Best Campgrounds near Placitas, NM

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Placitas, NM has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Placitas. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New Mexico camping adventure.

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Best Camping Sites Near Placitas, New Mexico (115)

    1. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    37 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

    23 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

    46 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

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

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

    "Very convenient to have full hook up and be close to town."

    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

    35 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. Hidden Valley RV park

    10 Reviews
    Rincon, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-3363

    $40 - $75 / night

    "Easy access to all facilities. Will stay here again when in the area."

    "Close to Cedro Peak mountain biking and hiking trails."

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Recent Reviews near Placitas, NM

878 Reviews of 115 Placitas Campgrounds


  • B
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Beautiful area

    We stayed at Cochiti to be close to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The area is beautiful and the campground is great. Sites are spacious with paved pads and a parking spot next to your RV sites it has a concrete area with a covered picnic table. We stayed in the Buffalo loop and had 50 amp electric as well as water. The bathhouse was near and was clean and nice

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Forest Service Rd 268 Dispersed Site

    Beating the Heat at 8800 ft.

    Great place to get away for the week. Cattle will walk thru your camp and people were far enough away to enjoy the cool.

  • Andrea P.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    FR 4B Dispersed

    Pretty basic, doesn’t seem heavily used

    The forest service gate was closed but not locked, and it looks like there’s some pretty recent logging activity. There are still enough trees for shade and some privacy, and it does give a nice view of the cliffs. We had two cars and two tents, and there was room for maybe one more comfortably, or a smallish trailer.

  • Adria L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Santa Fe Skies RV Park

    Fenton lake

    Everything is online now did realize that the fishing was bad but still a great place to go and relax

  • K
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Coronado campground

    Really nice tent sites

    I love the tent shelters. We slept inside instead of setting up a tent again. Nice shower and toilets. Beautiful view. A bit noisy at night with a highway not far enough away. I am staying an extra night…

  • Stefanie S.
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Rancheros de Santa Fe

    Great Little Park

    We stayed here just a few nights when we first started our journey. It's a nice little park, and we LOVED the hiking trails in the back! The bathrooms and laundry room were very clean and well kept. The pool and "game room" were also nice. The area we stayed in was clearly for people just staying a few days. One thing I appreciated was the use of hedges to hide the neighboring sewer and hookups. Sites are close, so this helps. It is pretty tight in there, so maneuvering can be challenging if you have a bigger rig. But overall it was a nice place to stay.

  • Todd L.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Happy Trails RV Park

    Nice Overnight

    It's an older campground, quite small but a very welcome overnight stop. I guess my biggest complaint is dirt/dusty driveway. The site is very long and very level and plenty acceptable in width. No septic at my site(#1), but they doo have a pull up dump station. Our 50amp service had very good voltage at 117.9vac with both our a/c units running on high. Only reason for 4 stars was dusty driveway. Oh, o e more thing, the office staff was awesome, very friendly and helpful.

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Beautiful but a but a ahlf hoour to an hour from Santa Fe

    I often camp by Diablo Canyon, which has wonderful sunsets and decent off trail hiking.  There's even a cave for those who know where to find it. 

    I've also camped down by the river for the access to water for splashing about and cooking, but the area is popular with Mexican families and sometimes attracts a party crowd.

    There are plenty of more remote spots off the main gravel road that would be even quieter.  The terrain is juniper and oak, with cottonwoods by the river. 

    Temperatures run hot in the summer and freezing in winter, although it is the best choice for winter camping near Santa Fe.   Summers the wife and I most often drive up Artist Road and camp at Big Tesuque or the skiiiway at the top, but we did choose Buckman this summer when thunderstorms pounded the mountains. 

    It does take time to drive the gravel road, and there's not much for ordinary folks around Las Campanas, the wealthy housing division between the camping and town.  You might get to Airport Road and Cerrillos under an hour, but getting to the Plaza will take longer. 

    Cell service is spotty.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    Great Location!

    My family and I camped here and chose this location as one of our stops on our road trip. It was easy to find and get to. Luckily, I have a have a high clearance vehicle due to the ruts on the road. The area had great views and was very private. Will definitely visit again.


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 115 campgrounds and RV parks near Placitas, NM and 31 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 4.8-star rating from 37 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 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.