Best Campgrounds near Los Alamos, NM

Camping near Los Alamos, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a base for outdoor adventures, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are great trails right from the campgrounds. For example, at Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument, one reviewer mentioned, "The hiking right from the campground is great - the two hikes are definitely worth doing."
• Exploring National Monuments: Visit Bandelier National Monument for stunning views and ancient Pueblo dwellings. A camper shared, "We enjoyed visiting the ancient Pueblos, especially climbing the 140 feet to the Alcove house."
• Fishing and Boating: At Riana - Abiquiu Lake, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One visitor noted, "There is also a volleyball net and a very nice modern playground."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Cochiti Recreation Area. A reviewer said, "Great views of mountains and pastel sunrises and sunset."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of places like Black Canyon Campground. One camper mentioned, "Summer temps were very comfortable during the day and cool overnight. Perfect camping weather."
• Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise. At Rancheros de Santa Fe, a visitor said, "The owners are super kind, firstly. Our site was great."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed, have few facilities. A reviewer warned, "If it is still open, you’ll see a lot of trash. Certain sites looked better than others."
• No Showers: Many sites, such as Jemez Falls Campground, do not have showers. One camper noted, "It is a nice campground to spend a night or two as it does not have showers."
• Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite mentioned, "If you put up a hummingbird feeder they will love you."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Santa Fe Skies RV Park, which has a walking trail and is close to town. One family said, "The park is super clean. I highly recommend this park."
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities. A reviewer at Cochiti Recreation Area mentioned, "Good location to visit both Albuquerque and Santa Fe."
• Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games. A camper at Rancheros de Santa Fe noted, "The facilities were clean and accessible."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Santa Fe KOA mentioned, "Some of the spots were a little tight once you get your slides out."
• Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Cochiti Recreation Area offer electric hookups, which can be a big plus. One camper said, "All sites have paved driveways, canopies, and charcoal grills."
• Be Prepared for Wind: Some areas can be windy, especially at Riana - Abiquiu Lake. A visitor noted, "Wind gusts are common so tie down the tumbleweeds or they'll escape!"

Camping near Los Alamos, New Mexico, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the stunning scenery!