Best Campgrounds near Santa Clara, NM

Camping near Santa Clara, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "I spent two weeks here at three different sites... I genuinely had a relaxing time," highlighting the peaceful hiking opportunities.
• Rock Climbing: The City of Rocks State Park Campground is known for its unique rock formations, making it a great spot for climbing. A visitor shared, "You could just walk around the rocks and campground or take one of the trails out into the desert landscape."
• Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy spotting local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "I also saw the most wildlife from this site (marmot, roadrunner, jack rabbit, and more)."

What campers like:

• Affordable Rates: Campers appreciate the low prices. A reviewer at the City of Rocks State Park Campground mentioned, "$14 for an RV site with electric and water."
• Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. One camper stated, "The bathrooms/comfort station are clean and fairly new."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A visitor said, "Amazing volunteers, so knowledgeable and fun to talk to."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like the Gila Hot Springs Campground, lack certain amenities. A camper noted, "NO showers, NO trash, NO water hookups."
• Remote Locations: Many sites are quite remote. One camper shared, "While I was ready to get back to civilization... I genuinely had a relaxing time."
• Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at sites like the Forks Campground. A visitor mentioned, "There are scorpions and tiny little rodents that come out at night."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds that allow pets and have space for kids to play. The Silver City KOA is a great option, with one camper saying, "Very friendly staff and owner."
• Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or hiking gear to keep everyone entertained. A family shared, "We had our bikes and were not disappointed!"
• Pack for Comfort: Ensure you have warm clothing for chilly nights. One camper advised, "Can get cold at night if you are in a tent, bring warm clothing."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at the Cattlemen Trail mentioned, "My express van with chunky tires was able to clear the bumps in the roadway."
• Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, consider places like the Rose Valley RV Ranch, where one camper said, "The sites are huge and feel very private."
• Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor reception. A visitor at the Upper Scorpion Campground noted, "There is no cell service from silver city to the campground."

Camping in Santa Clara, NM, and its surrounding areas provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone!