Camping areas near Cuba, New Mexico range from 7,000 to 9,000 feet elevation in the Santa Fe National Forest. The region experiences dramatic temperature variations with summer highs reaching 80°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to the 40s even in summer months. Many dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles due to unpaved forest roads with steep sections and occasional washouts after rain.
What to do
Hiking to hot springs: Two popular hot springs are accessible near Jemez Springs, about 40 minutes south of Cuba. "There are two hot springs, two waterfalls, a fishing lake a few miles away," reports Jillian P. about her visit to Vista Linda Campground.
Fishing in Rio de las Vacas: The river running through the area contains trout. "The stream runs beside sites 1 thru 4. That stream is a river, Rio de las Vacas. Trout have been caught in it," notes Ben W., who served as campground host at Rio De Las Vacas Campground.
Mountain biking forest roads: The network of forest roads offers various difficulty levels for mountain biking. "Road here is great for kids biking. Waterfalls abound but only if you can bushwack up the Rio Puerco," mentions Jamey M. about Rio Puerco Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Vault toilets at several campgrounds are regularly maintained and surprisingly clean. "The vault toilets were clean, and well maintained. This campground had the best recycling and trash containers we've seen in months. We were able to recycle just about everything!" notes Shari G. about Vista Linda Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer good spacing between sites for privacy. "The sites are very well maintained, and the Camp Host was incredibly friendly and made regular rounds," writes Nicole B. about her stay at Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Creek access: Several campgrounds have streams running alongside or through them. "Each site is surrounded by ponderosa pines. A small creek flows through the campground," describes Nicole P. about Clear Creek Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have no cellular connectivity. "No cell service so make sure to plan in advance!" advises Mike A. about Fenton Lake State Park Campground, while another reviewer notes "Zero cell service out here" about dispersed camping options.
Weather variability: Despite being in New Mexico, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically at these elevations. "Temperatures at night can get down in the low forties after being in the eighties during the day," warns James F. about camping at Fenton Lake.
Reservation requirements: While some campgrounds are first-come, first-served, others require reservations through Recreation.gov. "Sites 1 thru 11 can be reserved through recreation.gov the last four are first come/first serve," explains former campground host Ben W. about Rio De Las Vacas Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly areas: Some campgrounds have designated play areas. "Loop 2 - there's a playground next to site 14 and this is a GREAT loop for folks with kids," recommends Nicole B. regarding Fenton Lake State Park.
Stream exploration: Children enjoy wading and exploring the small streams. "Linda Vista campground had a creek running along itself which made for good hiking and scenery," shares Israel E. after camping at Vista Linda Campground with his family.
Pet-friendly hiking trails: Many trails accommodate dogs for pet-friendly camping near Cuba, New Mexico. "Stayed 3 nights with grandkids. Great hiking and climbing for kids. Sights level and pit toilets clean," reports David R. about his family's experience at Rio De Las Vacas Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campsites near Cuba are primitive with few hookup options. "Living in Albuquerque, this has become our long weekend, get-away destination of choice. The CG is relatively small (12 sites) and is typically very quiet. The road and sites are all paved, with a mix of larger spaces (fit our 35 ft. 5th wheel just fine)," explains Scot L. about Clear Creek Campground.
Dump station availability: The Cuba Fairgrounds provides dump station access for RVers. "They have power and water. Dump station. I did not ask about WiFi," notes Frank F. about the Cuba Fairgrounds facilities.
Road conditions for larger vehicles: Access roads can be challenging for longer RVs. "The road in is steep for long rigs. It's a bummer people throw so much trash and glass bottles around," warns Samantha L. about dispersed camping on Forest Road 88, suggesting caution for RVs in less developed areas.
