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.
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 area___s 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
Guide
I will start with the only downside of this site: it is very active with hikers, families, dogs, and photographers. You can expect dozens upwards of a hundred faces a day hiking up here which can be extremely annoying and the car traffic can drive you nuts. That said, for the ease of access, for the beautiful trails, and for the clean amenities I think it is worth it. In the winter right before the ski area opens is your best bet for quiet camping. But in the summer, spring, fall, and during ski season you will have a lot of friendly faces. Again, not bad, but I know some folks are very interested in getting "away" from people while camping. To those I recommend this site for hiking and not staying. Highly recommend for folks who are less physically abled; I developed a heart condition which limits my abilities most days and the ease of access to these sites and close parking is great for someone who wants to be in touch with nature while enduring limiting conditions.
Traveler
The place was clean. Our issues were two.
Traveler
We paid $75 for one night and the WiFi was weak and we had no cell service. The place was lovely and the bathrooms were clean and easy to use. It’s located 12 miles out of the city. There is a grocery store near by with a good selection of food and alcohol.
Guide
Sadly, the Lake is low, but it is a great overnight spot. Can’t beat the price. Just a bit off the beaten path. It was quite windy though.
Legend
This is an overall nice CG. Gravel roadways and relatively level pull through sites. Good FHUs. When we arrived, the office was closed. We reserved E010 but were told to pick any open space in the "A" row. There were quite a few long-term residents. The conditions were very dry and dusty. No shade trees, but the pines planted will eventually provide. This was a great CG for our overnight stay. We would stay here again.
Guide
Our site was relatively level, the park pretty quiet. We had a 50 amp connection that dropped L2 sometime in the night. Strangely, it resumed by turning off the 120 breaker. I’m thinking the pedestal has loose wiring but hey, I got the other half of my panel energized without relocating or burning down. Water pressure is around 30 p.s.i. and the sewer drop was threaded. Park cleanliness and ease of navigating was fine. Free WiFi and cable TV connectivity as well as propane for purchase (cash only). I’d give this place 5 stars if I didn’t have to go into the office.
The guy at the desk has his political opinions that he shares unsolicited. I’m game for free speech but geez, I just wanted to rent a space, not become an antisemitic, Putin loving Neo-Nazi misogynist that gets his news exclusively from an echo chamber on Facebook. I was kinda feeling sorry for how low his life must be to have so angst but hey, I just wanted a space, not adopt a
Traveler
We loved the location. The hiking trails were awesome. We booked a reservable with hydro for one night and decided to extend our stay with the first come first serve system. The self pay stations are at each of the teo campground loops. The 2nd and 3rd night didn’t have hydro however the size of the site and view more than made up for it.
To use the dump station, you have to go to the Rangers Station and ask them to unlock the gate. The access is a bit tight and we were not able to fill our fresh water tank due to the State Park having to bring their water up by truck. All in all, it was worth it.
GuidePerfect for an overnight stop, quiet, clean, there are several long term residents which is not reflected on the online booking system, most overnighters stay in row A. The playground was nice for our daughter
Traveler
Yes, it can get packed but be prepared to go early enough to find a good spot. I prefer camp sites 7 through 10, even the very first site when you first come in since they are right near the river. If you really want to experience the haunt of the campground I prefer the campsites in the back 11 through 16.
I have not experienced the haunts until I camped at spot 15, this past Labor Day weekend on Friday night August 30, 2024. I went to bed and about 12 am I heard a voice say Hello to me. Then the last night my friend and I were by the fire we did not have any more neighbors as they left that Sunday, we had our trash bag hanging from my friends canopy there was no wind and that trash bag was swaying back and forth rapidly. Was definitely an experience.
The hikes are the best especially if you have time to go to the lake which you want to get an early start, just follow the trail in the back past the reservation spot to get to the trail and follow up get to the fork in the trail and hang a left to the lake. I love the camp site always clean restrooms and fun experience for the paranormal.
Guide
Really like this KOA. At first thought it was out of the way but really like it. Just off I25. Nice Big Rig friendly. Some of the sites I went by thought was not level but then you look closer the pad itself was very level. Nice pool.
Legend
The location is close to stores and restaurants that are about 10 minutes away...that we needed after discovering a damaged tire. The front desk recommended a tire store that was just north of the park. Thank you...The park has been set up nicely. The sites are a bit tight from the adjoining sites. Site were level and all the hook ups worked without issue. The location made for an hour's drive to Los Alamos and Bandelier national monument. Both great visits if you haven't been there before.
TravelerPros:
Cons
Chilly, even in July, just FYI, come prepared.
Picnic table, fire ring provided
ScoutFay was a great host, amazing spot for rural camping and cheap as heck too! Loved every part of my stay, thanks for running such a top notch operation!
Guide
Loved camping here! Arrived late Sunday night, whole park was pretty busy. Found a spot right by the river with lots of shade, downside was it was super close to the road. Wasn't too bad since park closes relatively early. Got a crazy thunderstorm after sunset, but decided to hunker down for the night, instead of dashing. We stayed warm and dry, thankfully. Campground ranger came around to check if we were okay, and to give a verbal warning about leaving if we need to. For me personally, I wouldn't come on the weekends due to how populated it was, but perfect and quiet during the weekdays.
TravelerWe stayed here in June for two nights. The days were warm, but the nights were lovely. We were in spot 53 which was a long pull through, but very narrow and close to the neighboring spots. We were lucky that they were not reserved so we had a little more room. We were glad we were in the trees due to the daytime temps. If you need a large spot, 1 through 7 have a nice view of the valley, but no trees. Resident and neighboring dogs and cats roam throughout and may come visit your campsite. The county road to the campground is nice and quiet and makes for a good place to go for long walks.
GuideRocky Point was one of two campgrounds we saw in Santa Rosa Park. All sites had picnic tables, some sites had electricity and water, and some sides just had water. The bathrooms in Rocky point had flush toilets and showers. The bathrooms were very clean. The camp host was very friendly. This was a very nice campground and not too far from Highway 40.
LegendThis small state park, located just 6 miles outside of downtown Santa Fe, might provide the least expensive lodging options for visiting this wonderful city. Like many of NM state parks, the camping fee is $10 for a non-electric site, and $25 for electric sites (reservable).
The vault toilets were clean and well-stocked, and water was available at the central office/ visitor center area, even in winter. One of the most charming aspects of our campsite was a small picnic shelter with built-in fireplace. During the fall, winter, and spring, most of the camping loops are closed, but they keep one open year round as well as a few scattered along the main road through the state park.
The campground has a lot of evergreen trees, so solar power needs to be on an extension cord. Our site down the road from the main campground had a bit more open sky, so we had pretty good solar power between 11 am and 4 pm in November. We also had no problem connecting with Starlink and had some spotty cell phone service.
A few of the sites in the year-round loop, and dozens in the summer loops have lean-to structures (3 sided cabins) with enough space to set your tent up inside.
Access to the Santa Fe Ski slope is just up the hill about 8 more miles, and of course all that Santa Fe offers is just down the hill, museums, restaurants, music, galleries, and so much great culture (the original Meow Wolf is worth a look). The park has great trails and borders the national forest with tons of other hiking options.
Guide
Zero stars. I'm not overly picky about amenities, but this place was in shambles. First, there were 2 young women in the front office smacking gum with their feet on the counter. One handed me a map showing my spot, then told me that the restrooms (I only saw one for the entire facility and it shared the space with the washer/dryer) were closed from 6 to 8am and then from 3 to 5pm for cleaning--prime time for this senior's 70-year-old bladder. The spot I was assigned had a 30-degree drop and 6-foot reach to the utilities...not doable for my 18-foot camper van, so I went back to the office and asked if I could move to another space. They said no. I said that I would have to go somewhere else because I paid for, and required power, water, and bathroom facilities and they said ok, but that they had a no-refund policy since I was cancelling on the day of arrival. I said that I paid for 2 days and asked that one be refunded. They didn't even blink and again declined so I backtracked 22 miles to the Albuquerque (east) KOA, which was lovely.
Guide
We had been boondocking for a few nights and "needed" hookups and showers for a night of relative luxury. This place is a little outside town but not too bad. We checked in late and our electric didn't work, but the park was half empty - I just grabbed another site and everything was fine - good showers and bathrooms.
I've seen other reviewers say the place is a bit dated and while I'll echo that, my kids really enjoyed the "OG" type playground - much steeper/faster/FUNNER slide than the new stuff they're used to.
Little $ relative to what you get, but a lot of that is just location/Santa Fe IMO.
GuideSo the info on Dyrt and the parks website in inaccurate. There are 35+ first come first serve tent spots (none of which have water as of May 2024) and 10 ish RV spots on a separate loop, only 2 of which are first come first serve and electric only - all the rest are reservation only...
The tent spots aren't accessible with anything bigger than a regular car/SUV - class B with an experienced driver and short wheel base might be able to fit, no way a class C would. No way a trailer (even a teardrop) would fit in the parking spots for tent spots if you strike out on the RV spots.
The drive up is GORGEOUS and almost worth it regardless of camping, and super convenient to downtown Santa Fe, but if you're in a RV have your water straight and HAVE A RESERVATION! We ended up just parking in a trailhead parking lot (that said no camping) and rolled the dice (successfully).
ScoutThere are several loops in this park, in Ludington Black Canyon, the Main Park Loop, a couple Yurt loops, and the small loop we stayed on with RV electric hookups. Its on the left side as you go up, just above the main loop. While there is electric and a vault toilet, be advised there is no water source on this loop. Sites are basic, but nice, with fire rings and concrete picnic tables. We camped with our 21' teardrop and had no problems. We walked through the yurt site just above us, amd they are stunning, with patios and what appears to be heating. Worth a look. No cell service or wifi in the campground.
GuideThe drive to this park takes us back in time through the tiny town of Villanueva. Once through the gates I was amazed at the fast flowing Pecos River right next to the tree shaded sites. A gem. Good hiking trails too!
Traveler
Pleasantly surprised by this place. We pulled our van in at 9 pm and paid $10 at pay station. We had a great 3 mile morning walk. The entire site is litter-free. Bathrooms are incredibly clean
LegendEasy off/on I25. Campsites are spread out with trees separating sites. The only bad is water pressure; very low. We slowly filled tank and used our pump.
LegendNice state park. Can get windy in the spring. No cell service but Starlink connection is fine.
TravelerFirst time stay while on a multi-state trip. Nice to have some trees and greenery in the desert. The covered picnic table was great with the hot sun, even in Spring. No cell coverage. Gates close at 7pm or 9pm depending on the season, so make sure to make it in before closing time.
RangerI took the last site on short notice with electricity for four nights over the weekend, the handicap site. I went back and double checked, the NMSP website has not clearly state that only a van or very short class C would fit in the spot. I got my 20 foot trailer in but my truck is sticking out into the road a tiny bit. The sites are very close together and unfortunately, right after I arrived a couple of families set up right next to me complete with screaming kids and yapping dogs. Campers with kids and dogs should have their own camping loops, maybe their own campgrounds. So many people do not appreciate the quiet and solitude of a natural woods. As soon as the kids arrived, it seemed like they were told to scream as loud as they could. Disgusting. So one star for this campground and the poor layout
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.
