Camping near Jemez Springs offers equestrian facilities in a high-elevation mountain environment. At 6,940-8,000 feet elevation, campers can expect significant temperature fluctuations even during summer months. The area features pine forests interspersed with mountain streams and red rock formations characteristic of northern New Mexico's geology.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fenton Lake State Park Campground provides a stocked lake popular with anglers, though getting a fishing spot can require early arrival. "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," writes James F.
Stream access: At Oak Point Campground, campers can enjoy riverside sites with water recreation options. "Definitely have some sort of raft or kayak or SUP to put in the river upstream and float down to the boat ramp or to your campground," suggests Megan V. The campground offers "Mountains in the distance, a river right next to camp, gravel and dirt roads, lots of woods," according to Hannah L.
Hiking trails: The Ghost Ranch area provides scenic trails through landscapes made famous by painter Georgia O'Keeffe. "Chimney Rock hike is not to be missed!" recommends Mike B. The ranch includes "lodging, yurts and cabins" alongside camping options with "a bath house with laundry room and electric hookups if needed."
What campers like
Stargazing: The Top of New Mexico dispersed site offers exceptional dark sky viewing. "You can clearly see the Milky Way. No light pollution except the beautiful view of the city far away," notes Lauren I. The site provides "beautiful views of the mountains, sunset & sunrise."
Wildlife viewing: Rio Chama Campground visitors often encounter local wildlife in a peaceful setting. "We even saw a beaver on the lake!" reports Reuben. The campground features "several campsites in it other than it alone one is for like rvs and another is like a beach it is cool you can swim in some parts," according to Naythin H.
Quiet forest settings: Fenton Lake's campground loops offer different advantages depending on preferences. "Loop 3 - this is a beautiful loop with a brand-new vault toilet. With only sites 16, 17, and 18 sharing this loop, it seemed a little quieter," notes Nicole B. The loops provide varying proximity to amenities and water features.
What you should know
Weather patterns: The region experiences typical mountain climate with dramatic daily temperature shifts. "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," warns Nicole B. at Fenton Lake.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. At Fenton Lake, "there is NO cell signal at any of the tent sites, although we were able to get a signal (Verizon) within 50 feet of the ranger station if you need to check your phone."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds now require advance bookings. "The ranger will kick you out for not reserving online... part of the new process that they've not informed anyone of," cautions Lauren W. about Fenton Lake. "Camping MUST book online."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: At Fenton Lake, certain loops are more family-friendly than others. "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.
Timing considerations: For Turquoise Trail Campground, proximity to Albuquerque makes it popular on weekends. "Fenton Lake is usually busy and reserving months ahead of time is a good idea," suggests James F. Holiday weekends are particularly crowded, with Clayton K. noting you should "come early or avoid a holiday weekend all together."
Educational opportunities: Ghost Ranch provides learning experiences alongside camping. "Georgia O'Keefe lived in the property for a while, so there's a lot of history about her, and there's a small dinosaur and anthropology museum on site," explains Mike B.
Tips from RVers
Equestrian accommodations: The RV Park at HIPICO Santa Fe caters specifically to horse owners. "They offer overnight stabling for horses too," notes marine J. The site is "a very spacious private campground southwest of Santa Fe with access to public land" and is "really geared toward RVs."
Spacing and hookups: RV sites vary in their proximity to each other across campgrounds. At Turquoise Trail, "our site had full hookups and a picnic table but was not level. Was not a bad experience, but with other campgrounds in the area, I would not camp here again," reports Kelly S., who noted that "RVs so close together" made it "hard to enjoy what the area has to offer."
Elevation considerations: RVers should prepare for mountain driving and high elevation camping. "The dirt road is easy for all cars/trailers," mentions Megan V. about access to Oak Point Campground, though road conditions can change seasonally with afternoon storms.
