Best Camping near La Joya, NM

Searching for the best camping near La Joya, NM? La Joya is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near La Joya, NM. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near La Joya, NM (43)

    Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground

    1. Escondida Lake Park & Campground

    12 Reviews
    44 Photos
    38 Saves
    Lemitar, New Mexico
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon

    2. San Lorenzo Canyon

    6 Reviews
    32 Photos
    111 Saves
    Polvadera, New Mexico

    This is primitive camping.

    San Lorenzo Canyon is jointly managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management as a primitive recreation area. This scenic east-west canyon offers ample outdoor opportunities for hiking and primitive camping. Not only a destination for hikers, the Canyon offers outstanding opportunities for photographers. Millions of years of Earth’s history unfold in San Lorenzo Canyon, a picturesque area of sandstone cliffs, arches, and hoodoos. The cottonwoods indicate there may have been a reliable water source at one time in the area. The area has remnants of old ranches and homesteads; springs and tiny creeks are hidden in the canyon bottoms and washes. High clearance and/or 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. There are no restrooms or drinking water.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area

    3. The Box Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    27 Photos
    147 Saves
    Socorro, New Mexico

    The 640-acre Box Recreation Area is a highly scenic, rugged area which is very popular for technical rock climbing and bouldering. The five cliffs on either side of this box canyon provide popular rock climbing for even highly skilled technical climbers. Challenging climbing opportunities include the Waterfall Wall, Corner Block and the Fillet a Papillon Wall.

    There is a developed parking area with a trailhead, kiosks, and restroom. Drinking water is not available.

    Special Rules: Camping in designated sites only. No shooting of weapons. Remember, that climbing is a high-risk activity. For safety, climbers should not attempt climbs beyond their abilities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground

    4. Water Canyon Campground

    11 Reviews
    47 Photos
    116 Saves
    Magdalena, New Mexico

    This campground is located at an elevation of 6,800 feet in the Magdalena Mountains.

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

    5. Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    57 Photos
    122 Saves
    Mountainair, New Mexico

    Manzano Mountains State Park is an excellent destination for hiking and camping. Nestled in the wooded foothills of the Manzanos, this park provides a quiet retreat and is a nice family get-away. Wildlife viewing, birding, and photography are great activities at this park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $5 - $14 / night

    • No image available

      6. Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel

      4 Reviews
      14 Saves
      La Joya, New Mexico
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Route 66 RV Resort
      Camper-submitted photo from Route 66 RV Resort
      Camper-submitted photo from Route 66 RV Resort
      Camper-submitted photo from Route 66 RV Resort
      Camper-submitted photo from Route 66 RV Resort
      Camper-submitted photo from Route 66 RV Resort

      8. Route 66 RV Resort

      22 Reviews
      56 Photos
      69 Saves
      Albuquerque, New Mexico
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access

      $45 - $60 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Plateau Hame de Colquhoun
      Camper-submitted photo from Plateau Hame de Colquhoun
      Camper-submitted photo from Plateau Hame de Colquhoun
      Camper-submitted photo from Plateau Hame de Colquhoun
      Camper-submitted photo from Plateau Hame de Colquhoun
      Camper-submitted photo from Plateau Hame de Colquhoun

      9. Plateau Hame de Colquhoun

      1 Review
      26 Photos
      22 Saves
      Belen, New Mexico

      Here at Ka-hoon (Plateau Hame De Colquhoun) Ka-Hoon (Plateau Hame De Colquhoun) is a family-operated off-grid establishment offering camping, event hosting (like festivals, concerts, weddings, family reunions), and music production services

      Plateau Hame De Colquhoun is reasonably private and you can make your visit your own. Enjoy being yourself amongst the space.. 420 friendly. Located on edge of the Mesa overlooking the Rio Grande with beautiful mountains views, keep in mind this is an ongoing project and much of the land is untamed and in all its natural glory. Snakes, other wild life included Like the lives of pioneers before us the amenities are sparse. If you enjoy ruggedness and serene isolation with majestic views of the local mountain ranges, then this is your place to visit.

      The space

      Dispersed Camping of your choice of spots for RV, tents or vans. Pull through or back in.

      Down 11 miles of gravel roads off exit 191 Belen NM.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents

      $12 - $20 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from La Vista RV Park
      Camper-submitted photo from La Vista RV Park
      Camper-submitted photo from La Vista RV Park
      Camper-submitted photo from La Vista RV Park
      Camper-submitted photo from La Vista RV Park
      Camper-submitted photo from La Vista RV Park

      10. La Vista RV Park

      2 Reviews
      6 Photos
      11 Saves
      Belen, New Mexico
      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
    Showing results 1-10 of 43 campgrounds

    Pet-friendly camping near La Joya

    Recent Reviews in La Joya

    205 Reviews of 43 La Joya Campgrounds


    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post
      Oct. 10, 2024

      Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post

      Great in a pinch or any other time

      Well appointed RV park for trailer/RV. Little close to I-40 but sound is not that bad. Picnic table, shade trees, pool, hot tub. Even accept mailing ahead(like Amazon)

      Very friendly staff. Great for the balloon fiesta

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      Aug. 6, 2024

      Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

      Quiet shady camp

      It was hot in the valley so we retreated to the nearest mountains. What a quiet little camp. No huge RV’s or anything. Our 6ft wide, 20ft long trailer seemed too big. Our spot accommodated us well. The trails are fabulous. There’s a Track Trail that just opened and a motorized track wheelchair making this park very accessible. Not very many electric sites but that was ok as the temps were cooler (60’s at night)

    • Bradley K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
      Jul. 14, 2024

      The Box Recreation Area

      Great spot to overnight off I-25

      This was a lovely spot to overnight just about 20 minutes off I-25 near Socorro NM. Great views and incredible star gazing. This is an important rock climbing destination and there are several hiking trails if have more time than we did.

    • Joshuah F.
      Camper-submitted photo from New Canyon Campground
      Jul. 13, 2024

      New Canyon Campground

      Nice place!

      Overall a nice place to camp. Most beautiful drive into the campsite. Some of the campsites had concrete picnic tables and bear containers. They were up a walkway and some stairs though. The vault toilets were clean. We were approached by a guy letting us know there was a boar and a bear coming down the canyon. He said they were about 700 yards away.

    • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Riverine Park
      Jul. 6, 2024

      San Antonio Riverine Park

      Beautiful, Free, Quiet Camping near Bosque Del Apache

      Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a bird nerd’s paradise during the winter.  Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes, and thousands of others congregate in this wetland wonderland. Here, the Rio Grande pauses on its long winding path to the Gulf of Mexico and allows these waterfowl and other migratory birds a place of rest and safety during their bi-annual migration. It’s an amazing place, but it does not allow camping within the park. 

      Just a few miles to the north of the visitor’s center, in the quaint hamlet of San Antonio, lies Riverine Park. Slightly difficult to find in the dark and with a steep entrance, the few campsite spots offer visitors a great place close to the National Wildlife Refuge for the night within striking distance of the dawn patrol show (when the flocks take off for the day). Dawn and dusk are something to behold, so get your cameras ready! 

      The campsites themselves are loosely defined, but a few actually have developed campfire pits and picnic tables. There are no toilets here, but there are lovely facilities in the park itself.  There’s not much room for a trailer longer than 20 feet, but feel free to give it a looksee before committing to the downhill entry point– which is short and steep.  With big cottonwood trees scattered throughout the area, we got some solar charging with our rooftop panels, but needed to move our portable solar panel around to collect a bit more.  Starlink worked well though!

      In addition to birdwatching there are numerous, unlabeled trails and access roads all along the river bank and the canal for walking, or biking. The opportunities can also be found within the wildlife refuge as well.  Nearby services can be found in San Antonio, Socorro, or Truth or Consequences, NM, with the latter being the biggest town within an hour’s drive.

    • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Riverine Park
      Jul. 2, 2024

      San Antonio Riverine Park

      Free and easy

      We stayed here a few years ago and it was the same sad, uncared for park then as it is now. The grass is overgrown and the fire pits are broken, but it’s free, and right off the main road so it makes for a great place to stop for the night. Would definitely not recommend this place as a destination for a camping trip. 

      There are maybe 7 or 8 sites here, and a skoolie and a car camper were here when we arrived late afternoon, and a truck camper pulled in after us. The road down into the campground is steep and raggedy, but we did ok (i.e. didn’t scrape) in our 26ft class c. 

      Good cell service. You can hear road noise but it’s not too bad, it’s not too busy of a road. There are walking paths where you can walk to the river. Mosquitoes / other bugs not bad when we were there in early December. No trash bins and no bathrooms. Please pack out your waste! Park is pretty clean and free from trash, which is so nice to see.

    • s
      Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground
      Jul. 1, 2024

      Escondida Lake Park & Campground

      Nice little spot

      First night (Friday) was great. Quiet. Saturday was quiet as well. Not much to catch at the lake. 3pm someone rolls up next to us. Definitely in the wrong spot and he would have known that if he was aware of the “back in” policy. Gave the lake caretaker a call, no answer. No big deal they were quiet. Until 10pm. Loud music. Karaoke with children screaming into the mic with the already loud sound system. Tried calling the caretaker, no answer mailbox full. Didn’t want to bother the police department so decided to wait and see if one of the kids woke up and then I’d call, figuring then I’d be super late. The music stopped suddenly my guess is around 12-2am. I guessing someone called the police or got a hold of the caretaker. Will stay again, however the campsite needs to be checked on by the county imo. If this were to happen again, I’d call non-emergency PD to deal with it.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      May. 16, 2024

      Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

      Beautiful!

      Remote, wooded, serene. Sites are gravel, but not very level. Each site has a picnic table, grill & fire pit. Some sites have power, but none have sewer or water hookups. There is a dump station & drinking water. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place.

    • Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from High Desert RV Park
      May. 7, 2024

      High Desert RV Park

      Nice lounge

      We arrived after hours. Had a bit of trouble finding our campsite because the number was missing from ours. I do like the coded entry to the bathrooms and common use areas. Nice laundry room, game room and kitchen that can be used by guests. There was a good bit of road noise but that was to be expected being so close to the interstate. There did appear to be a lot of long term residents staying here. It was fine for a one night stay passing through.

    • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post
      Apr. 23, 2024

      Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post

      Good place on the old Route 66

      We used it as a home base to explore greater ABQ, so it was all we needed.  Staff very friendly, and a nice little shop.  Sites are level hardscrabble, typical of NM lowlands.  They were having trouble with the WiFi for our particular loop, but have enough options to overcome such problems.

    • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      Apr. 23, 2024

      Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

      Secluded and quiet

      Very nice campground, and only $18/night for water and electric.  Beautiful mountain setting with lots of pine trees and cool mornings.  Had hoped to do some road biking but the steep gravel proved intimidating for the less experienced in the group.

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Riverine Park
      Apr. 21, 2024

      San Antonio Riverine Park

      Very Easy Access from Paved Road

      Really a pretty cool spot that can be warmer than Albuquerque, and especially warmer than Santa Fe. 100% no fire, even smoking banned they claim. May help keep numbers low. Only person I saw appeared to be road construction exploring where the road went (think they were working on Rio grande bridge maybe). Lots and lots of space in the big trees by the river, but if you look in there at night with a flash light you may notice a lot of spider eyes shining back at you. I actually parked right by river, probably not exactly correct spot probably (would be very tight fit with trailer). No spider eyes. Plenty of room for car/truck to turn around. Probably stayed 3 nights total. The turn offs from the braised berm down to camp areas can be steep looking, just choose your angle wisely. The roads seem to loop back up to berm after winding through trees, some tighter areas to maneuver around for sure. I doubt anyone would give you trouble sleeping on the unpaved road itself opposite side of trees either. Very little traffic. Weekends may have some local traffic non overnight traffic too, fishing, skeet shooting, etc. Based on debris around river, and the most traffic I saw was on Sunday (2 -3 trucks at once rather than 1/48hours.

      I’d crash here again for the price.

    • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Padilla Ranch
      Mar. 30, 2024

      Padilla Ranch

      Has great potential, still a work in progress

      Pat and Wanda are very nice and I hope folks support their dream! That being said, know that this place is very much still under construction. We had the bad luck of coming after a snowmelt and being there during some subsequent bad weather, which meant it was extremely muddy, the trash was full, and the porta poddy was getting full (plus it ran out of tp and we used our own. I think that’s probably different in better weather. Also it’s listed as having laundry but it doesn’t!

      Unfortunately while we were there I got a bad cut on my hand and needed to leave a day early go to urgent care. We got stuck in the mud then tried unsuccessfully to get ahold of Pat for 2 hours, although he was very helpful when he finally came. But be careful parking in any sites, especially lower ones, if there’s been much precipitation.

      Otherwise our stay was cold and wet but quiet. Lights at the sites are a nice touch. No Verizon service, there’s wifi but it’s not very good in some sites.

    • Rebecca M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Padilla Ranch
      Feb. 18, 2024

      Padilla Ranch

      Good, full hookup private campground

      I liked it a lot. It’s $30/night, has full hookups, nice spaces with trees. They have fire pits and provided firewood. There’s water and a port-a-potty but no showers and no dump site. There are bear proof trash cans. The owners are on site and are a very nice older couple.

      Apple Maps correctly labels the road as 4th of July Canyon Rd. Google maps calls it A013. There’s a little dirt road immediately after the cemetery on the right. It’s about a half mile down that dirt road on the right. There is a sign that says “RV park”, but it’s small so keep a close eye out for it.

      There is also a small C Store in town with some supplies. It’s best to fill up your tank before leaving Albuquerque. Gas stations are few and far between and very pricy. It’s about an hour from Albuquerque. I have T-Mobile and had 3 solid bars with good speed.

    • Kelly H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from American RV Resort
      Jan. 8, 2024

      American RV Resort

      Convenient and Clean

      Needed a place with hookups before the ABQ Balloon Fiesta dry camping.  This served that purpose.  Clean sites and laundry facilities.  Freeway noise and sites right next to each other were the negatives.

      However for a night it worked out just fine.

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
      Dec. 17, 2023

      The Box Recreation Area

      Beautiful

      Very easy to get to, went up the hill past the cattle guard. Didn’t see anyone else in my 4 night camp. The sunsets and sunrises are amazing. Will def come back

    • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      Nov. 4, 2023

      Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

      Nice spots and very inexpensive

      We spent a Saturday night here in a spot without services and I suppose because it is late in the season, only a couple of other campers. Clean, well maintained, nice trails. I have good enough service I could stay and work for the week which is awesome.

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountain Retreat
      Oct. 30, 2023

      Manzano Mountain Retreat

      Mountain Retreat Camping for RV or Tenting

      Jake from the Dyrt here!  The Manzano Mountain Retreat is a large venue with tons to check out and nearby mountains to enjoy.  Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!

    • Will M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Aquirre Springs Campground
      Oct. 29, 2023

      Aquirre Springs Campground

      Incorrect location information

      The map icon shows this as being near the Gran Quivara unit of Salinas Pueblo missions National Monument. It is not. As at least one other review indicates it is near White sands National Monument. I used the link from the campground description to try to get to this in about 2 and 1/2 mi short of it is a locked gate. Whoever dropped the pin and gave this location data gave a bogus location.

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from Turner Inn & RV Park
      Oct. 1, 2023

      Turner Inn & RV Park

      Friendly and nice

      Campsites are level full hook ups. Nice people they have Wi-Fi nice bathrooms there’s a really great grocery store downtown called the B St., Café. It was $36 if I paid cash and that was with a 10% discount

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
      Sep. 28, 2023

      San Antonio Bosque Park

      Decent Sites, Bad Experience

      Stopped here since I was tired and couldn’t make it to the Box area. The sites are nice enough etc. Woke up to the sound of birdshot raining in around me. I confronted the hunters saying they ought to mind their aim because there’s a campground. They responded with “it’s duck season”.

      After returning to my site it rained in yet again and it seemed intentional. I am a hunter and can say that is entirely unacceptable. I should’ve called the police on them in hindsight but instead I decided to leave immediately so I could get on with my day.

      It’s idiots like that which give hunters a bad rap.



    Guide to La Joya

    Camping near La Joya, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do

    • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails around the Manzano Mountains State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The trails are fabulous," highlighting the newly opened Track Trail that enhances accessibility.
    • Birdwatching: Visit the nearby Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, a hotspot for birdwatchers. One reviewer at San Antonio Riverine Park noted, "It's a bird nerd’s paradise during the winter," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
    • Rock Climbing: For climbing enthusiasts, the Box Recreation Area is a must-visit. A camper shared, "This was a lovely spot to overnight... incredible star gazing," perfect for those who enjoy both climbing and stargazing.

    What campers like

    • Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of places like Escondida Lake Park & Campground. One visitor said, "Remote, wooded, serene," which captures the essence of a peaceful getaway.
    • Affordable Rates: Campgrounds like Water Canyon Campground offer free camping, making it a favorite for budget-conscious travelers. A reviewer mentioned, "You don't often find free developed camping," emphasizing its value.
    • Wildlife Encounters: Campers at Red Canyon Campground enjoy the local wildlife, with one stating, "Very green and lush with deer visiting our site at dusk!"

    What you should know

    • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like San Antonio Bosque Park, lack basic facilities. A camper noted, "No toilets here, but there are lovely facilities in the park itself," so be prepared to pack out your trash.
    • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at New Canyon Campground warned, "The road access is pretty rough," so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.
    • Wildlife Caution: Campers should be aware of wildlife, especially at places like Chupadero Mountainview RV Park. One reviewer mentioned, "We were approached by a guy letting us know there was a boar and a bear coming down the canyon."

    Tips for camping with families

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Manzano Mountains State Park Campground, where one family enjoyed the "cooler temps at night" and found it suitable for kids.
    • Plan for Activities: Ensure there are activities for kids, like hiking and exploring. A camper at Escondida Lake Park & Campground mentioned, "The steep gravel proved intimidating for the less experienced in the group," so consider the skill levels of your family members.
    • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having refreshments on hand is essential. One camper at Water Canyon Campground noted, "Bring your own water," which is crucial for family outings.

    Tips from RVers

    • Check Site Sizes: RVers should verify site sizes before booking. A visitor at Chupadero Mountainview RV Park mentioned, "No frills, just fairly level sites," which is important for larger rigs.
    • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds, like Escondida Lake Park & Campground, can have noise from nearby activities. One reviewer said, "Loud music... karaoke with children screaming," so be ready for potential disturbances.
    • Utilize Dump Stations: Make sure to use dump stations when available. A camper at Manzano Mountains State Park Campground noted, "Not very many electric sites but that was ok," indicating the importance of planning for utilities.

    Camping near La Joya, New Mexico, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

    Frequently Asked Questions