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.
$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."
$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."
"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. "
$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)."
"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."
$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."
$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."
$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"
$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."
"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."
GuideThis is a nice campground. It is small and the management is friendly and helpful. It could use a little TLC. The sites could be leveled better. The bathrooms are serviceable but not top notch.
TravelerIt’s really out there, so when no one, attendants, other tourists, anything was at the visitor center I was worried haha. Took a bit of navigating, no attendants anywhere, just notes with numbers to call. Pretty easy to find it and set up alone though
TravelerPerched atop a quiet BLM mesa with sweeping views of the Sandia Mountains and Albuquerque, this dispersed site is a great spot. No services—bring everything you need—but the payoff is incredible sunrises and sunsets, wide-open skies, and a real sense of solitude. We even spotted wild horses nearby as we arrived. Weekend shooting practice is audible in the distance, but well away from camping areas, and we never felt unsafe. Roads in were fine for our low-clearance vehicle. Stayed three nights and loved every minute—simple, beautiful, and highly recommended for anyone seeking an uncluttered desert escape. There is a lot of confusion about how to get to the campsites, since the area borders a neighborhood. We found this to work best and does not go through the neighborhood - From 165 turn on Camino del Tecolote, right on Camino de La Rosa Castilla, right on Camino De Las Huertas, and right on Llano Del Norte (this road curves around to the three different spots to enter the BLM land, we went all the way to the end)
TravelerPerched on a windswept mesa with sweeping eastward views that feel like a private postcard spot. We loved wandering the quirky, whimsical cemetery and taking a short hike to the artsy town of Madrid. The campsite was peaceful and private, and perfectly situated for beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The road up is a bit of an adventure but entirely worth it - and Kim (the host) made arrival effortless, guiding us to the spot and checking in to make sure we had everything we needed. Can’t wait to go back! Highly recommended!!
RangerGravel sites with picnic tables. Gently sloped for water runoff. Good restroom building with flush toilets, sinks and showers with plastic curtains. One washer and dryer in men's restroom. Assume women's is the same. Along main road with many stores and restaurants. Limited road noise didn't affect ou sleeping. Easy to drive to downtown tourist sites. Would stay again.
ScoutNot bad, your basic gravel parking lot, picnic tables in good shape, a bit dusty. Bathrooms and showers small but clean. Laundry, $1.75 to wash .50 to dry (30 mins) so a buck. Propane on site. I paid $170/week. Electric and water. Able to receive amazon packages at the office. Walmart delivery worked.
GuideTo enter the area you have to pass through a check point where they check your drivers license, I guess because it’s on “lab” property. Anyways, once you arrive to the pin, you have the option to go left, where the road is a little rougher, and right, where the road is bumpy but more doable for vans and short campers. I went to the right. There’s so many roads crossing around trees and intersecting with other roads, there’s not much really differentiating a road from a camp site. That being said, just pick a spot anywhere that doesn’t block any main roads. I found a decently level spot and it worked great for the night. My dog loved the openness. A little chilly tonight, absolutely no bugs. Ground is packed dirt covered in pine needles, roads have some ruts and large rocks. There were a few other campers here but we were all spread out away from each other. Couple kids riding mini bikes around but they kept their distance. Quiet at night. Great primitive spot for the night!
GuideI came in on a Sunday afternoon and loads of vehicles were leaving so I think the weekend was packed. Stayed 3 days and hardly saw anyone. Super beautiful and a herd of black cows roams up and down mooing at the end of the day. No services, pack your trash out and don't leave the trash bag at the entrance for critters to tear up like some sicko did.
GuideNice facility, friendly staff. Was easy in and out. Secure place to stay.
Dispersed camping options near Jemez Springs offer flexible alternatives to established campgrounds. This mountainous region sits at elevations between 6,000-8,500 feet, creating temperature variations of 20-30 degrees between day and night. During summer months, afternoon thunderstorms frequently develop between noon and 4 PM, bringing lightning risks to exposed areas.
Hot springs access: Spence Hot Springs Trail provides natural soaking opportunities with minimal hiking required. "There is a pull off but not clearly marked. It's a 15 minute walk to lukewarm pools you can bathe in and the upper pool even has a cool cave you can sit in," notes Cassidy O. at Dispersed on 4.
Fishing options: Fenton Lake offers stocked waters perfect for day trips. "Fishing is usually good though as it is well stocked. Temperatures at night can get down in the low forties after being in the eighties during the day," explains James F. from Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking variety: Las Conchas Trail provides an accessible 3-mile round trip experience. "We had several easy but longish hikes and it's just beautiful. Lots of birds, wildflowers and we even saw a beaver on the lake!" reports Reuben from Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Rock climbing access: Multiple climbing areas accommodate various skill levels within short drives. "All of the rock in the immediate area was created by the caldera and related volcanic and magmatic activity in the area in the past few million years. This gives you the opportunity to climb on some 'bulletproof' welded tuff," explains Alan B. from Jemez Falls Campground.
Canyon viewpoints: Some dispersed sites offer dramatic overlooks. "When we did we drove to the left, followed the path until we saw an opened gate, and turned up to a site on the right... We wandered down to a cliff, and the most BEAUTIFUL view awaited us," shares marycatmathis at Dispersed on 4.
Creek-side camping: Many sites feature water access perfect for summer cooling. "The sites are huge. A few hiking trails nearby. Vault toilets only, no showers or other facilities. Definitely a good weekend get away if you are in the area," notes Tyler M. from Jemez Falls Campground.
Seclusion options: FR376 offers more remote camping for those seeking privacy. "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," says seryna R. about FR376 Dispersed.
Historic attractions: Archaeological sites provide cultural experiences nearby. "From the site it was only a quick drive to both hot springs and stream side hikes," explains Elizabeth & Terry C. from Dispersed on 4.
Reservation requirements: Many established campgrounds require advance planning. "Fenton Lake is usually busy and reserving months ahead of time is a good idea. We like spots number 1 and 17 for tent camping," advises James F.
Road conditions: Forest service roads often require 4WD vehicles. "WARNING! The road is pretty steep and washed out right now so be careful driving even in an off-roaring vehicle. My care would not have made it with it meager front wheel drive hybrid," cautions Lyndon S. about Dispersed on 4.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal bans often limit campfires. "Each site had a picnic table and fire pit (with bright tape over it to remind you not to use it)," notes Annie C. from Redondo Campground.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely by location. "We had T-mobile and there was relatively no reception here. We had just enough to send out and receive a text message every once in a while but not strong enough for a phone call," shares Tiffany J. from Dispersed on 4.
Kid-friendly fishing: The fish hatchery offers guaranteed success for young anglers. "If you have little ones (age 11 and under) you can continue up to the hatchery for free fishing for the kiddos. They're pretty much guaranteed to catch something," recommends Katriza L. from San Antonio Campground.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play equipment. "Loop 2 - there's a playground next to site 14 and this is a GREAT loop for folks with kids. If you're not a kid person, you'd probably prefer a different loop," advises Nicole B. from Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Stream exploration: Shallow water areas provide safe play zones. "It was very nice to take my young boys to play in the stream as it wasn't very deep," notes Katriza L. about San Antonio Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer animal sighting potential. "We saw folks fishing - and catching fish! - at those campsites that backed up to the river," observes Nicole B. from Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully for level parking and amenities. "We stayed in site #9 on the Abert's Squirrel loop. It was one of the few pull through sites. Not the easiest site to navigate or level, but we made it work and had plenty of room to park the truck in front," advises Meandering Life from Juniper Campground.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "No dump station on site (another drawback). No cell service of any kind. There are a couple of satellite wi-fi hot spots around, but after 30 minutes, you have to pay," notes Reuben about Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Battery management: Solar capabilities vary by location. "Our spot #9 was perfect for solar, no obstructions at all. Most of the other sites we saw at least had some potential for shade," shares Meandering Life from Juniper Campground.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require adaptability. "Although at 8,000 feet of elevation, prepare for cold nights and intermittent rain, hail, and high winds, even during the 'summer' season. We experienced day time temps of 70s - 80s and nighttime drops to the low 40s on both trips," cautions Nicole B. from Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
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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