Looking for an adventure where you can explore Pinos Altos and then fall asleep in your tent? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your New Mexico camping adventure.
Big Tesuque is a walk in campground not conducive to trailer or RV campoing. There are 10 units, Picnic tables and grills, and Vaulted toilets in the parking lot. There is no potable water and no Campground Host. The entire area is very scenic, and NM 475 is also designated as the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. Because of the large stands of aspen, the area is very busy, especially in the fall aspen viewing season. There are additional recreation opportunities along NM 475, both above and below Big Tesuque Campground, including hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and in the winter. both nordic and alpine skiing. Tesuque is pronounced "Tess-U-key"
The Aspen Basin Campground is located adjacent to the very large parking area at Santa Fe Ski Basin. There are 10 units, Picnic tables, and fire rings. There is a vaulted toilet at the far west end of the parking lot. This campground is less developed than most, and primarily serves those who use it for an overnight stay before embarking on a backpack into the Pecos. There is ample space for trailer/RV camping, but no dump station is available. There is no potable water and no Campground Host. The entire area is very scenic, and NM 475 is also designated as the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. Because of the scenic quality and the easy access from Santa Fe, the area is very busy, especially in the summer and in the fall aspen viewing season.
22 miles north of Pecos on NM 63. Uses: Camping, picnicking, and trailhead access. Facilities: Tent camping only, Vaulted toilet, Trash bins, Tables and grills, 3 three-sided shelters, 19 parking spaces, Drinking Water. Fishing in Cave Creek. Special Instructions: NO HORSE TRAILERS ALLOWED.
This reservoir on the plains of eastern New Mexico offers fishing, boating, camping, and hiking, as well as abundant bird watching opportunities. Equestrians are welcome at the Los Tanos Campground.
Park Elevation 4,751 ft
Cowles Campground sits at the base of the Winsor Canyon where it meets the Pecos Canyon and is in walking distance of Cowles Ponds, Winsor Creek, Pecos River, and Winsor Ridge Trailhead. Uses: tent camping, picnicking, fishing, & hiking. Facilities: 1 vault toilet, 9 camping units with tables, fire rings, & grills, 2 covered three-sided shelters with fire places, and trash bins. No potable water, untility hook-ups, dumpstations or showers. Special Instructions: Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org.
Winsor Ridge Trailhead is access point for Winsor Ridge Trail #271 and trail to Panchuela Campground and Trailhead. Located 20 miles north of Pecos on NM 63. Uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding. Facilities: vaulted toilet, trash bins, trailhead kiosk, parking for passenger vehiles & trailers. Special Considerations: Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics www.lnt.org.
Located at the top of Glorieta Baldy with great vistas. Uses: picknicking, hiking. Facilities: tables. NO WATER. Special Instructions: Forest Road 375 rough, low clearance vehicles and trailers not recommended. Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org.
Primitive dispersed camping, 16 miles north of Pecos on NM 63, then 1 mile on FR 646. Uses: Camping. Facilities: Pit toilet, tables, and few fire pits. No water is available. Special Instructions: Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. There are no fees.
18 & Up Only Strictly Enforced
Why should movie folks have all the fun? Scaramanga Ranch is available to campers seeking a canyon & convenient scenic escape between our productions. Snore, explore, hike, bike,
and immerse yourself within our desert forest. Nestled above
Madrid, we are just 20 minutes from Santa Fe.
Premium sites have private canopy, solar-gravity shower, uber-clean catchment latrine, toiletries, and fire pit.
$45 - $65 / night
Panchuela Campground is nestled at the edge of the Pecos Wilderness, with Panchuela Creek flowing gracefully along its eastern side. Situated at over 8,300 feet in the Santa Fe National Forest, this campground offers a refreshing escape from the warmer temperatures of the city, allowing visitors to enjoy the moderate climate of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The campground features six units, all within walking distance of the parking lot, making it easily accessible. Typically open from mid-May to mid-November, Panchuela Campground serves as an ideal base camp for those looking to embark on day hikes into the surrounding wilderness, providing a perfect blend of comfort and adventure.
With the nearby Panchuela Trailhead, visitors have easy access to the expansive trail system of the Pecos Wilderness, making it simple to explore the natural beauty. Panchuela Campground is also just a short drive from the Winsor Trailheads each offerings cenic views of the surrounding mountains. For those who enjoy fishing, Cowles Fishing Pond and the wild and scenic Pecos River are popular nearby spots. Excellent fishing opportunities can be found along Panchuela Creek and the Pecos River, all just minutes from the campground, making it a perfect destination for anglers seeking a tranquil retreat. Visit New Mexico Game and Fish for updates on stocking and regulations.
The campsites at Panchuela Campground are surrounded by mountain views with mixed conifer and aspen trees. In the fall, the landscape transforms as the aspen leaves turn a brilliant gold. Wildlife is abundant in the surrounding forests, with deer, elk, various songbirds, raptors, and the occasional black bear often spotted nearby. Just a short distance from the campground, an open meadow reveals rustic cabins used by forest service volunteers and employees while they work in the wilderness, adding a unique touch to the serene environment.
There are several State Park fishing areas along the Pecos River, offering great opportunities for anglers. Just 50 minutes away, Pecos National Historical Park features prehistoric archaeological ruins, 19th-century ranches, and a Civil War battlefield, providing a rich glimpse into the areas history. For those seeking similar scenic camping experiences to Panchuela, nearby options include Cowles Campground and Holy Ghost Campground, both available on a first-come, first-served basis. These locations offer the same beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities, making them perfect alternatives for your adventure.
$5 / night
Traveler
12 miles uphill drive into the Santa Fe National Forest, just past million dollar mansions in Santa Fe. Easy access, just drive up and park. Multiple tent camp sites with fire pit and picnic table. Accessible to trails. Beautiful sunset views.
Scout
andTreehouse camp is located on a mesa which offers 180 degree views. You feel secluded, yet only 30 minutes to Santa Fe and all it has to offer. There are a variety of camping scenarios from tent camp sites to rustic cabins in trees. Imagine having showers, toilets, electricity, full outdoor kitchen, and water at your disposable. Owners are extremely knowledgeable about outdoor everything, and natural healing concepts. We went in an RV
Guide
We decided to take a late fall trip to CA and drag a 34' 5er up to Hyde memorial state park. Bad idea on many levels. First, you have to navigate through old Santa Fe to get to the entrance to the park. Narrow streets+a big 5th wheel+a huge F250= unfun drive which took well over an hour to get through just a few miles of roads due to the heavy traffic and numerous lights, plus the navigation required to get around very tight corners. We got to the RV part of the park and it was not crowded, but the spaces require some skill to back into and are NOT the slightest bit level, or wide. We managed.
The hiking around the park and campgrounds is amazing, but a bit challenging. We live at 8000 feet, so the altitude was not a problem for us, but if you are from sea level, be prepared to take your time and handle the altitude.
It snowed on Oct 31 and we had to dig out from 8+ inches of snow to get on the road on November 1. The dump station was filled with 6+ inches of mud/slush/water and we regrettably had to use it. It was a disgusting mess to say the least. To add insult to injury, we had to drive BACK through Old Santa Fe, in the snow.
My advice is to go IF you have a smaller trailer or 5th wheel, or are tent camping. The tent campground closed well before we arrived, so I can't add anything to the review on that.
It's a beautiful campground, but the RV area is small, close together spaces, difficult to get into and the dump station is the stuff RV nightmares are made of.
Scout
As with many KOA’s a bit pricey but clean and reliable. Tent sites are near the road and are a bit dusty and noisy with road traffic. There is a current drought and requests to minimize water. One tent site is set apart - near a water holding area … not a great smell but away from the road. The smell they said is drought related.
Scout
The primitive campsites are the only good spot for tent camping. There two big campsites are more for Rv’s
GuideBummed when we pulled up and were told we couldn’t tent camp. Found a better place up the road near the lake.
RangerGreat location for free tent camping. Sites are located starting at the trail head and continuing up Big Tesque Trail. Recommend going during the week as it’s very busy on the weekends.
Traveler
I enjoyed this campground. I stayed at a tent site. even though sites were close together the terrain made it kind of neat. $33 for the night
ScoutMy husband had the great idea of tent camping just the two of us. Up to this point our tent camping adventures were reserved for grandbaby time. But I said What the hey! Let's do it. I wanted somewhere cooler than home. The Santa Fe area had plenty to keep us busy for the week.
We did not get a tent spot but opted for a small trailer site with electric and water. Our spot was near the bathhouse but not too close. Each site has native trees and plants, so everyone has privacy. The site had a nice flat spot for the tent, picnic table, fire pit and grill. We had more than enough room to set up our awning for a dining area. We loved our little spot for the week.
The bathhouse was clean and very nice. New tile and fixtures. It was a little small for the size of the campground.
They have plenty of activities there for everyone and in the evening it is very quiet.
Scout
Lovely small camping area about 15 mi north of Pecos, NM on NM 63. 2 loops. Good sites for car/tent camping. Well maintained with clean vault toilets. Fire rings and picnic tables. Rained every afternoon (real boomers!) while we were there, but no problem for us. Will definitely visit again!
Guide
Campsite is situated at the Cave Creek trailhead, a cool hike to some local caves. It's 5 bucks for the night, 2 dollars day use, all backpacking tent sites. Some shelters. Gorgeous views, camp guide says its booked fill every weekend. Good luck
ScoutVery nice place. Well maintained & clean! But only RV - was going to tent camp out of the car but host denied. (with a cravat, he offered to 'put me in the back' for a small fee IF I agreed to not abuse the facilities) -apparently he had problems with campers in the past, so, yea, no camping
Traveler
Campgrounds were fairly clean here. Keep in mind that if you are tent camping A LOT of the spots are extremely rocky and just full of gravel! Campground has clean showers and bathrooms as well. Sites are fairly close to the lake too. The campground is also only about 12 minutes away from the town of Santa Rosa if you’re in need of supplies!
TravelerIf you have an RV, Hyde Park Sate Park is where you want to be. If you're tent camping, Big Tesuque is AMAZING!! It's small, but absolutely beautiful. Each site has a picknick table and a tent pad. There are basic toilets. No showers, no sinks. But there are 2 streams bordering the campground and trails leading into the mountains.
When I was there, it was 5 to 10 degrees warmer than Hyde Park! (end of May.)
Scout
The area in which the campground is located is absolutely beautiful. Huge pine trees and quaking aspens complement the tranquil sound of Holy Ghost creek. Camp spaces are often full. Dogs must be on leash. Plenty of people driving in looking for spaces are forced to turn around at the dead end. Good for car camping due to accessibility. Tent camping at the end of the site offers a little bit more seclusion.
GuideWe tent camped and the spaces are well maintained and include a little fire pit, picnic table, place for your car, and fairly flat space for the tent. It’s easy to get to from the highway, but that’s also the downside because you can hear all of the traffic. The bathrooms were clean and have a code to enter, we arrived at night to just get a spot so we didn’t have a packet to tell us the code but another camper gave it to us. Overall a nice and convenient spot.
RangerBeautiful spot for fall camping since the leaves are changing colors and temperatures are cooler. In winter, this area receives snow and can be difficult to get to without a reliable, 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Tent sites have covered awnings and fire pits when open flame is allowed. There are two large yurts tucked away from the main road. Great hiking trails in and around the park.
LegendStopped by this KOA to see what it offered for possible future stays. It's a compact campground that provides pull through sites as well as back-in and tent sites. They offer everything from 50 amp electric to cable TV. Sites are clean and neat. There's a dog park for your pets. Bathrooms are clean with hot showers. They have cabins available as well.
Great location for exploring Sandra Fe, Bandelier, and other national monuments.
Traveler
Site isn't easy to get to for low clearance vehicles. During rainy seasons, ruts form with deep mud on some spots driving up. Once at site, there are about 14 spaces, reasonably spaced apart in some areas.The trees are beautiful and wild flowers grow around. Great hiking trails are near by taking you up to some great scenic outlooks over the mountain sides. The toilets are scary, not my first choice but good to have I guess. I don't recall the fee being too much per night, I want to say $4/day. Tent camping and popups/small campers are fine. No room for RV's and larger travel trailers.
LegendWe were very excited on our first night to settle into our campsite after a long day of adventuring. Just a short drive to the outskirts of Santa Fe in mountain country we found our campground, Rancheros de Santa Fe.
Upon entry the staff was very friendly and welcoming and we felt like this would be a great place to call home away from home.
The campsites were laid out well with room between campers and because it was the end of a weekend, they were not entirely at capacity which made for a pleasant sense of space in the great outdoors.
Our campsite was positioned in the "high road" tent site area which is a primitive campsite without additional amenities. Each campsite has a fire ring and also a picnic table for campers to utilize and a pad site for tents slightly raises from ground level.
It made for a beautiful night sleep under the chilly New Mexico skies.
By morning we ventured up to the public showers and restrooms which were clean and had amazon water pressure and hot water to set the morning in motion perfectly.
The facility also offers a pool and theater room during summer months so while we didn't get to take advantage we were excited to know upon return we would have these features available.
🐰🐰🐰🐰⚪️
Overall we give this campground a 4 of 5 Bunniea! The only things we noticed which kept it from a 5 were the lack of wifi reach in the back sections of the campground, wouldn't have been a big deal but cell service in the off grid location was also patchy so the wifi would have been handy. And the pad site was not designed for a tent quite our size. Our tent is a 12x8 and had a little side hang on on the 12 foot end.
RangerA family trip with the RV and although we did enjoy our stay for the most part, there was a lot left to be desired. The larger RV spots we had to get were right next to the road and right next to other campers. The drive up is steep and our RV had a hard time; would not even think of staying up here in the winter. The dump station was closed for some reason when we were leaving. The kids enjoyed the steep hikes and the stream the runs along the other side of the camp sites where there are smaller campgrounds for tent camping. There was a fun playground my kids enjoyed and a nice area at the group shelter. Lots of fun painted rocks my kids round my the stream. Would visit again but not in an RV and not during winter when it would be snowing.
Guide
First of all- DON’T TRAVEL RT 3 FROM I40! Travel on 84, it looks longer, but it’s not really and the road is way better! We enjoyed staying here, even though we didn’t have an actual camp site. The dirt is red but that’s normal for this area. Good hiking (some slight rock climbing) The sites are mostly 2 per site, back to back, but it’s not real close together. And the tables seem to be on the wrong side in several places. When we called they said there were no sites available, but they’d make room for us. That was by the group shelter, and it wasn’t bad, but no where really private to set out chairs and no table, which we didn’t need anyway. It was a very quiet place and you can hear the river running. On through the camp, there are tent sites that are very nice. The ranger were very kind and helpful. Make time to visit in the city. One of the stores sells the best ever frito pie…with a cold Pepsi…wow! We were here in April and it was pretty warm, so I’d think it might be fairly hot in summer. I’d like to come back some
GuidePecos national forest is by far one of the best places to camp in northern New Mexico. Great fishing, amazing hiking and views for days.
GuideBook on Reserve America for New Mexico “Santa Rosa Lake” very pretty and peaceful. Not all streets were labeled but the directions worked to get us there just fine. Park for kids, gorgeous sunsets and the stars show off at night. Clean bathrooms. Had hookups.
Guide
We stopped here for an overnighter and it was not the most aesthetic choice, but the town of Las Vegas is quite charming. The town has a great plaza and historic hotel where we had a pretty good meal. The sunsets and landscape in this part of New Mexico really take your breath away.
TravelerThis is a hidden gem. We were evacuated from our camping spot in Northern New Mexico due to wildfires and set out for a new spot. Exhausted from driving, we pulled into this campground. It is clean, well maintained and the dog got a kick out of doing a bit of swimming. There is unique topography and enough to explore for a night or two.
Ranger
My first backpacking adventure in Northern New Mexico took me from Iron Gate Campground to Mora Flats. BEAUTIFUL!
A quick 4-5 mile hike in, we crossed the Pecos River and found a nice, shady spot in valley. It was peaceful, quiet and surprisingly cool for late-July. It rained each afternoon, but we had everything we needed to stay dry and cozy.
The river provided plenty of trout for a nice rice and fish dinner. The sky provided plenty of stars for gazing.
Tent camping near Pinos Altos, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pinos Altos, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pinos Altos, NM is Big Tesuque Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Pinos Altos, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Pinos Altos, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
