has a clean laundry room. "

    "Good place to stop near Albuquerque. Right off the highway but traffic noise wasn’t too bad at night. Showers and laundry were clean. Has an enclosed area for dogs and playground for kids."

    10. Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

    4 Reviews
    Ponderosa, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-3304

    "A bit less traveled than other nearby campground. Road almost more accessible to this camp ground for low clearance. Might scrape a bit going up final ramp to Cedro peak one, but not terribly either."

    "Have to drive up the forest service road off the pavement. A little rough but I have a lifted outback no issues! Highly recommended."

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Recent Reviews near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands

769 Reviews of 98 Cibola National Forest and Grasslands Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Coronado Campground

    Excellent city run RV park

    This RV park is popular and can be filled. So try to get a reservation before you arrive. I managed to get a spot because somebody had canceled. Campsites have power and some have water. I paid $35 a night. But they do have an overflow area which is just a big parking lot but will serve in a pinch if there are no regular spaces available.

  • Kiran B.
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Placitas BLM

    BLM Land Placitas NM

    Just 10 miles north of Albuquerque by the Sandias. Open space for dispersed camping with views of the mountains. Lots of flat open places. Don't need 4x4 but a little clearance helps with the rocks and ruts.

  • A
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Coronado Campground

    Convenient and well appointed

    Remarkable nice little campground, with well laid-out sites, each with its own adobe picnic shelter as well as power and water. There’s a dump station at the exit. The location is very convenient, though there’s a bit of highway noise.

  • Angela L.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Titilla Peak

    I love beautiful views!

    Most of the sites on the outside overlook the Rio Grande or the Cochiti Lake. The views are amazing! Bathrooms and showers are available.

  • Kevin K.
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Albuquerque KOA Journey

    Very nice KOA

    This KOA has a lot of pull thru sites and they have decent space sizes. Each site has a small picnic table and there are some sites with pet pens. The laundry is open 24 hours and was clean.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Sparkling Location!

    Spotless, spacious level concrete pads with barbecues and sheltered picnic tables. No campfires are permitted. Water views from many sites. Boat launch and swimming beach are both less than a mile from the lower loop and available for day use as well as two campers. Dump station, free, hot showers, dumpster, portable water, and electric available at various sites. There is a Ranger on duty at the visitor center up the hill and a good walking/hiking trail that begins near the boat launch. Some steep spots so don’t forget that you’re at over 5000’ here.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Access illegally closed off by Neighbors

    No way to get to BLM land now because the neighbors put up a gate with locks on it and blocked off their driveway so you can't go around it

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Stagecoach Stop RV Park

    Good location for a stopover with nice views

    The RV park has everything including level spots and a dump station and all hookups and has some nice views of the mountains but it is quite near to the highway so has a bit of noise

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Coronado Campground

    Nice spot

    Nice spot All RV sites have water and 30 smp electric. Shower in restroom, clean but only luke warm. Covered picnic tables, pull through sites. Tent area also has covered tables. It's the cheapest place around at $35 per night. No sewer, but there is a dump station.


Guide to Cibola National Forest and Grasslands

Camping near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there are several campgrounds to consider.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in the Cibola National Forest. One camper mentioned, “The campground is beautiful! Has great RV spots, and having the little pagoda to ourselves was so fun!” at Coronado Campground.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby lakes and rivers. A review from Cochiti Recreation Area highlights, “Good location to visit both Albuquerque and Santa Fe,” making it a great base for fishing trips.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor at Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site shared, “The wild horses are active. I saw them in the neighborhood coming through.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Santa Fe Skies RV Park states, “The bathrooms were clean (water was hot!!!) and I appreciated the washer & dryers that took credit cards.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. One camper at Albuquerque KOA Journey noted, “Friendly staff. Wind was pretty intense at night on our visit, so I'd recommend pulling your awnings in when you go to bed.”
  • Activities for Kids: Families enjoy the amenities for children. A parent at Albuquerque KOA Journey mentioned, “Jump pad, playground, mini golf, and a really nice pool were the highlights.”

What you should know:

  • Location Matters: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A review for Cochiti Recreation Area mentions, “It is right off I-40, very convenient, but very noisy.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A visitor at Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post said, “Just the basics but clean. Terrible internet. Only one restroom.”
  • Wild Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Turquoise Trail Campground advised, “Winter Temps get down to 16 degrees F. Great for RVs though, and usually full.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly features. One parent at Albuquerque KOA Journey said, “Clean, modern, and convenient showers were pluses for Mom and Dad.”
  • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with good security. A review for Cochiti Recreation Area mentions, “Check-in stations active on weekends.”
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers. A camper at Santa Fe Skies RV Park noted, “The park is super clean. I highly recommend this park.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Route 66 RV Resort states, “Most sites are pull-through concrete level slabs with tables and fire pits at all sites.”
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A visitor at Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA mentioned, “Close to highway but easy in/out.”
  • Use Reservations: It’s wise to book ahead, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Cochiti Recreation Area noted, “Reservations: Yes.”

Camping near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, New Mexico, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cibola National Forest and Grasslands offers a wide range of camping options, with 98 campgrounds and RV parks near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands is Albuquerque KOA Journey with a 4-star rating from 47 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands?

What parks are near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands that allow camping, notably Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands and Santa Fe National Forest.