Camping opportunities near Edgewood, New Mexico include both established campgrounds and rustic sites. Located in the eastern Sandia Mountains at approximately 6,700 feet elevation, the area experiences cooler temperatures than nearby Albuquerque, particularly at night. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, while summer brings temperatures typically ranging from 50°F to 85°F.
What to do
Hiking the Sandia Mountains: Trail access points can be found within 15 minutes of Edgewood. According to one camper at Red Canyon Campground, "Nice kid-friendly trails adjacent to the campground. We had a nice shady site, some others seemed more exposed."
Stream exploration: Visit the Jemez area with multiple water features. "Vista Linda campground had a creek running along itself which made for good hiking and scenery," reports a visitor to Vista Linda Campground, who also mentioned "Jemez hot springs (a few miles north on HWY 4) and Gilman Tunnels" as nearby attractions.
Nighttime astronomy: The area's minimal light pollution makes it ideal for stargazing. A camper at Vista Linda observed, "The surrounding views were fantastic. Walking along the Jemez River was a great evening activity," highlighting the natural experiences available.
What campers like
Campground privacy: Sites often feature natural barriers for seclusion. At Rancheros de Santa Fe, "Campsites are small yet private due to the wonderful shrubbery and small trees. There is a great trail that winds through the back of the property."
Local breweries: Several campgrounds provide walkable access to craft beer locations. One camper at Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA noted, "The best part is there is a brewery you can walk to from the campground. They serve organic pizza and cold beer. What more do you need?"
Transportation options: Urban camping locations often have public transit connections. A visitor to Trailer Ranch RV Resort mentioned, "Convenient bus service into a busy downtown Santa Fe was helpful as parking can be a problem. Restaurants are near-by and be sure to try Tortilla Flats."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Some glamping close to Edgewood, New Mexico operates year-round while others have limited seasons. A visitor to Santa Fe KOA reported, "We decided to rent a van and take a 10 day trip and just keep hitting dead ends but that makes half the adventure doesnt it?? [...] this location was closed even though it came up on the list available."
Highway noise: Proximity to roads affects sound levels at some locations. At Turquoise Trail Campground, "Road noise from Route 14 can be heard, along with local dogs randomly in the distance."
Limited water access: Non-hookup sites often require planning. One Red Canyon visitor advised, "Toilets but no water so come prepared," emphasizing the need to bring your own water supply to certain locations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Some locations offer kid-specific amenities. A visitor to Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA shared, "The playground has the best swing set and is all sand, very fun for kids of all ages."
Consider cabin options: Alternative accommodations work well for families new to camping. "My children and I stayed 2 nights in a camping cabin at the Bernalillo KOA in May, 2017. They had a nice pool with plenty of shade and an outdoor movie in the evenings which my kids enjoyed."
Check for fire restrictions: Fire conditions vary seasonally. A visitor to Turquoise Trail Campground noted, "Only stove fires were permitted at our visit due to open fire restrictions," highlighting the importance of verifying current rules.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing concerns: RV areas can be congested during peak seasons. A camper at Turquoise Trail Campground observed, "Looked like lots of sites had multiple vehicles so seamed crowded. RV sites are gravel with a little grass between. Not much shade and it was very hot in July. Could use some updates and additional spacing."
Bus access advantages: Public transportation offers alternatives to driving and parking large rigs. One RV camper at Trailer Ranch RV Resort shared, "Bus stops right in front of entrance for a 15 minute bus ride to downtown historic area. Sites are well spaced. Lots of trees for shade."
Specialized camping locations: Adult-only glamping facilities near Edgewood provide quieter environments. "This is an adult only campground located just a few minutes north of Albuquerque. Amenities include a camp store and laundry room," explained a visitor to Trailer Ranch RV Resort.
