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Best Campgrounds near Jemez Springs, NM

819 Reviews

The small town of Jemez Springs has several camping spots scattered around its mountain setting. Jemez Springs City Park Campground sits right in town with basic sites that include picnic tables and restrooms. Many campers head to the Jemez Springs Recreation Area instead, where you can hike and soak in natural hot springs after setting up camp. You can fish in the Rio Grande or take day hikes in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains from most camping areas. Jemez Springs Area State Park maintains good campsites that put you close to local trails and viewpoints. Watch for deer and many bird species around your campsite, and store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife. Weather changes quickly here - mountain areas stay cooler while valley spots can get hot. Many locals recommend camping in spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the trees show their colors. Summer campers should bring extra water and sunscreen as temperatures climb. Winter camping works for prepared campers with cold-weather gear and snow equipment. The White Sands region makes a good side trip if you're camping for several days. Jemez Springs camping works for quick weekend trips or longer stays depending on what you're looking for.

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Best Camping Sites Near Jemez Springs, New Mexico (112)

    1. Jemez Falls Campground

    28 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 829-3535

    $20 / night

    "This is one of the places to camp in New Mexico"

    "Jemez Springs is a little over an hour from our house. The drive and the entire area are astonishingly beautiful, towering red cliffs, meandering river. Small campgrounds are along the river."

    2. Vista Linda Campground — Santa Fe National Forest

    18 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    4 miles
    +1 (575) 829-3535

    $20 / night

    "This spot is set between the road to Jemez Springs and Jemez Creek. Some sites are exposed to the road and its noise, although it’s not too bad."

    "Just south of the town of Jemez Springs was this really nice campground wedged between the road and the river."

    3. Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park

    16 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    7 miles
    Website

    "(T-Mobile) in Jemez springs and in the canyon I did not have service. It was a bit cold until my third day which was a very nice warm and sunny day."

    "While we pulled up to Jemez camping nearby, the park rangers told us it was closed because of Covid, but we could go down the road to this unmarked, unnamed, dispersed camp site. "

    4. Fenton Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 829-3630

    $15 - $90 / night

    "I’ve been coming to Fenton Lake for camping with family since I was little and we’ve always loved it. It’s beautiful and well taken care of."

    "We typically come up to Fenton Lake once a year and last year was fantastic however this year the park rangers aren’t that friendly (or that helpful)."

    5. FR376 Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 438-5300

    "This camp spot is one of the best free camp sites in New Mexico. Would definitely go again. Highly recommend to anyone who loves to camp and drive four wheelers"

    "There was a site available right as you pulled in and about 3-4 more half developed sites (fire rings) within a quarter mile walk in."

    6. Redondo Campground

    8 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 829-3535

    $15 / night

    "Campground Review

    This campground is an excellent basecamp to explore the Jemez area, with excellent access to quality rock climbing for everyone from beginners to experts (5.5 sport routes to 5.12"

    "This campground is a central and convenient location for visiting many of the local attractions, my favorite was Valles Caldera. Wooded area but sites were closer than we like."

    7. Cochiti Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Cochiti Lake, NM
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 465-2557

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Some sites in Buffalo Grove are drive through or back-in."

    "Visitors center has lots of information, and there are hiking trails. Not close to any major shopping, but there is a small store nearby and a laundry mat next to the store."

    8. San Antonio Campground

    5 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 829-3535

    $20 - $150 / night

    "The walking path along the creek was nice. Our spot was facing the entrance so a lot of car lights hitting the tent at night. Other spaces further away from the entrance would have been better."

    "Nice walking path along the stream/creek. Good place to take a walk after munching down on your favorite camp food."

    9. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    18 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    18 miles

    "While most of the trees in this area were burnt by fires less than 10 years ago, it still provides great views of the valley below and the highest mountains in all of New Mexico! "

    "We stayed in site fairly close to the entrance and off to the right on the East spur for 6 days in a 36’ motorhome and Cherokee Trailhawk."

    10. Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument

    30 Reviews
    White Rock, NM
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 672-3861

    $20 - $50 / night

    "The campground was a little tight for us so I’d think anything much bigger(40’ is probably pushing it) than us will have some trouble getting around."

    "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"

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Recent Camping Photos near Jemez Springs, NM

231 Photos of 112 Jemez Springs Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Jemez Springs, NM

819 Reviews of 112 Jemez Springs Campgrounds

  • B
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Beautiful area

    We stayed at Cochiti to be close to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The area is beautiful and the campground is great. Sites are spacious with paved pads and a parking spot next to your RV sites it has a concrete area with a covered picnic table. We stayed in the Buffalo loop and had 50 amp electric as well as water. The bathhouse was near and was clean and nice

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Forest Service Rd 268 Dispersed Site

    Beating the Heat at 8800 ft.

    Great place to get away for the week. Cattle will walk thru your camp and people were far enough away to enjoy the cool.

  • Andrea P.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    FR 4B Dispersed

    Pretty basic, doesn’t seem heavily used

    The forest service gate was closed but not locked, and it looks like there’s some pretty recent logging activity. There are still enough trees for shade and some privacy, and it does give a nice view of the cliffs. We had two cars and two tents, and there was room for maybe one more comfortably, or a smallish trailer.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Forest Road 533

    Awesome dispersed camping

    Beautiful forest to camp, spread out spots too!

  • Adria L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Santa Fe Skies RV Park

    Fenton lake

    Everything is online now did realize that the fishing was bad but still a great place to go and relax

  • K
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Coronado campground

    Really nice tent sites

    I love the tent shelters. We slept inside instead of setting up a tent again. Nice shower and toilets. Beautiful view. A bit noisy at night with a highway not far enough away. I am staying an extra night…

  • Stefanie S.
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Rancheros de Santa Fe

    Great Little Park

    We stayed here just a few nights when we first started our journey. It's a nice little park, and we LOVED the hiking trails in the back! The bathrooms and laundry room were very clean and well kept. The pool and "game room" were also nice. The area we stayed in was clearly for people just staying a few days. One thing I appreciated was the use of hedges to hide the neighboring sewer and hookups. Sites are close, so this helps. It is pretty tight in there, so maneuvering can be challenging if you have a bigger rig. But overall it was a nice place to stay.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Cuba Hwy Pulloff on Forest Road 88

    Quick place to pull off and camp

    Not much in the area available for hook up rv sites. We decided to boondock here for the night with a generator for AC(traveling with dogs). The road in is steep for long rigs. It’s a bummer people throw so much trash and glass bottles around. Very pretty site otherwise and nice trails to walk. Many cows wandering about in the area.

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Beautiful but a but a ahlf hoour to an hour from Santa Fe

    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. 

    I've also camped down by the river for the access to water for splashing about and cooking, but the area is popular with Mexican families and sometimes attracts a party crowd.

    There are plenty of more remote spots off the main gravel road that would be even quieter.  The terrain is juniper and oak, with cottonwoods by the river. 

    Temperatures run hot in the summer and freezing in winter, although it is the best choice for winter camping near Santa Fe.   Summers the wife and I most often drive up Artist Road and camp at Big Tesuque or the skiiiway at the top, but we did choose Buckman this summer when thunderstorms pounded the mountains. 

    It does take time to drive the gravel road, and there's not much for ordinary folks around Las Campanas, the wealthy housing division between the camping and town.  You might get to Airport Road and Cerrillos under an hour, but getting to the Plaza will take longer. 

    Cell service is spotty.

Guide to Jemez Springs

Camping near Jemez Springs, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the hikes that lead to scenic views and historical sites. One reviewer mentioned, "The hiking right from the campground is great - the two hikes are definitely worth doing" at Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument.
  • Fishing: The nearby lakes and rivers provide great fishing opportunities. A visitor at Riana - Abiquiu Lake noted, "Fishing is also popular," making it a perfect spot for anglers.
  • Sightseeing: Check out the local attractions, including hot springs and historical sites. One camper shared, "We enjoyed this place. Perfect for some sightseeing, hiking, and close enough to Santa Fe/Taos" at Riana - Abiquiu Lake.

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers rave about the stunning views. A reviewer at Vista Linda Campground — Santa Fe National Forest said, "The surrounding views were fantastic," highlighting the area's picturesque scenery.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. One visitor at Jemez Falls Campground mentioned, "It is a nice campground to spend a night or two as it does not have showers," indicating a serene camping experience.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A camper at Cochiti Recreation Area noted, "Camp hosts were very friendly and helpful," making the stay more enjoyable.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack basic facilities. A visitor at Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed pointed out, "If it is still open, you’ll see a lot of trash," suggesting that cleanliness can be an issue.
  • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds are only open during specific months. For example, Jemez Falls Campground operates from April to November, so plan your trip accordingly.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite mentioned, "The wild horses are active," which can be a fun surprise but also requires caution.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and clean restrooms. A reviewer at Cochiti Recreation Area appreciated the "clean bathrooms and showers," making it easier for families.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One family enjoyed the "great place to catch up on online business" at Cochiti Recreation Area, showing that some sites have good connectivity.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Jemez Falls Campground noted, "There are waterfalls along the Jemez river which runs through the campground," emphasizing the need for supervision.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some roads can be rough. A visitor at Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site advised, "The road is definitely not as well worn in as others," so be cautious with larger vehicles.
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, choose campgrounds that offer electric hookups. A reviewer at Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA mentioned, "Large sites. Very clean bathrooms and showers," which can be a plus for RVers.
  • Plan for Wind: Be prepared for windy conditions, especially at higher elevations. A camper at Riana - Abiquiu Lake noted, "Wind gusts are common," so secure your belongings.

Camping near Jemez Springs, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's available at Jemez Falls Campground?

Jemez Falls Campground is widely considered one of the best places to camp in New Mexico. The campground is set in a forested area with a natural forest floor, creating a fragrant and cool atmosphere. Located about an hour from Albuquerque, it's surrounded by astonishingly beautiful scenery, including towering red cliffs and meandering rivers. The campground offers standard amenities including picnic tables and fire rings. The area is known for its natural beauty and access to the falls themselves, making it a popular destination for hikers. The shaded sites provide welcome relief during hot summer months, and the peaceful forest setting creates an ideal retreat for nature lovers.

Where can I find camping spots near water in the Jemez Mountains?

Oak Point Campground offers incredible dispersed camping options along forest roads with numerous pull-offs where you can camp. The area features canyon walls for miles and beautiful stargazing opportunities. For lakeside camping, Fenton Lake State Park provides dispersed camping with established fire rings and amazing views. Some campsites are just steps from the water. For river access, several smaller campgrounds are nestled along the Jemez River throughout the area, offering the soothing sounds of flowing water while you camp. These riverside spots are particularly pleasant during warmer months when the cooling effect of the water is most appreciated.

What are the best campgrounds near Jemez Springs, NM?

Vista Linda Campground — Santa Fe National Forest is highly recommended, located just 3 miles south of Jemez Springs village. It offers beautiful views of surrounding mesas, with some sites featuring shelters over fire rings and picnic tables. Many campsites can accommodate larger RVs. For those seeking a more rustic experience, FR376 Dispersed is considered one of the best free campsites in New Mexico, perfect for those who enjoy four-wheeling activities. Other good options include Redondo Campground with basic amenities like water and toilets, and several smaller campgrounds tucked along the Jemez River featuring beautiful views of towering red cliffs.

Do I need reservations for camping in Jemez Springs?

Reservations are necessary for many campgrounds in the Jemez Springs area, especially during peak seasons. Jemez Falls Campground specifically requires reservations and tends to fill up quickly due to its popularity. For those who prefer more flexibility, numerous dispersed camping opportunities exist in the area that don't require reservations, including sites along forest roads and near Fenton Lake State Park. These dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It's advisable to make reservations for established campgrounds well in advance, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when the area sees increased visitation from nearby urban centers like Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

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