Best Campgrounds near Estancia, NM

Camping options near Estancia, New Mexico range from established RV parks to primitive forest sites, with several campgrounds located within an hour's drive. Manzano Mountains State Park Campground provides year-round accommodations for both tent and RV camping with electric hookups, while Peace Farms offers a more rural camping experience with drinking water available. The surrounding area includes dispersed camping opportunities such as sites off Forest Service Road 542, which are free but offer minimal amenities. Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel in Stanley provides full hookup sites with showers and toilets, making it suitable for travelers seeking more developed facilities.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, particularly when accessing forest campgrounds and dispersed sites. The Fourth of July Campground area requires appropriate vehicles, as one visitor noted, "The road in is a forest road. SUV's will be fine but starting to push it for cars." Seasonal considerations impact camping experiences, with many forest sites closed during winter months. Red Canyon Campground, located near Torreon, operates from April to November, while sites at higher elevations in the Manzano Mountains may experience significant temperature variations. Travelers should prepare for limited cell service, especially at remote locations, and many areas require visitors to bring their own drinking water.

Campers frequently mention the peaceful settings and mountain views as highlights of the area. The Manzano Mountains provide scenic backdrops, particularly during fall when foliage creates spectacular displays. As one visitor to the region commented, "Fourth of July Campground provides a starting point for hiking 4th of July Canyon, which is a must-do for anyone in NM in the fall." Several campgrounds feature amenities like fire pits and picnic tables, though they vary widely in terms of privacy between sites. Padilla Ranch near Mountainair offers 25 sites with electric hookups and bathroom facilities, receiving positive feedback for its potential despite being "still a work in progress" according to recent visitors. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, with deer commonly spotted at campgrounds like Capilla Peak in the Cibola National Forest.

Best Camping Sites Near Estancia, New Mexico (71)

    1. Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Mountainair, NM
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 469-7608

    $15 - $90 / night

    "Behind our site there’s a horseshoe area and group site not too far after."

    "Well off the beaten path, but worth a few nights of peace and solitude. Went in July and the weather was cool in the 80's most of the time, cooling to the upper 40's at night."

    2. Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    26 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    27 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."

    3. Peace Farms

    1 Review
    Estancia, NM
    10 miles
    Website

    $15 - $20 / night

    4. Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel

    10 Reviews
    Edgewood, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 305-1339

    $43 - $87 / night

    "The slides and awning were fully extended without getting close to the adjacent sites. Office was open later than most and you can stay in open spots even if you arrive after hours!"

    "Very clean, large restroom/shower...many sites appear to be long term campers...I had a site close to the office/restroom...quiet and helpful owner...internet was sufficient...sites are pull thru which"

    5. Route 66 RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Edgewood, NM
    22 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."

    6. Padilla Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, NM
    14 miles
    Website

    $30 - $55 / night

    7. Albuquerque KOA Journey

    47 Reviews
    Monticello, NM
    34 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."

    8. Turquoise Trail Campground

    33 Reviews
    Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, NM
    32 miles
    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."

    9. Zia RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Estancia, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 321-7868

    $32 - $44 / night

    10. Red Canyon Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mountainair, NM
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 847-2990

    "Nice kid-friendly trails adjacent to the campground. We had a nice shady site, some others seemed more exposed."

    "However, though there are bathrooms at the location, they are really smelly and flies surround them."

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Recent Reviews near Estancia, NM

410 Reviews of 71 Estancia Campgrounds


  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Coronado campground

    Great mountain vibes

    Awesome stop over in the city. The view of the mountains from the sites are incredible. It is very close to the road so sometimes there is noise but its background.

    The playground is great. There is sites with electric and water and sites without.

    It was comfortable and felt relatively clean with good vibes for a city rv park

  • E
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Can’t Reach Site

    Spent a while driving around trying to find a dirt road to reach the site. Everything was blocked off by the neighbors who were of no help and just kept saying it was private property

  • Stacia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Great experience 10/10

    Amazing experience! Definitely a tight squeeze for my rv but definitely worth it. Don’t listen to anyone that it’s “closed.” You just have to listen to the description and not take the private roads!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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


Guide to Estancia

The Estancia area sits at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 7,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night throughout the camping season. Pine forests dominate the higher elevation camping sites near Estancia, New Mexico, with juniper and scrub oak at lower elevations. Campgrounds in this area typically operate from April through November, though some higher elevation sites close earlier due to snowfall.

What to do

Hiking accessible trails: The Manzano Mountains offer hiking opportunities for various skill levels. At Manzano Mountains State Park Campground, "Nice hiking (easy) trails. Flush toilets but no showers. Dump station. Very nice facility," notes David C. The trails are well-marked and maintained, including a specialized option for those with mobility equipment, as Mark M. explains: "One of the trails is marked as a 'track chair' trail."

Mountain biking forest roads: Forest roads in the area provide excellent mountain biking terrain connecting multiple canyons. At Red Canyon Campground, John H. recommends: "Great Mountain biking on forest roads that link canyons." These routes range from beginner to advanced, with the best riding conditions in spring and fall when trails aren't too dusty or muddy.

Wildlife observation: Early morning and evening are prime times for wildlife viewing in the Manzano Mountains. Jacob S., who stayed at Red Canyon Campground, shares: "Very green and lush with deer visiting our site at dusk!" Bring binoculars as wildlife tends to be most active at dawn and dusk when temperatures are cooler.

What campers like

Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the seclusion available at certain campgrounds. At Manzano Mountains State Park Campground, Natalie F. reports: "Great place near ruins and plenty of trails to walk dogs. Most of the sites are very private. Quiet. Clean." Sites at higher elevations typically offer more shade and natural separation.

Mild summer temperatures: The elevation provides relief from summer heat found in lower areas. Stuart O. notes about Manzano Mountains State Park: "Beautiful mountain setting with lots of pine trees and cool mornings." This temperature advantage is echoed by Mark M.: "Evening temps lower 50s, afternoon ~70s, low 80s. Quiet, not many people there during our mid-week stay."

Night sky viewing: Clear mountain air and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. Alex, who stayed at Turquoise Trail Campground, mentions: "There were a ton of stars at night which was great." For optimal viewing, campers should plan their stay during new moon phases and bring red light flashlights to maintain night vision.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many dispersed and forest campgrounds require appropriate vehicles. At Dispersed Camping off FS 542, Lily H. advises: "Be prepared for a road that in rough shape. I would not recommend accessing this if your in a small sedan or a large vehicle pulling something as if will be difficult to maneuver. You will likely need 4x4 and some ground clearance."

Limited water availability: Few campgrounds offer drinking water. Jose L. shares about Dispersed Camping off FS 542: "It was easy to find and get to. Luckily, I have a have a high clearance vehicle due to the ruts on the road." Plan to bring all necessary water or know where to fill up before arriving.

Seasonal closures affect camping plans: Many forest campgrounds close during winter months. As Kathryn P. notes about Manzano Mountains State Park: "This Park normally closes November 1st, but the weather has been so warm this year, it's closing December 1st!" Always check current operating dates before planning a trip, especially in spring and fall when weather can be unpredictable.

Tips for camping with families

Look for designated sites with amenities: Established campgrounds offer more conveniences for families with children. Walter and Winnie G. describe Turquoise Trail Campground: "Nice tall shade trees at all sites. Clean facilities (vault toilets). Some tent sites have brick wind structures around their picnic tables, which can be a handy especially with NM spring winds."

Consider temperature fluctuations: Pack clothing layers as temperature swings can be significant. At Manzano Mountains State Park, David C. experienced: "Went in July and the weather was cool in the 80's most of the time, cooling to the upper 40's at night." This means bringing both warm sleeping bags and light clothing for daytime activities.

Select campsites with natural features: Sites with natural elements provide built-in entertainment for children. Gavin J. found Red Canyon Campground offered "Beautiful secluded spot in the Manzanos. Nice kid-friendly trails adjacent to the campground." Look for sites near shallow streams or with large boulders for exploration.

Tips from RVers

Call ahead for availability: RV sites at established campgrounds can fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Padilla Ranch, Rebecca M. advises: "It's $30/night, has full hookups, nice spaces with trees. They have fire pits and provided firewood. There's water and a port-a-potty but no showers and no dump site."

Check site leveling requirements: Many forest campgrounds have uneven sites requiring additional equipment. Moe F. notes about Manzano Mountains State Park: "Sites are gravel, but not very level. Each site has a picnic table, grill & fire pit. Some sites have power, but none have sewer or water hookups."

Verify campground accessibility: Some campgrounds have tight access roads unsuitable for larger rigs. Lucy P. shares her experience at Padilla Ranch: "Be careful parking in any sites, especially lower ones, if there's been much precipitation." Calling ahead to confirm road conditions can prevent getting stuck or having to find alternative accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Estancia, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Estancia, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 71 campgrounds and RV parks near Estancia, NM and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Estancia, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Estancia, NM is Manzano Mountains State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Estancia, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Estancia, NM.

What parks are near Estancia, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Estancia, NM that allow camping, notably Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands and Cibola National Forest and Grasslands.