Best Tent Camping near Cuba, NM

Recent Tent Reviews in Cuba

255 Reviews of 6 Cuba Campgrounds

• W

  William C.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 11, 2024

  Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument

  Up in the Pines

  Campground is nestled in a bug group of dense pines and only a 15-20 minute drive from Los Alamos. Quite a few hiking trails in the areas to explore the high desert mesas and escape the heat of Albuquerque.

• J

  Joel E.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 19, 2024

  Camp May

  Very steep climb

  Unwisely, we decided to go here in a large RV. DON’T!

• 

  A S.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 3, 2024

  Riana - Abiquiu Lake

  Incredibly cramped, no booze allowed

  It's a lovely location, and the camp is hosted by the Army Corps. They do a good job, the facilities and grounds are very well maintained. Drinking and marijuana consumption is strictly prohibited, with the hosts making regular rounds. The sites are so close together it may as well be one big group camp; I could hear everything going on in the sites around me at all hours of the night. Even when folks were in their tents and campers. Forget trying to enjoy a quiet evening stargazing. Was surrounded by large family groups who were having a great time, which I'm glad about, but it is not my cup of tea for camping.

• A

  AC L.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 13, 2024

  Vista Linda Campground — Santa Fe National Forest

  Great Campground!

  We just happened upon this 1st come 1st serve campground & so glad we did! The camp host "Brad" was so very nice & helpful. He gave us info on all the things to do and see in the Jamez area (which is alot)  Our campsite #12 was really nice. It has a large covered pavilion (not all sites have the covered pavilions) with oversized picnic table & a short path down to a private area at the Jamez River (which is really more like a creek) from our site. We left our chairs down there & frequently enjoyed relaxing there. The area is scenic & campground was very clean. There are water pumps outside the bathrooms. The cost for us was $5 per night using our America the Beautiful Senior Pass. This is a great home base for visiting the area. Would defiantly visit again!

• f

  frank F.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 22, 2024

  Cuba Fairgrounds

  Great stop over

  Pulled in on Sunday afternoon and there was no staff. Parked and paid $20 Monday morning. They have power and water. Dump station. I did not ask about WiFi.

• 

  Josh K.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 8, 2024

  Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed

  Secluded clearings with plenty of room

  This campsite is beautiful and right next to the lake. Perfect for some chill camping. There are multiple clearing along this road. Each one is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups. The clearings are far enough apart that you can make some noise without bothering the other campers. You need a bit of clearance to be able to drive the road but not much as my Crosstrek did it great. Even on July 4th this site wasn’t busy. We only saw one other camper since most people choose to pay for a campground right on the lake

• s

  scott I.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 6, 2024

  Ghost Ranch

  Great Vibes

  Our truck broke down 1 mile from the ranch and we weren’t sure what to do so I hopped on my mountain bike and rode to the welcome center. I met a wonderful lady who offered a gentleman who worked there to help me. He grabbed his truck and towed me and my trailer to the campsite. We ended up staying there for about five or six days while the truck was being fixed in Albuquerque. Couldn’t have broken down in a better place. The scenery is beautiful and the people are nice. It’s true they had meal plans, but we were prepared to camp off grid so we didn’t need anything. Instead, we enjoyed the views and the museum and the, swimming pool and horseback riding. Completely unplanned. It’s probably important to know this is not a remote campsite because there’s lots of amenities and if you’re the kind of person looking for a flat asphalt pad to park is your camper on them, you might wanna move on. We definitely love this place and would recommend it to anyone looking for secret little area to chill out. The vibe was perfect. looking forward to coming back.

• 

  Timothy N.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 23, 2024

  Riana - Abiquiu Lake

  Great campground with amazing views

  We have stayed on the Pedernal loop multiple times and it has always been great.   The sites are well laid out, with plenty of room between neighbors.  Access to the campground is restricted (closed 10pm-6am), so it is always quiet, with just those camping driving around.  Rangers and sheriff patrolled a few times.  Camp hosts were very friendly and helpful.   All the grounds are clean and well maintained, trash cans at every site.  The electrical pillar for our site was new and worked perfectly.  Water also worked with no issues.  Shower house is clean and well maintained.  Access to a few trails, but water access requires a bit of a drive.  Amazing views.

• 

  Maya T.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 20, 2024

  FR376 Dispersed

  My Go-To

  I live in Albuquerque, and this road is one of my constant summer repeats. You got water, shade, privacy and an adventure. It's about 1.5 hours from Abq and it takes you through the Gilman Tunnels which is always a fun stop and view. The road is a little bumpy and rocky, but there's probably 100 dispersed camping spots. There's ones right on the river, in forrest spots or meadows, you choose! There are no bathrooms, water, or cell service. Everyone has got their spot in Jemez, but this road offers endless possibilities, for all types of campers!

• 

  Roger W.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 14, 2024

  Vista Linda Campground — Santa Fe National Forest

  What a GREAT Campground

  Vista Linda NM : Adjacent to the highway. Don’t be fooled, though. Beautiful, peaceful, clean, and the most helpful host.
  (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

  (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

  Overall Rating: 4 Security: No Usage during visit: the host tells me that usually fills up Site Privacy: good Site Spacing: very good Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: First, come first Campground Noise: Quiet, campground Outside Road Noise: along the highway. Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no, Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: yes Generators: allowed Bathroom: very clean pit toilets. Showers: no Pull Throughs: yes. Cell Service (AT&T): no bars Setting: beautiful setting. Along in Canyon wall. Would love to stay here Recent Weather: 70s during the day Solar: very good Insects: none during our visit this time of Host: yes sky Rig Size: around 40 feet Sites: many nice sites. See the pictures. Site seven was our favorite site. Very nice. Flowing Creek adjacent to that site.

• 

  Roger W.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 14, 2024

  Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument

  Nice Setting

  Juniper CG @ Bandelier NM: May 2024

  Juniper CG @ Bandelier NM: May 2024 Visited El Chamayo, Los Alamos, and the beautiful Valles Caldera National Preserve

  (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

  Overall Rating: 3.5 Price 2024: $ 10 w interagency pass Security: No Usage during visit: Heavy Site Privacy: Some sites are good in this respect Site Spacing: Okay, better for some sites Pad surface: Bkacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes.
  Potable Water Available: Yes Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Yes. Showers: No Pull Throughs: Some pull overs Cell Service (AT&T): Not good Solar: Abert’s loop will have better solar, though our site and many others in Coyote Loop was adequate during our stay.
  Insects: Not this time of year. Host: Yes Sites: Sites that looked good in Abert’s Squirrel Loop(drive through): 1,4,5,6,7,8, 15,16. Coyote Loop among best: 40,41,43,46

• 

  Roger W.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 14, 2024

  Cochiti Recreation Area

  Access to Nearby Cities and Monuments

  Cochiti Army Core of Engineer CG: Good location to visit both Albuquerque (50mins) and Santa Fe (35 mins). Bandelier National Monument is 1 1/2 hrs away. El Moro and El Malpias National Monuments could be visited with a full day of driving.
  (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

  (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

  Overall Rating: 3 (should be a 4 but for poor bathroom cleanliness) Price 2024: $ 6 w interagency pass for non Electric Site Security: Check in stations active on weekends Usage during visit: 1/3 to almost full (weekends) Site Privacy: Open Site Spacing: Pretty good Pad surface: Concrete Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Some sites Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: There are several spigots in each loop.
  Generators: Allowed during specific hours Bathroom: Flush toilets. Only one cleaning and attention during our 7 day stay. Also, repair needs of bathroom fixtures is ignored .
  Showers: Not kept even close to adequately clean.
  Pull Throughs: Not in our loop (Cat Tail) Cell Service (AT&T): 1-2 bars in our loop Setting: Set off of Cochiti Lake which is not particularly attractive. Mountain range to the north is pleasant to look at Recent Weather: Sunny and occasionally windy. Solar: Excellent Insects: None this time of year.
  Host: Yes Rig Size: Large RVs present Sites: Ringtail is overall best loop in my opinion. Sites w a View: 51, 53, 50, (57,58)

  Also liked: 48, 46,45, 45,43

• 

  Mike B.

  Guide

  

  May. 29, 2024

  Ghost Ranch

  Get the meal plan!

  If you're in the area and they have availability, it's hard to beat Ghost Ranch for value. RV spots with hookups are $45 a night!

  Most guests stay in housing/lodging, so the ranch has a dining hall that serves three meals a day. $16 per person per meal but $30 for three meals on a "meal plan" whe you book, and kids eat for free! All in all we got three meals for our family of 4 and a nights stay while we hiked around trails on the property for less than $100 all in, and the food (upscale summer camp type) was very good.

  Georgia O'Keefe lived in the property for a while, so there's a lot of history about her, and there's a small dinosaur and anthropology museum on site.

  Chimney Rock hike is not to be missed!

• K

  Kim G.

  Ranger

  

  May. 23, 2024

  Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument

  Amazing! One of our favorites

  We visited Bandolier for the first time for 3 days in April, staying in the Juniper campground. This is such an amazing place. Firstly, the campsites are lovely, and somewhat spaced apart. While there were campers next to us, it didn't feel like they were right on top of us because we had open space behind our campsites. Secondly, the hiking right from the campgroud is great - the two hikes are definitely worth doing. We loved the tribute to the workers in the Civilian Conservation Corps right in the campground. The CCC also built the visitor center (well, parts of the old building). The hiking from the visitor center was great! We enjoyed visiting the ancient Pueblos, especially climbing the 140 feet to the Alcove house. I found myself hiking and wondering about the lives of the indigenous people who lived and thrived in this canyon. We also took a 1/2 day trip to Los Alamos that was so worth it. We enjoyed the do-it-yourself walking tour (pick up information at the volunteer-staffed visitor center). This trip was a tag-on to our TX eclipse trip and so very worth it! Note: It was already a bit hot in mid-April for some of the hiking.

• s

  seryna R.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 27, 2024

  FR376 Dispersed

  Amazing

  This camp spot is one of the best free camp sites in New Mexico. Would definitely go again. Highly recommend to anyone who loves to camp and drive four wheelers

• 

  Kelly H.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 8, 2024

  Horse Thief Campground

  Quiet & Peaceful and very convenient!

  Owners Wayne & Yolanda have created a space for camping with desert all around.  It was a great place to see the annular eclipse and , most importantly, a safe place to leave our trailer so we didn't have to take it on the rough road into Chaco Culture Heritage Site.  

  There are no amenities and during the eclipse we were charged 40.00/nt.  However, the space was fairly level and the owners were lovely folks, very hospitable.  I'd definitely recommend utilizing their evolving campground while visiting Chaco.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 3, 2024

  Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument

  Fascinating National Monument in Northern New Mexico

  This was our first time at this lovely National Monument and we simply loved it. The campground was small with only a few spaces for bigger rigs, but we fit without any problem. Love those small spaces! 

  The campground is perched on the mesa above the monument’s protected dwellings, artifacts and trails at the valley. You can get there by walking about 2.5 miles from the campground along a stunning trail, or driving around the road. We simply loved hiking here, choosing a different way each day over the four days we were there.  So much to explore!

  Campsites have the standard picnic table, bear box locker, and fire ring. The trees were mostly shorter scrub junipers and other high desert trees so there was lots of sunshine for solar powered rig, but no electrical service at any sites.  Nice privacy between sites.

  The bathrooms were clean, heated, and had flush toilets and running sinks with potable water, plus a small dish cleaning sink, but no showers. 

  The Visitor Center is an awesome CCC structure from back during the depression as are many of the hiking trails in the valley.   We were here for Halloween, so carved our pumpkins in memory and celebration of the people who lived here so many years ago.

  Nearby Los Alamos has all the services you need as far as supplies, services and restaurants. But if you can plan your hike to end before 4pm, the cafe at the VC is really worth it!!

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 3, 2024

  Vista Linda Campground — Santa Fe National Forest

  Possibly Our Favorite Campground in Northern New Mexico

  There are many campgrounds that we simply love, and we can’t come within 50 miles of this place without staying at least one night. Tucked into the Jemez Valley just south of the town of Jemez Springs and the nearby Carson National Forest, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and Bandelier National Monument, this campground offers a great place to camp for a night or stay for a week. 

  Some of the sites have the full shade structure over the picnic table and campfire ring area, others offer shade under the trees along the river bank. There’s lots of great sun for solar power in the valley but none of the sites have electricity. It’s still one of the best campsites for $10 a night.  The toilets are clean vault style and are regularly serviced by the nearby park service crews. As the name implies, the scenery is stunning and you can find lots of hiking in the area, including trails that lead to nearby warm and hot springs. 

  You can also get a permit to visit the Jemez reservation (Red Canyon) hiking trails here as well -- definitely worth it.  Also check out the locals who prepare food at the stalls across the road, got some good enchiladas there. But probably the best food around is going to be Los Ojos Saloon. Now, we don’t normally single out businesses in these reviews, but this one is special. Definitely get Olgas Chile Rellenos, as they are among the best we’ve had...anywhere!

  With 3 hot springs resorts in town, your soaking desires can be serviced locally or within a short drive. Back down the valley at the reservation visitor’s center there’s a small museum and a cafe offering a very respectable spiced mocha and gas station where you can get a pizza.  The suburban sprawl of Bernalillo is just about 30 minutes away in case you need something beyond the convenience store level.

• 

  James B.

  Ranger

  

  Dec. 21, 2023

  Theresa's RV Park and Beauty Salon

  Overnight stay

  Stopped on our way to Moab. Needed an overnight stay and wanted hookups to dump and get some water.
  Theresa’s worked for us. Theresa was really nice and we came in at dark. $30 got us a pull through site with water sewer and 50 amp electric. 30 amp also available.
  Spot was gravel/ground up asphalt, bit actually close to level.
  It was chilly (low 30s) at night but water still turned on.
  There is some highway noise but we got a good nights sleep.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 27, 2023

  Riana - Abiquiu Lake

  Clean well-laid out CoE campground

  General: 54-site campground in four loops; the Pedernal Loop has water and electric hookups, the Chama and Puerco Loops do not and there is a walk-in tent site loop. There is also overflow camping. 

  Site Quality: Sites appeared to be mostly level (at least in the Pedernal loop); most were paved but a few were gravel. Most were back in, but some were pull-through. There are two ADA-accessible sites in the Pedernal Loop. Many have reservoir views. Site 14 has a generous-sized paved driveway. Completing the site is a lantern hook, BBQ, and covered picnic table. Too bad it was so darn windy that we could not enjoy these amenities. There was also a garbage can at the end of each site but no recycling that I saw. If you do not need hookups, sites 34 and 39 (in the Puerco loop) provide excellent water views. 

  Bath/Shower House: Basic with two shower stalls, two toilets, and one sink. Very clean. There are also very clean vault toilets located throughout the campground. Did not use the shower so cannot comment on how well it works. 

  Activities: The Abiquiu Lake Vista Trail is a 4-mile hike and bike stacked-looped trail (so you can add or duplicate interconnected loops). Boating access is one mile away. Fishing is also popular. There is also a volleyball net and a very nice modern playground. We were there at the end of April, so it was very quiet (which is the way we like it). Shout out to great camp hosts – we were greeted upon arrival and they made sure we didn’t have any questions or concerns. For $16, this is affordable but with the senior pass, $8 is a bonafide bargain!

• T

  Tracy T.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 4, 2023

  Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area

  October

  This is a nice spot next to the river, there are a couple of hiking trails. I was there during the week and it was pretty quiet

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 15, 2023

  Cochiti Recreation Area

  Another great CoE campground!

  General: 80 campsites in four loops: Juniper (1-34), Elk Run (35-50), Buffalo Grove (51-66) and Ringtail Cat (67-80). 

  Site Quality: Driveways were paved and most had a concrete pad, and all sites appeared to be level. IMO, the best sites are in the Ringtail Cat loop for views (but there are no hookups). Buffalo Grove has electric and water hookups, as well as light posts. Sites 51, 53, 57, and 59 have the best views. Sites in Elk Run have light posts but no hookups or views. IMO, the sites in Juniper are the least desirable: yes they have electric hookups, but they are older, overgrown, and have no views. Each site has a picnic table (some are covered), a BBQ grill, and a lantern hook (if no light post). 

  Bath/Shower house: The one in Ringtail Cat loop was very clean. I did not use the shower but certainly would. 

  Activities: This was on our route for a one-night stay, and we were there out of season so did not explore options but there is a boat ramp. Not sure about other in-season activities. For $6 (with senior pass), for a non-electric site, this campground was an incredible value.

• J

  Jonathan K.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 7, 2023

  Jemez Falls Campground

  Nice pines, but fire damaged

  Nice campground, plenty of spots to camp. Reservation system ran til the end of September, then Firstcome Firstserved came into effect. No phone signal for my Mint mobile. Fires allowed, after the peak summer fire season.

• J

  Jonathan K.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 7, 2023

  Vista Linda Campground — Santa Fe National Forest

  Nice camp by the Jemez

  Great place on a Tuesday, hardly anyone there and campsites close to the water. Great for sleeping, I didn't bother pitching my tent and slept out under the shelter. Cool breezes came down the valley in the evening and overnight. It's dark in the canyon in the morning and late afternoon. Water available.

• M

  Maeci W.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 28, 2023

  Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed

  Views, hiking, peaceful

  The road is a bit rough, but easy access and close enough to the lake that I drove over to kayak after setting up camp. Fire pits set up, the first area is a big open space with a beautiful cliff view, we had it to ourselves but could be busy, if you drive further up there are areas to camp that would have more privacy if needed. Very quiet and peaceful. It does get cold at night since at approximately 8,000 elevation.

• 

  Tim W.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 24, 2023

  Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area

  Will go again

  We got there on a Friday and had our pick of sites. We picked one right on the river. No electricity. No water. No picnic tables. No trash receptacle. Vault toilets. Camp spaces are spread out. Some of the roads on the campground had deep ruts and pools of mud water but not all. You can see every star on a clear night. The road to the campground is about 6 miles of curvy dirt and gravel single lane. But a woman managed it in a Jaguar so not too bad just go slow. Rustic and relaxing.

• 

  Michael N.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 7, 2023

  Rio Chama Campground

  Fun spot

  We found a secluded spot, not on the river. It was nice due to the area being overwhelmed with people. Overall it was enjoyable but can be a long winding journey for those that are impatient.