The best camping near
Pecos, NEW MEXICO

We arrived early on a Tuesday and snagged a tree heavy site on the upper loop. The sites on the outside of the loops are decently wooded, smaller and not well suited to RVs. The sites on the inside of the loops have longer, RV sized pull in and little trees. Vault toilets are well maintained by the very active camp host, Mark. There is potable water from a well two miles down the mountain and trash, but packing out much that can’t be burned is encouraged. Pick up firewood in Pecos, there is enough dead & down tinder at the site. Dogs allowed on leash at all times, quite time begins at 10pm. The closer we got to the weekend, the more crowded and noisy the site became. One night, multiple campers arrived after dark and noisily set up camp. I’m sure the state parks being closed forced more people into the National Forest, but it’s a great site. There are several trailhead and just down the hill is easy access to creeks and fishing. We had great weather, upper 70’s during the day, dipping to low 50’s overnight. Each site has large fire rings with cooking grates and at least one picnic table, some with two. Sites are close together so try to grab one at the end of the loop for a little privacy.

Beautiful drive through the Pecos to get to this site. Trail runs from the Pecos, over the mountain and into Santa Fe. We went to the campgrounds in July at the beginning of monsoon season. Lots of flies at the trail head and a very busy creek for fishing.

Overall the campsite was great. I think we saw the host but maybe not, however, everything was still very well maintained. At night, when everyone is settling, with a clear sky, you get an amazing view of the stars. The only downside is that you can kind of hear the road traffic in the morning. Not too bad but it’s noticeable. I’ll be coming back for sure though.

just went hiking in the surrounding area. But drove around and looked at the campsite looks like a nice place to go camping definitely willing to try it.

Awesome campground located inside the gates of Bandelier. $12.00 for a paved back in or pull trough site. So much to do in the area. Hiking, biking, camping, it’s all there. My wife said the bathrooms were clean, fire pits at each site along with Bear boxes. If it would’ve had water I would’ve given it a 5.

Beautiful views and peaceful camping.

First time traveling in an RV with my family, very familiar with Santa Fe area but visited in August of 2019 (Market/busy season). All the other RV parks were full and with our comfort in the city we thought staying on the outskirts would be fine. The owners/attendants were kind but not organized and a little rough around the edges. There was a game room but it was locked up, the bathrooms were ok. Now to the guns…. I believe there are several full time residents on the property, that were also a bit rough, firing into the open field next to the property. We immediately informed the Park host and he said that was not uncommon and he would look into in. It happened 2 out of 3 nights there, safe to say we will not return nor recommend.

This campground has a PERFECT location, right on the border of the Pecos wilderness with fabulous hiking.  There is also fantastic fishing there, which many guests took advantage of all weekend.  However, this campground only has 15 single sites, but most were occupied by double the amount allowable..  There were huge parties at many of the campsites all weekend, with cards zooming around all day.  IT was NOISY and CROWDED.  

If the camp host (who didn't seem to care) controlled this, we would have given this campground 5 stars.  

The hiking was AMAZING.  Views AMAZING….  

This campground has a huge backpacker parking lot and when we arrived on Friday it was overflowing out onto the main road.  The reason is that this campground is the entry point to the NORTHERN end of Pecos wilderness with access to amazing backpacking, high mountain peaks, and literally dozens of groups of backpackers daily going up the trail or coming back out from their adventures.

This campground is a hidden jewel in the mountains on the north end of the Pecos Wilderness.  It is near NOTHING.  It has no cell/wifi service.  BUT what it does have is quiet, and peacefulness, and charm, and views views views.  It is just what WE want when we go camping.

You can drive 10 minutes away to Sipapu ski resort to use free wifi at the cafe (which is open, but you must wear a mask!)  So if you really must check your e-mail or social media, it is a quick drive and you can grab a burger and beer.

Hiking - great hiking trail leads into Pecos wilderness, another trail leads up to Indian lake.  Trailhead is right in the campground, so hike right from your campsite.  Perfect.

The campground has only Pit toilets, and roads have some potholes…  but we enjoyed our visit so much this past June that we just booked again for Labor Day weekend.  We liked it that much.  You really feel remote and IN nature there.  Loved it.

We stayed here for 2 nights after leaving Albuquerque and exploring Jimenez Springs and Bandelier National Monument.

The owners have made sculptural installations throughout the park and the kids loved playing on them.

Beautiful sunset views. Clean facilities and friendly staff. Feels like you are far from town which wasn’t an issue for us.