204 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping opportunities near Chimayo, New Mexico span from primitive sites in national forests to developed campgrounds with amenities. The Santa Fe National Forest provides dispersed camping options along BLM Road 62, while established facilities like Overlook Campground at Santa Cruz Lake offer basic amenities. Black Canyon Campground and Borrego Mesa Campground provide additional developed options within driving distance, accommodating both tent and RV camping in settings ranging from lakeside views to pine forest settings.
Access to many camping areas requires navigating dirt roads that may be rough or washboarded in sections. Forest Service roads leading to Borrego Mesa Campground are generally navigable without 4x4 vehicles, though some seasonal weather conditions may affect passability. "The road up to the campground is in good shape, 4x4 not required. Overall traffic was very low," noted one visitor to Borrego Mesa. Elevation in the region ranges from approximately 5,800 feet near Chimayo to over 8,000 feet at higher elevation campgrounds, resulting in temperature variations throughout the year. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, with Black Canyon Campground typically open from April to November, while some sites like Borrego Mesa remain accessible year-round, though with limited facilities during winter months.
Campers frequently mention the scenic quality of camping in the area, particularly noting views of Santa Cruz Lake from Overlook Campground. The region's campgrounds feature varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites with only vault toilets to developed areas with picnic tables and fire rings. "Nice views, but no water, fires allowed, but no wood collecting," commented one camper about Overlook Campground, highlighting common limitations at more remote sites. Campers should be prepared for variable conditions, including possible wind exposure at higher elevations. Mixed-use areas are common, with some campgrounds sharing space with day users, particularly around Santa Cruz Lake where fishing access is popular. Cell service varies significantly by location, with better coverage typically found at higher elevation campgrounds that have unobstructed lines of sight to nearby towns.
"Driving into the camp, you have three options: Walk-In Camping, Camping With Parking Access & Limited Access."
"To begin, the lots are far enough away from fellow campers that you're seldom disturbed by noise or movement."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"New Mexico, in general, has some of the least expensive camping in the contiguous 48 states. The road in is a little rough in spots, but a pretty short drive along dirt from the pavement. "
"As others have said, you can get water at the North Lake campground, but there's a pass you'll need to buy to get in. "
"I often camp by Diablo Canyon, which has wonderful sunsets and decent off trail hiking. There's even a cave for those who know where to find it. "
"Wide open space to pick your spot next to a Juniper or two. Hardly anyone here, just the coyotes howling. Appreciated access to a pit toilet."
"There are trail heads that are a short walk from the campground including a 1.5 mile trail to the visitor center The spots have picnic table and fire rings, there is potable water and vault toilets throughout"
"Shuttle bus takes you to visitor center Where ruins are and access to trails. There is a lovely 2 mile trail from campground that you can also walk to center. Ruins are interesting."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Campground is a little off the beaten path, about 30m from the High Drive highway. Dirt roads were nothing to worry about, should be fine for any SUV or sedan."
"About a 15min drive from the highway. Only 5 or 6 sites. Close to the Rio Mario Trail trailhead. Campsite is at elevation over 8,000ft so it can get chilly at night. Worked great for tent camping."
"This small state park, located just 6 miles outside of downtown Santa Fe, might provide the least expensive lodging options for visiting this wonderful city."
"It has a table, grill and fire pit. 2 Vault toilets nearby. Spaced far enough to enjoy the space. Occasional road noise that died as the night came from mountain traffic."
from $15 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Given the area described has piles of trash and little else to recommend it, it seems a shame to be close to gorgeous wilderness and stare at rubbish."
"Close by, easy to find, plenty of space. Little trash left behind by some people. Overall, a great place for the night."
"You can expect dozens upwards of a hundred faces a day hiking up here which can be extremely annoying and the car traffic can drive you nuts."
"But there are 2 streams bordering the campground and trails leading into the mountains. When I was there, it was 5 to 10 degrees warmer than Hyde Park! (end of May.)"
"This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."
"Excellent RV park close to Santa Fe. Super helpful staff. Nice facilities. Sites are sizable with nice concrete patios."
from $76 - $106 / night
Check Availability"The camping area is more of a campground than an RV park, in a positive way. Many of the sites are shaded with mature trees."
"The spots further from sitting have most privacy and are still only a 5 minute walk to entrance (I timed it from our site)."
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThere are so many spots to choose from. There were so many driving paths to go down to find a spot, not sure how many or how far it goes back but plenty of room for lots of campers. Some spots had fire rings made up, and other spots did not. I saw a few spots with trash, but most looked well kept. Beautiful views of the NM landscape.
GuideThis is just about the closest you can legally camp to Santa Fe. Other than free dispersed camping a bit further out, this is also the best value when it comes to camping near Santa Fe. Full services: trash, well maintained pit toilets, regular camp host/ranger patrols, and generally well behaved neighbors with decently spaced sites.
Pet friendly (on a leash, please!) and well appointed with hiking trails to tire them out. I had never given this place a chance because of how close it is to the city, but this stay was wonderful, not crowded at all despite being close to peak season.
GuideWe parked before the gate. Reasonably level, shielded from the road by trees. Minimal traffic noise at night. There is logging going on, but we saw no trucks. It looks like there would be some nice spots a ways up the road if you’re in a small camper, but we didn’t see a good turnaround for the trailer.
TravelerAmazing campground with a view! There are very few camp spots, making for a quiet dispersed like feel. Only $9 to camp so make sure you get here before all the spots are gone. No hookups, but there are trash cans posted up at every site and a singular centrally located toilet for camper use. Would 100% recommend!
TravelerGreat spot a little ways out of Taos. Only a few sites per campground in this area make for quiet stays. Pit Toilets well-maintained.
GuideQuiet place to camp! Many options! Beautiful views. Was able to watch the sunset and sunrise! Would be more comfortable in a camper van or trailer. We tent camped and it was very windy when setting it up! But in a pinch definitely a go to spot!
ScoutWe came without 3 daughters 3,6and 9. There was plenty to do, the grounds and facilities were in great shape. Staff was friendly and outgoing. We will be back!
Guide100% worth the trip if you’re in Santa Fe and wanting to escape for a bit. Gorgeous scenery.
Despite the traffic from the highway on occasion, I felt serene.
A lot of the sites are up some fairly steep hills so if you’re bringing a trailer be aware.
I did some basic tent camping. Site 12. I loved it. Excellent spot for a tent and my car. Cute shelter overlooking the forest.
GuideLots of spots and some shaded but most are not. Quiet.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Chimayo, New Mexico range from 5,800 to 8,400 feet elevation, offering varied terrain and temperature conditions throughout the seasons. Camping options include Bureau of Land Management sites where visitors can stay up to 14 days, national forest campgrounds with basic amenities, and established sites with electrical hookups. Winter camping is accessible at lower elevations, while higher mountain campgrounds provide relief from summer heat.
Hiking from your campsite: Black Canyon Campground offers direct trail access for all skill levels. "The Black Canyon Trail is only about 1.3 miles, but for about .4 miles of it, there is considerable steepness. I wouldn't call it a workout, but it's not a totally whimpy trail and it was lovely," notes one visitor who hiked in the late afternoon when the trail was empty.
Fishing opportunities: Santa Cruz Lake near Overlook Campground provides no-wake boating and fishing access. "The area is good for hiking, biking, paddling and getting your fishing grove on, but there's no easy access to take boats down to the water from the campsite," explains a camper. A yearly pass costs $20 and grants access to this and other nearby recreation areas.
Mountain biking: The area surrounding Borrego Mesa Campground offers forest service roads and trails suitable for mountain biking. "Close to the Rio Mario Trail trailhead. Campsite is at elevation over 8,000ft so it can get chilly at night," reports one camper who found it worked well for their outdoor activities.
Proximity to Santa Fe: Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite provides free camping just 20 minutes from downtown. "20 minutes from Santa Fe, super convenient, spread out enough, some good stars at night," writes one reviewer. The site offers easy access while maintaining distance from urban areas.
Wilderness solitude: During weekdays and off-season, many campgrounds in the area remain nearly empty. "We had it to ourselves during the week, and could find a spot that was clean and fit our teardrop trailer," notes a camper at Borrego Mesa Campground. Similarly, at Big Tesuque Campground, a winter visitor reported, "We had the place to ourselves during the week in early December."
Mineral hot springs: Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa combines camping with therapeutic soaking. "The variety of pools and the beauty of the place was worth it. They offer steam rooms, a multitude of pools of varying temperature and mineral content, in addition to a mud bath," shares one camper. Campers receive a 20% discount on hot springs admission.
Cell service variability: Coverage depends on elevation and terrain. "Mobile coverage was spotty, worked better if you went up to the nearby trailhead," reports a visitor to Borrego Mesa. At Big Tesuque Campground, location provides better connectivity: "I think there is some cell service due to the camp's high and unobstructed location."
Limited water access: Many dispersed sites and some established campgrounds lack potable water. "No water, plenty of shade. Campsites are nice though. Facilities could be better maintained," notes a Black Canyon Campground visitor. At Overlook Campground, a camper advises: "No water at overlook, but there is water available from spigots at the nearby North Lake Campground, if you get there before 8pm."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "The road up to the campground is in good shape, 4x4 not required. Overall traffic was very low," reports a visitor to Borrego Mesa Campground. Conversely, at Hyde Memorial State Park, a reviewer warned: "The drive up is steep and our RV had a hard time; would not even think of staying up here in the winter."
Protected camping spaces: Look for sites with shelters during monsoon season. "Monsoon season - not an issue with the Adirondack shelters. Stayed in Site 13, which was FF," notes a family at Hyde Memorial State Park. Black Canyon Campground offers additional family amenities: "There is also a nice playground for those traveling with little ones who may need to burn some steam."
Campground activity levels: Juniper Family Campground at Bandelier National Monument offers both quiet camping and educational activities. "The evening ranger presentations, held at the amphitheater, are informative and interactive," says one visitor. The campground layout "allows for both RV and tent camping, while still having you own quiet area."
Creek access for kids: Big Tesuque Campground features accessible water play areas. "Nice babbling brook alongside campsites, fun for kids to play in (COLD, but shallow), and makes for great white noise," writes a family camper. The campground's location and facilities make it "great for folks who are less physically abled" with "ease of access to these sites and close parking."
Site size considerations: Many campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. "Our rig is 29 feet, 3 inches, and we were in a spot that maxed out at 32 feet. We barely fit. We saw very few sites that could have accommodate much more. I don't think any site would have been able to handle more than 35 feet," explains an RVer at Black Canyon Campground.
Hookup accessibility: Campgrounds like Ojo Caliente have unusual utility configurations. "The hookups are on the passenger side and towards front of TT we had enough hose and cords to reach. It says they have loaners if needed," notes one RV camper. At Santa Fe Skies, despite site challenges, amenities are comprehensive: "Full hook ups, clean campground, laundry, dog park, walking trail that goes around campground."
Dump station availability: Limited services require planning. "By the way, less than 20 yards from the entrance to the campground, the National Forest ends and the Hyde Memorial State Park begins. And another 50 yards up from there is the State Park RV dump station. Right now, IT IS CLOSED. Don't plan to dump there," warns an RVer who stayed at Black Canyon Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Chimayo, NM?
Northern New Mexico offers several excellent campgrounds within driving distance of Chimayo. Santa Barbara Campground is highly rated for its well-maintained roads and beautiful hiking trails. For lake views, Riana - Abiquiu Lake provides nicely laid out sites with access to hiking and mountain biking trails along the scenic lake. Those seeking a more secluded experience should consider dispersed camping at FR376 Dispersed, considered one of the best free camping sites in the area, especially popular with OHV enthusiasts.
What camping facilities and amenities are available in Chimayo?
While Chimayo itself has limited camping facilities, the surrounding area offers various options with different amenities. Taos Valley RV Park & Campground provides a charming New Mexico experience with wooden shade structures, clean facilities, and plenty of vegetation despite being close to town. For a more rustic experience, Comales Campground in Carson National Forest offers basic sites with fire rings and picnic tables along a mountain stream. Most forest service campgrounds in the region provide vault toilets and fire rings, but typically lack hookups or shower facilities.
Can you camp near the Santuario de Chimayo?
While there aren't campgrounds immediately adjacent to the Santuario de Chimayo, several options exist within a reasonable driving distance. Pajarito Springs offers secluded dispersed camping on the eastern flanks of the Valles Caldera, making it one of the closest options to Santa Fe and the Chimayo area. For those seeking more amenities, Borrego Mesa Campground near Cordova provides a developed camping experience not far from Chimayo. Always respect the religious significance of the Santuario area when visiting.
Keep Exploring
