Situated 20 miles south of Albuquerque at 4,856 feet elevation, Los Lunas offers camping options in a high desert climate with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. The area averages 310 sunny days annually with summer daytime highs frequently reaching 95°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Rio Grande Valley terrain around Los Lunas features dramatic elevation changes and distinctive southwestern landscape where high desert meets river ecosystem.
What to do
**Mountain biking trails: Explore the numerous trails near Cedar Crest at 6,940 feet elevation where Turquoise Trail Campground provides access to scenic routes. "There is plenty to do nearby, with bike trails and hiking trails" according to Dave V., while Rebecca notes it's a "convenient drive to Albuquerque."
**Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at the stocked fishing lake at Isleta Lakes & RV Park where campers can purchase fishing licenses directly at the campground store. "The site #63 was across from the lake that is stocked with catfish. Locals are allowed in to fish during the day up until 7 pm. Fishing License can be purchased in campground store," reports Jody J.
**Dispersed camping exploration: Venture into National Forest land for a more primitive experience with Dispersed Camping off FS 542 offering designated sites with fire rings. "Primitive camping... We followed the road to the end of FS 542. The road is a little washed out once you get to the end of the paved road and make a left," writes Aaron K., while Lily H. adds "Great hiking in the area and it felt like a safe location."
What campers like
**Elevated mountain views: Enjoy sunrises and sunsets across the valley from the mesa landscape at Route 66 RV Resort, approximately 30 minutes from Los Lunas. "Big Sky Desert View. Clean, paved drives and concrete pull through diagonal sites with full hook ups... far enough to not feel the energy or be bothered by the lights," notes Dale D.
**Security features: Many campers appreciate gated entries and controlled access points at parks near Los Lunas. "Gated with staff on site 24hrs. Late arrivals not a problem and a very friendly staff. Easy on and off of I-40," Ben R. reports about Route 66 RV Resort, while MickandKarla W. adds "There was a nice sized fenced dog area just down from our site and a larger one near the front."
**Shade availability: With summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, tree cover becomes essential. The tent areas at Turquoise Trail Campground offer relief with Karen B. noting "Tent sites were not being used but liked a little shadier and had trees between."
What you should know
**Road conditions: The dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. "The road is a little washed out once you get to the end of the paved road... my car bottomed out," warns Aaron K. about FS 542, while Ashley T. cautions "You definitely need something high-clearance with 4x4 as there are large ruts on either side, potholes, and large rocks."
**Wildlife awareness: The area has diverse wildlife populations that campers should prepare for. "There are bears, wolves, coyotes, rabbits, and some rodents in the area," reports Ashley T. at the dispersed camping site, while Matt M. confirms "There were coyotes around."
**Water pressure variation: Water systems at campgrounds can deliver extremely high pressure requiring regulation equipment. At La Vista RV Park, Craig and Linda L. advise "High water pressure so pressure regulator highly recommended and sold in check in office."
Tips for camping with families
**Pet accommodations: Bring appropriate pet containment systems that comply with campground rules. "Pet friendly but doesn't allow 'outside pet cages, kennels, or pet fencing' probably because they don't want the dogs outside alone," Ryan L. reports about American RV Resort.
**Arrival timing: Plan to reach dispersed camping areas during daylight hours for easier navigation. "Plan to arrive well before dark, as it's very hard to find the rings in the dark. There are small brown numbered signs but the spots kind of blend together in the dark," advises Ashley T.
**Accessibility considerations: Some facilities offer enhanced accessibility features. At High Desert RV Park, Lara O. found "The site is one of the best handicap accessible sites I've seen. The bathrooms are large and indoors, ac'd and well placed. Showers had a padded fold down bench."
Tips from RVers
**Level site selection: While most established campgrounds offer level pads, dispersed areas require careful positioning. "Sites are all nice and flat. Not much tree cover," notes RichMichelle M. about their stay at the Albuquerque KOA Journey.
**Noise considerations: Train and highway noise affects several campgrounds in the region. Joseph W. observed at Isleta Lakes that "Only draw back is it's close to the train station and the train blows its horn," while Thomas S. reported about High Desert RV Park that "There is road noise from the interstate, but that was to be expected being so close to the interstate."
**Elevation acclimatization: The higher elevations around Los Lunas affect some visitors. "Elevation is about 7500 feet so if you're from sea level like us, give yourself some time to acclimate before you go venturing on one of the many trails or canyon hikes nearby," advises Ashley T.
