Camping sites near Edgewood, New Mexico range from organized campgrounds with full amenities to primitive dispersed sites throughout the surrounding foothills and mountains. Located at approximately 6,700 feet elevation, the Edgewood area experiences significant temperature variations between day and night throughout the year. Winter nights frequently drop below freezing while summer daytime temperatures regularly climb into the 80s, requiring campers to prepare for weather fluctuations regardless of season.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Several camping areas near Edgewood provide access to popular mountain biking routes. At Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping, trails connect directly to the camping areas. "The road up to the camping area is decent. There are big ruts headed into the camping area that are impassible to low clearance vehicles but nice spots otherwise," notes Jennifer M.
Star gazing opportunities: The high desert elevation and minimal light pollution create excellent conditions for astronomy. Top of New Mexico Dispersed Site offers unobstructed night sky viewing. Lauren I. shares, "Beautiful sunrise and sunset. Wild horses in the area. And, you can clearly see the Milky Way. No light pollution except the beautiful view of the city far away."
Wildlife observation: Many campsites around Edgewood offer opportunities to see native wildlife. Josh F. reported at Top of New Mexico Dispersed Site: "My first morning I was surrounded by a group of 5 cows grazing. They ended up laying 30 feet from the trailer all morning." Other visitors frequently mention wild horses, coyotes, and various bird species.
Local brewery visits: Several campgrounds provide easy access to local craft beer. Turquoise Trail Campground camper Alex notes, "It's located next to a little brewery and pizza place. The pizza and beer were both really good I would check that place out while you stay. Ale Republic it's called."
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Turquoise Trail Campground offers opportunities to see wildlife while maintaining access to amenities. "We stayed overnight here and left in the morning. The view to the campground was beautiful but the campground was so full and RVs so close together, hard to enjoy what the area has to offer," comments Kelly S.
Vehicle access variations: Dispersed camping options provide different levels of accessibility. At Dispersed Camping off FS 542, Jose L. reports: "My family and I camped here and chose this location as one of our stops on our road trip. It was easy to find and get to. Luckily, I have a have a high clearance vehicle due to the ruts on the road."
Privacy levels: Many campers appreciate the solitude at dispersed sites. "We camped here recently. We followed the road to the end of FS 542. The road is a little washed out once you get to the end of the paved road and make a left. I didn't make it all the way to the 'primitive' campsite as my car bottomed out but there was room for a car and a tent at the junction," explains Aaron K.
Laundry facilities: For longer stays, access to laundry becomes important. At Kirtland AFB FamCamp, Heather H. shares: "Laundry rooms clean, work very well. Sites are big and spacious. People that work here are so nice. Dog area and park are newer and nice."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds experience issues with water systems. At Route 66 RV Park, Lance T. observed: "Main issue was the water. After sitting in hose for many hours it would turn yellow to orange. Running several gallons through would result in clear water again. We wouldn't drink it."
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by location and season. Most established campgrounds allow fires in designated rings, while some dispersed areas have seasonal restrictions. Lily H. notes about Dispersed Camping off FS 542: "It's primitive camping no water no outhouse. Great hiking in the area and it felt like a safe location."
Bathroom availability: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Hidden Valley RV Park, one visitor mentioned: "Bathrooms were very clean at the bath house." However, another campground visitor reported: "The restrooms are closed from 6 to 8am and then from 3 to 5pm for cleaning."
Elevation effects: The high elevation impacts camping experiences. Abraham notes about Dispersed Camping off FS 542: "Unimproved dirt ring road with designated campsites. Good 2WD should be fine. Take the first left after the group campsite, and another left when you reach full dirt road."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: For families with children, dedicated play areas provide important activities. At Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel, Jessica P. mentions: "The playground was nice for our daughter." Several campgrounds in the Edgewood area offer playground equipment, though quality and maintenance vary.
Wildlife safety: When camping with children and pets, be aware of local wildlife. At Top of New Mexico Dispersed Site, Mary-Kate L. shares: "Wild horses roamed around our site after sunset. Pretty epic." While interesting to observe, maintain safe distances from all wildlife.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate gear for family camping. Ashley T. notes about Dispersed Camping off FS 542: "It can get very windy as well so watch out closely with your fire if you have one. Elevation is about 7500 feet so if you're from sea level like us, give yourself some time to acclimate."
Shade availability: Summer heat makes shade important for family camping. One visitor to Hidden Valley RV Park observed: "Many trees were dead or dying, so be careful where you park because overhead branches could tumble down on your RV. Shade is hit or miss."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV sites vary significantly in size and proximity. At Coronado Campground, Sarina noted: "The spots are large and have a shaded cover in every site. We would stay here again!!" This contrasts with other campgrounds where RVs are positioned quite close together.
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require additional effort for leveling. Paula B. explains about Coronado Campground: "Easy access pull thru sites each with a picnic table and fire pit. Table is in a covered shelter." Another camper mentioned: "The sites are sloped a bit, and the water was on the opposite side of our camper, but we made it work."
Utility placement: The positioning of hookups can create challenges. According to Frank at Albuquerque KOA Journey: "On our full hook up site the dump sight was in a bad place. We would of had to un hook from our truck to fully hook up." Consider your RV configuration when selecting sites.
Road conditions: Access roads to many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. Lewis T. comments about Manzanita Rec Zone: "Road almost more accessible to this camp ground for low clearance. Might scrape a bit going up final ramp to Cedro peak one, but not terribly either."
