Best Campgrounds near Medanales, NM

Camping options around Medanales, New Mexico range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public land. The area includes Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, which offers tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin accommodations. Other nearby camping areas include Riana - Abiquiu Lake and Ghost Ranch with similar mixed-use facilities. Several dispersed camping zones can be found on Forest Service and BLM land, including sites along Forest Road 558 and Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62, providing more primitive camping experiences.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping near Medanales. Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules, with Riana - Abiquiu Lake only open from April 15 to October 15. Winter brings snow to higher elevations, while summer temperatures can be extremely hot at lower elevations. Access to dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly during wet weather periods. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with better coverage near established campgrounds than in remote areas. A camper noted, "Areas farther from town may be quieter but lack proximity to swimming or boating areas."

The mineral hot springs represent a primary attraction for many campers in the region. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa receives consistently positive reviews for its soaking pools and proximity to hiking trails. A visitor commented, "We absolutely loved our stay at Ojo Caliente. The best part is that you get early access to the pools, you'll have them nearly to yourselves 7:30-10am." Campgrounds near Abiquiu Lake provide water recreation opportunities with scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Some campers mention that while developed sites offer amenities like showers and hookups, the dispersed sites trade comfort for greater solitude and typically free camping. Public lands camping areas, while more rustic, generally offer more privacy and fewer restrictions than established campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Medanales, New Mexico (201)

    1. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

    15 Reviews
    Ojo Caliente, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 583-2233

    $40 - $60 / night

    "The camping area is more of a campground than an RV park, in a positive way. Many of the sites are shaded with mature trees."

    "The spots further from sitting have most privacy and are still only a 5 minute walk to entrance (I timed it from our site)."

    2. Riana - Abiquiu Lake

    20 Reviews
    Cañones, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 685-4371

    $10 - $80 / night

    "There are nice trails that you can hike or mountain bike. Some are near cliff edges and not for the beginners. The lake is nice for New Mexico and sees a lot of use."

    "Good views of lake & surrounding area from site. Vault toilet & drinking water a short walk away. Juniper provided minimal privacy. Site has lantern poll, fire ring, trash can & table."

    3. Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument

    30 Reviews
    White Rock, NM
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 672-3861

    $20 - $50 / night

    "There are trail heads that are a short walk from the campground including a 1.5 mile trail to the visitor center The spots have picnic table and fire rings, there is potable water and vault toilets throughout"

    "Shuttle bus takes you to visitor center Where ruins are and access to trails. There is a lovely 2 mile trail  from campground that you can also walk to center. Ruins are interesting."

    4. Ghost Ranch

    6 Reviews
    Cañones, NM
    18 miles
    Website

    "Recommend arriving not too late to see if you can get a good spot, we didn’t have shade so had to go find a nice shady bench away from our site for eating lunch / relaxing after our hike."

    "All in all we got three meals for our family of 4 and a nights stay while we hiked around trails on the property for less than $100 all in, and the food (upscale summer camp type) was very good."

    5. El Rito Campground Group Shelter — Carson National Forest

    4 Reviews
    El Rito, NM
    16 miles
    +1 (575) 581-4554

    $225 / night

    "We had no clue that this gem was close to us we went for a quick weekend camp we were right next to the creek with amazing views of the mountains."

    "Seems to be a common problem, which is too bad because it is a pretty place and convenient to the large rock climbing area nearby."

    6. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    18 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    26 miles

    "While most of the trees in this area were burnt by fires less than 10 years ago, it still provides great views of the valley below and the highest mountains in all of New Mexico! "

    "We stayed in site fairly close to the entrance and off to the right on the East spur for 6 days in a 36’ motorhome and Cherokee Trailhawk."

    7. Black Canyon Campground

    29 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 753-7331

    $20 / night

    "Driving into the camp, you have three options: Walk-In Camping, Camping With Parking Access & Limited Access."

    "To begin, the lots are far enough away from fellow campers that you're seldom disturbed by noise or movement."

    8. Cottonwood RV Park

    1 Review
    Española, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 901-1231

    $40 / night

    9. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    42 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    34 miles

    "I often camp by Diablo Canyon, which has wonderful sunsets and decent off trail hiking.  There's even a cave for those who know where to find it. "

    "Wide open space to pick your spot next to a Juniper or two. Hardly anyone here, just the coyotes howling. Appreciated access to a pit toilet."

    10. Forest Road 558

    3 Reviews
    Ojo Caliente, NM
    16 miles

    "Really quiet even with the highway close by. Great stars at night, decently clean (the sites that I saw)."

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Recent Reviews near Medanales, NM

955 Reviews of 201 Medanales Campgrounds


  • Arthur B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Titilla Peak

    Tetilla Peak campground

    This campground has mix of gravel dirt on awesome peak overlooking Cochiti Lake! Most of the campsites have shelter ( a cover) and a picnic table. Will note that the bathroom/showers have no light until sundown, and it remains dark in there during the day.

  • Kristin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Camp May Road

    Perfect for a close camp to Los Alamos

    Easy to find pull off spots, lots of good trees. The road is closed Monday-Thursday due to being on lab property. Overall beautiful spot!

  • A
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Oasis on the Mesa

    Lovely spot with beautiful walks nearby

    The camp site is private and comfortable with lovely views of the mountains and sunsets. It has full hookups, a flagstone patio, and a partial fence for privacy. You can walk out the gate to trails that go along the Mesa overlooking the river canyon or down to the river and hot springs. Victoria is a kind and helpful host.

  • Angela L.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Titilla Peak

    I love beautiful views!

    Most of the sites on the outside overlook the Rio Grande or the Cochiti Lake. The views are amazing! Bathrooms and showers are available.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Sparkling Location!

    Spotless, spacious level concrete pads with barbecues and sheltered picnic tables. No campfires are permitted. Water views from many sites. Boat launch and swimming beach are both less than a mile from the lower loop and available for day use as well as two campers. Dump station, free, hot showers, dumpster, portable water, and electric available at various sites. There is a Ranger on duty at the visitor center up the hill and a good walking/hiking trail that begins near the boat launch. Some steep spots so don’t forget that you’re at over 5000’ here.

  • K
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Santa Fe Skies RV Park

    Clean, Friendly, Seamless

    Needed a place to stay while passing through Santa Fe. Found this place on the Dyrt and was able to call and get a full hookup site for our after hours arrival. Easy to find, very clean facilities, and friendly and accommodating staff.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Jemez Falls Campground

    Tranquil in the pines

    Quiet spot, decent separation of sites, water, clean pit toilets, interesting hiking right from the campsite, decent cell connection (xfinity).

  • B
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Beautiful area

    We stayed at Cochiti to be close to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The area is beautiful and the campground is great. Sites are spacious with paved pads and a parking spot next to your RV sites it has a concrete area with a covered picnic table. We stayed in the Buffalo loop and had 50 amp electric as well as water. The bathhouse was near and was clean and nice


Guide to Medanales

Camping spots near Medanales, New Mexico range from primitive dispersed sites to established campgrounds, with elevations varying between 6,000-8,000 feet throughout the region. The area experiences dramatic temperature swings between seasons, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing. Cell reception varies widely between designated camping areas and more remote forest service roads.

What to do

Hiking trail access: The Chimney Rock hike at Ghost Ranch provides panoramic views and geological features. "From our campsite you could see the lake! Beautiful to drive around too. Pueblo land, be respectful!" notes a camper at Riana - Abiquiu Lake about the surrounding area.

Morning soaks: Wake up early for the best hot spring experience. "The best part is that you get early access to the pools, you'll have them nearly to yourselves 7:30-10am and 20% off admission," reports a camper at Ojo Caliente. Many pools have varying mineral content and temperatures.

Mountain biking: Several forest service roads offer technical rides through pinyon-juniper terrain. "There are nice trails that you can hike or mountain bike. Some are near cliff edges and not for the beginners," cautions a visitor to Riana - Abiquiu Lake.

Evening astronomy: The clear, dry air and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions at higher elevation sites. "I had full service too which was nice. From my site you could see the town below but thankfully it did not impede my view of the stars," notes a camper at Pajarito Springs.

What campers like

Convenient access to hot springs: Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort offers unique camping-spa combinations. "Great place to soak your cares away. We've stayed here about 6 times. They've definitely upgraded the campground over the years. There is now a separate bath house for the campground," explains a returning visitor.

Private dispersed options: Forest roads provide seclusion for campers seeking quiet. "Wide open dispersed desert camping. FS-558 runs for several miles south of HWY-285. We stayed closer to the highway which is safer without 4WD," explains a camper at Forest Road 558.

Historical connections: Many sites offer proximity to culturally significant locations. "This is one of the nicest Army Corp of Engineer campgrounds I've stayed in. Bonus Tip/ visit Ghost Ranch to learn about the vibrant history of the area," recommends a camper at Riana - Abiquiu Lake.

Year-round options: Unlike some mountain locations that close seasonally, several areas remain accessible throughout winter. "I arrived after dark on December 28th... It was beautiful! I woke up to an inch of snow!" shares a winter visitor to Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62.

What you should know

Campground closures: Verify operating seasons before planning your trip. "The campground is open April 15-Oct 15," warns a camper about Riana - Abiquiu Lake, while other areas may close during winter months or have limited services.

Access limitations: Many dispersed camping areas require suitable vehicles. "Very inaccessible, was crowded when I got there. Would be good for backpack camping. But not RV's or larger trailers. You'll need good 4x4!" advises a visitor to Pajarito Springs.

Local regulations: Some campgrounds have specific rules about alcohol and fires. "There is NO alcohol allowed in the park so don't get caught with any they will pour it out. 2 Older men were having a beer in their site & they made them pour out 2 cases of beer," warns a visitor to Juniper Family Campground.

Inconsistent amenities: Facilities vary widely between established and primitive sites. "We did have a nice frosty trail run out along a frozen pond and then up the hill to the archeological sites a little to the west- really interesting. In terms of the camp, I was disappointed that the only other vehicle to roll into the campground that night parked at the site right next to mine," shares a camper at Ojo Caliente.

Tips for camping with families

Age restrictions: Check policies before booking with children. "I would have given this property 5 stars but they've become unfriendly to families. Children under 13 are not allowed in the hot springs," notes a visitor to Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa.

Meal planning options: Some locations offer unexpected dining conveniences. "Most guests stay in housing/lodging, so the ranch has a dining hall that serves three meals a day. $16 per person per meal but $30 for three meals on a 'meal plan' when you book, and kids eat for free!" shares a parent who stayed at Ghost Ranch.

Safety considerations: Prepare for wildlife encounters, especially in more remote areas. "You're likely to encounter wildlife in the evening if there aren't many campers, as bears are everywhere here. While HIKING at this location in the off season my wife and I encountered large mountain lion tracks," warns a visitor about Black Canyon Campground.

Tips from RVers

Site positioning challenges: Hookup placement may require extra equipment. "The spaces only had electric and water. The electric and water outlets were placed in an odd location for the site and a dump station is available for extra $20," notes an RV camper at Ghost Ranch.

Accessibility concerns: Carefully research road conditions and site sizes. "Our rig is 29 feet, 3 inches, and we were in a spot that maxed out at 32 feet. We barely fit. We saw very few sites that could have accommodated much more. I don't think any site would have been able to handle more than 35 feet," reports an RVer who stayed at Black Canyon Campground.

Resources for extended stays: Limited services mean planning ahead. "The nearest grocery/convenience store is just down the road, but the selection is pretty limited. The closest town with full services is in Espanola about 30 minutes away," mentions a camper at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa who stayed for several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Medanales, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Medanales, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 201 campgrounds and RV parks near Medanales, NM and 55 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Medanales, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Medanales, NM is Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Medanales, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 55 free dispersed camping spots near Medanales, NM.

What parks are near Medanales, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Medanales, NM that allow camping, notably Abiquiu Lake and Santa Fe National Forest.