Best Campgrounds near Medanales, NM

Camping near Medanales, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore the outdoors, there are several campgrounds to consider.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are great trails nearby, especially at Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking right from the campground is great - the two hikes are definitely worth doing."
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Fenton Lake State Park is a good spot. A reviewer noted, "If you’re coming for fishing, get there and grab a spot before 7 am for your best chance of catching something."
• Exploring Historic Sites: The area is rich in history. Campers at Riana - Abiquiu Lake enjoyed the nearby historical sites, saying, "Perfect for some sightseeing, hiking, and close enough to Santa Fe/Taos."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Jemez Falls Campground. One camper said, "The views are awesome! There are waterfalls along the Jemez river which runs through the campground."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of Black Canyon Campground. A visitor shared, "Summer temps were very comfortable during the day and cool overnight. Perfect camping weather."
• Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff at various campgrounds. At Taos Valley RV Park & Campground, one guest noted, "The owner is very hospitable and following her dream of owning the park."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed, lack basic facilities. A reviewer pointed out, "If it is still open, you’ll see a lot of trash. Certain sites looked better than others."
• First-Come, First-Serve: Some sites, such as those at Hyde Memorial State Park Campground, operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. One camper mentioned, "Expect to run into a park ranger often and see their trucks driving past your site like clockwork."
• Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite warned, "Was nice till someone robbed my campsite. Nothing that valuable, but had been peaceful and felt safe before then."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Fenton Lake State Park, which has amenities for kids. A reviewer said, "The playground was finally open!"
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Jemez Falls Campground enjoyed the trails, stating, "There are many trails to hike."
• Pack Essentials: Bring everything you need, as some campgrounds lack stores. A camper at Rio Chama Campground noted, "The bathrooms were well-maintained. Definitely worth the visit!"

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground mentioned, "Spaces were spacious with vegetation in between them."
• Be Ready for No Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Black Canyon Campground, do not offer electric or water hookups. A reviewer said, "No electric, water, sewer or dump station."
• Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, arrive early. A camper at Juniper Family Campground advised, "Even though we showed up close to dark, we had our pick of campsite."

Camping near Medanales, New Mexico, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience.