Best Campgrounds near Placitas, NM

The landscape surrounding Placitas, New Mexico features a mix of dispersed and established camping options across diverse terrain. Top of New Mexico stands out as a popular dispersed camping area with panoramic mountain views and open mesa terrain, while nearby established sites like Coronado Campground and Turquoise Trail Campground provide more amenities. The region includes both primitive sites for tent camping and full-hookup options for RVs, with several locations also offering cabin accommodations for those seeking additional comfort.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the camping areas near Placitas. The dispersed camping at Top of New Mexico requires navigating "curvy tight roads" through residential areas before reaching public land. "The road to drive up is through a neighborhood and is 2 miles of windy road it was a little hard to maneuver with my 32' trailer," noted one visitor, highlighting access challenges for larger vehicles. Most dispersed sites lack facilities such as water, restrooms, or trash collection. Weather considerations include significant wind exposure at higher elevations, particularly at the mesa-top sites. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with multiple reviewers mentioning good connectivity even at remote sites.

Campers consistently praise the scenic qualities of the region, particularly the expansive views and night sky visibility. Wild horses are frequently spotted around the Top of New Mexico site, adding to the area's appeal. "The panoramic views of the mountains and valleys are simply stunning, making every moment a perfect photo opportunity," according to one camper's experience. The proximity to Albuquerque (approximately 20-30 minutes) makes these sites convenient for weekend trips while still providing a sense of remoteness. Many visitors note the solitude available at dispersed sites, with neighbors often hundreds of yards away. Established campgrounds provide more amenities but less privacy, with options ranging from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks with hookups, showers, and picnic tables. Wind exposure remains a common theme in visitor feedback, particularly at higher elevation sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Placitas, New Mexico (118)

    1. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    41 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    "Top of New Mexico" near Albuquerque is a fantastic camping spot if you love open spaces and beautiful desert views."

    "Drove a short distance from Albuquerque through Placitas, saw so many horses! This is an open space that overlooks the tail of Albuquerque, and the vistas beyond."

    2. Coronado Campground

    26 Reviews
    Bernalillo, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 980-8256

    $18 - $40 / night

    "Operated by the town of Bernalillo, New Mexico. Prices range from $10.00 per night for tents and $20.00, $30.00, $35.00 per night for Rvs. Great view of the Rio Grande and Sandia Mountains."

    "Great place to camp if visiting Rio Rancho, Bernalillo and the surrounding area. Super nice camp sites, more than enough room for our 39’ trailer and inexpensive."

    3. Turquoise Trail Campground

    33 Reviews
    Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, NM
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-2005

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Turquoise Trail Campground, Cedar Crest, NM Turquoise Trail Campground is a small privately owned campground located five miles north of I-40 off Route 14 (exit 175) just outside"

    "We arrived around 6pm and our info was thumb tacked to the entry board. Call her and she comes right down to show you your spot. It’s located next to a little brewery and pizza place."

    4. Albuquerque KOA Journey

    47 Reviews
    Monticello, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 296-2729

    "New Mexico is a land of wonders and beauty in every turn."

    "Good campground with access to all Albuquerque has to offer. Quick biking to the Sandia trails and short drive to hiking. The bus stop is nearby so getting around town is easy too."

    5. Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA

    14 Reviews
    Bernalillo, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-3616

    "Close to highway but easy in/out. Some smaller trees have branches that can damage your rig so be mindful of the space above as you navigate through the sites."

    "We walked to the brewery next door and made good use of the dog parks."

    6. Stagecoach Stop RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Bernalillo, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 867-1000

    "The RV park has everything including level spots and a dump station and all hookups and has some nice views of the mountains but it is quite near to the highway so has a bit of noise"

    "Less than 1/2 a mile to the entrance of Walmart!"

    7. Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    26 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    "I got here after dark on my drive from the west coast to NC. There were a couple of other campers at the front of the entrance. I did a little off-roading and drove deeper in for privacy."

    "Can make it up to camp with 2 wheel drive low clearance. Maybe some minor scraping as you leave/arrive over a bit of a rough ramp lip."

    8. Cochiti Recreation Area

    36 Reviews
    Cochiti Lake, NM
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 465-2557

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Some sites in Buffalo Grove are drive through or back-in."

    "Visitors center has lots of information, and there are hiking trails. Not close to any major shopping, but there is a small store nearby and a laundry mat next to the store."

    9. Black Mesa Casino

    7 Reviews
    Algodones, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 867-6700

    $20 / night

    "Just off I-25 and located on a corner of the San Felipe Pueblo, there's not much here but the casino, gas station, restaurant, and travel shop!"

    10. Coronado campground

    2 Reviews
    Bernalillo, NM
    6 miles

    "A bit noisy at night with a highway not far enough away. I am staying an extra night…"

    "It is very close to the road so sometimes there is noise but its background. The playground is great. There is sites with electric and water and sites without."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 118 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Placitas, NM

897 Reviews of 118 Placitas Campgrounds


  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Coronado campground

    Great mountain vibes

    Awesome stop over in the city. The view of the mountains from the sites are incredible. It is very close to the road so sometimes there is noise but its background.

    The playground is great. There is sites with electric and water and sites without.

    It was comfortable and felt relatively clean with good vibes for a city rv park

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Jemez Falls Campground

    Nice setting with adjacent trails.

    Most sites level. Ryan, campground host was very helpful and professional. Sites well-spaced and relatively private. Trees and shade everywhere. Short hike to Jemez Falls. About 4 miles to Valle Calderas and a couple more to Bandalere.

    Vault toilets very clean and convenient to most sites.

  • 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.

  • E
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Can’t Reach Site

    Spent a while driving around trying to find a dirt road to reach the site. Everything was blocked off by the neighbors who were of no help and just kept saying it was private property

  • 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!

  • Stacia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Great experience 10/10

    Amazing experience! Definitely a tight squeeze for my rv but definitely worth it. Don’t listen to anyone that it’s “closed.” You just have to listen to the description and not take the private roads!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Coronado Campground

    Excellent city run RV park

    This RV park is popular and can be filled. So try to get a reservation before you arrive. I managed to get a spot because somebody had canceled. Campsites have power and some have water. I paid $35 a night. But they do have an overflow area which is just a big parking lot but will serve in a pinch if there are no regular spaces available.

  • Kiran B.
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Placitas BLM

    BLM Land Placitas NM

    Just 10 miles north of Albuquerque by the Sandias. Open space for dispersed camping with views of the mountains. Lots of flat open places. Don't need 4x4 but a little clearance helps with the rocks and ruts.

  • A
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Coronado Campground

    Convenient and well appointed

    Remarkable nice little campground, with well laid-out sites, each with its own adobe picnic shelter as well as power and water. There’s a dump station at the exit. The location is very convenient, though there’s a bit of highway noise.


Guide to Placitas

Camping near Placitas, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a comfortable RV park, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are many trails nearby, perfect for all skill levels. One camper mentioned, "The hiking right from the campground is great - the two hikes are definitely worth doing" at Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument.
  • Exploring National Monuments: Visit Bandelier National Monument, just a short drive away. A reviewer noted, "This was our first time at this lovely National Monument and we simply loved it," highlighting the area's rich history and stunning views.
  • Water Activities: At Cochiti Recreation Area, you can enjoy boating and fishing. One visitor shared, "Good location to visit both Albuquerque and Santa Fe," making it a great base for water fun.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Santa Fe Skies RV Park said, "The bathrooms were clean (water was hot!!!)" which is a big plus for many.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. One parent mentioned, "Plenty of activities for kids" at Albuquerque KOA Journey, making it a hit for families.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Turquoise Trail Campground said, "Great spot not too far from Albuquerque, very peaceful and quaint," which captures the essence of the area.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Albuquerque KOA Journey noted, "It is right off I-40, very convenient, but very noisy," so be prepared for some background noise.
  • Limited Services: Many dispersed camping areas, like Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed, lack amenities. One reviewer mentioned, "There was a slight amount of trash at most sites," indicating that you might need to bring your own supplies.
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Jemez Falls Campground, are only open from April to November. A visitor noted, "Reservation system ran till the end of September," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. A parent at Albuquerque KOA Journey mentioned, "Jump pad, playground, mini golf and a really nice pool" as highlights for kids.
  • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with good security. One reviewer at Santa Fe Skies RV Park appreciated the "helpful information about the train," which is a safe and fun way to explore nearby cities.
  • Plan for Noise: If your kids are light sleepers, consider campgrounds away from highways. A camper at Cochiti Recreation Area mentioned, "The campground is inside the Cochiti Pueblo Nation," which might offer a quieter experience.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure the campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Route 66 RV Resort said, "The spaces are set apart for lots of privacy between spots," which is great for RVers looking for comfort.
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Some areas can get windy. A camper at Albuquerque KOA Journey advised, "I'd recommend pulling your awnings in when you go to bed," to avoid damage.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: RVers love the convenience of being close to attractions. A visitor at Santa Fe Skies RV Park mentioned, "The location made for an hour's drive to Los Alamos and Bandelier national monument," making it easy to explore the area.

Camping near Placitas, New Mexico, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you prefer established campgrounds or dispersed sites, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Placitas, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Placitas, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Placitas, NM and 32 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Placitas, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Placitas, NM is Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site with a 4.6-star rating from 41 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 free dispersed camping spots near Placitas, NM.

What parks are near Placitas, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Placitas, NM that allow camping, notably Cibola National Forest and Grasslands and Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands.