RV camping near Ocate, New Mexico provides access to high-elevation mountain terrain at 7,500-8,500 feet with dramatic temperature variations between seasons. Winter travelers should prepare for snowfall from October through April, while summer visitors can expect afternoon thunderstorms. Located between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Carson National Forest, the area's campgrounds typically offer limited to no cell service.
What to do
Explore mountain trails: Near Taos Valley RV Park, visitors can access numerous hiking options. "There is a small dog trail and walking path at the back of the park, which is nice," notes one camper. The park's location also offers convenient access to regional attractions, as another reviewer mentions, "This location is so prime for visiting all the sights in Taos, and there are many."
Visit Eagle Nest Lake: Located across from Golden Eagle RV Park, the lake offers fishing and boating opportunities. "Eagle Nest Lake is literally across the road and a wonderful trail to walk or bike," according to a recent visitor. The area hosts seasonal events including a Wednesday farmers market that sets up directly at the RV park.
Experience local culture: The small towns surrounding Ocate feature authentic New Mexican cuisine and artisan shops. "There are several pull-thru sites for big rigs, many back-in sites with water/elec. hookups, and some tent sites in the back of the campground," notes a Taos Valley camper, making it convenient to explore from your base camp. "Old Town Taos is 3 miles away" from some camping locations.
What campers like
Mountain views: The panoramic vistas from Angel Nest RV Retreat receive consistent praise. "Views were shockingly good. Because of the weather I felt like I was in the Scottish highlands or something, not New Mexico," one camper shared. Another mentioned, "Very large rv park with full hookups, showers, laundry, and community building... Wonderful views of the mountains."
Community atmosphere: Many parks near Ocate foster social connections through shared spaces and events. "Owner was super nice and invited me to come to the clubhouse for some chili - which was excellent!" reported a visitor to Angel Nest RV Retreat. Golden Eagle RV Park offers "live music on Friday and Saturday nights," creating opportunities to meet fellow travelers.
Convenience to attractions: Campers appreciate the strategic locations that balance natural settings with access to services. At Taos Monte Bello RV Park, "The park is 5 minutes from the Rio Grande Bridge and 10 minutes from Earthship Biotecture, both worth a visit. The Taos plaza is about 15 minutes away and there is plenty to do."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some parks offer generous sites while others have tighter arrangements. "Their sites are very wide and spacious, the views are outstanding," notes a Monte Bello visitor, while a different campground prompted the comment, "spaces are really close to each other."
Weather considerations: High elevation means rapid weather changes and extreme conditions. "I had been boondocking up in the mountains in the rain all week and needed FHU to recharge," shared an Angel Nest camper, highlighting the value of hookups during inclement weather.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, advance booking is essential. At LUXX - Taos RV Park, "Online reservation works well and emailed instructions do work. But, management is offsite and do answer phone for assistance. Not ideal." Plan accordingly, especially for summer weekends and fall foliage season.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly options: Many parks accommodate pets with dedicated spaces. "Dog friendly, with a small dog park to boot," mentions a LUXX - Taos RV Park visitor. However, be aware of potential noise issues, as one camper noted at a different location, "There is a dog boarding kennel across the street that was a little noisy one night but not anything crazy."
Playground access: Limited parks offer dedicated children's facilities. At Taos Valley RV Park, families can find "a dishwashing area, bathrooms with very hot showers, a playground, and office," making it suitable for younger campers.
Seasonal activities: Pendaries RV Resort offers unique options for families. "We hiked to the abandoned turquoise mine and took in the views from atop the hill," shared one visitor. Another noted the "Very well kept and maintained" grounds that provide "cool and picturesque" surroundings for family exploration.
Tips from RVers
Hookup quality: Water pressure and electrical service reliability vary between parks. "Stable power, good water pressure and threaded sewer connectors," notes a visitor to Weathers RV Park. Conversely, some locations have issues: "This is an older unit with low water pressure."
Accessibility concerns: Entry and site navigation can be challenging at some locations. "The single entrance is a high center risk with lots of scrape marks from RV dragging," warns a LUXX - Taos RV Park camper. For larger vehicles, look for parks explicitly mentioning big rig accessibility.
Internet connectivity: WiFi quality varies dramatically between parks. "The wifi was better than average the entire time, it was a little spotty at times but we were consistently able to stream and upload large videos without fail," reports a Monte Bello visitor, while others note complete lack of connectivity at more remote locations.
