Best Camping near Polvadera, NM

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Polvadera, NM has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Polvadera, NM (34)

    Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground

    1. Escondida Lake Park & Campground

    12 Reviews
    44 Photos
    38 Saves
    Lemitar, New Mexico
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area

    2. The Box Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    27 Photos
    146 Saves
    Socorro, New Mexico

    The 640-acre Box Recreation Area is a highly scenic, rugged area which is very popular for technical rock climbing and bouldering. The five cliffs on either side of this box canyon provide popular rock climbing for even highly skilled technical climbers. Challenging climbing opportunities include the Waterfall Wall, Corner Block and the Fillet a Papillon Wall.

    There is a developed parking area with a trailhead, kiosks, and restroom. Drinking water is not available.

    Special Rules: Camping in designated sites only. No shooting of weapons. Remember, that climbing is a high-risk activity. For safety, climbers should not attempt climbs beyond their abilities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground

    3. Water Canyon Campground

    11 Reviews
    47 Photos
    116 Saves
    Magdalena, New Mexico

    This campground is located at an elevation of 6,800 feet in the Magdalena Mountains.

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon

    4. San Lorenzo Canyon

    6 Reviews
    32 Photos
    111 Saves
    Polvadera, New Mexico

    This is primitive camping.

    San Lorenzo Canyon is jointly managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management as a primitive recreation area. This scenic east-west canyon offers ample outdoor opportunities for hiking and primitive camping. Not only a destination for hikers, the Canyon offers outstanding opportunities for photographers. Millions of years of Earth’s history unfold in San Lorenzo Canyon, a picturesque area of sandstone cliffs, arches, and hoodoos. The cottonwoods indicate there may have been a reliable water source at one time in the area. The area has remnants of old ranches and homesteads; springs and tiny creeks are hidden in the canyon bottoms and washes. High clearance and/or 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. There are no restrooms or drinking water.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Riverine Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Riverine Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Riverine Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Riverine Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Riverine Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Riverine Park

    6. San Antonio Riverine Park

    7 Reviews
    22 Photos
    17 Saves
    Socorro, New Mexico

    San Antonio Park is the southernmost park and is adjacent to the Hwy 380 Bridge. This park has 5 tables, 5 grills and is located in a beautifully restored Bosque that is about 60 years old (it dates from the last major flood of the Rio Grande in the 1940’s). San Antonio Elementary School adopted the park in 2007 and uses the park as an outdoor classroom and community service project. The site is also maintained by citizens of San Antonio who use the park for evening strolls along the river. The cottonwood stand was restored by removing the salt cedar, burning the slash and then treating the re-sprouts with herbicide (a common method to control the re-sprouting of salt cedar roots).

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    • No image available

      7. Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel

      4 Reviews
      14 Saves
      La Joya, New Mexico
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Chupadero Mountainview RV Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Chupadero Mountainview RV Park

      8. Chupadero Mountainview RV Park

      4 Reviews
      2 Photos
      14 Saves
      Socorro, New Mexico
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

      9. Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

      15 Reviews
      57 Photos
      122 Saves
      Mountainair, New Mexico

      Manzano Mountains State Park is an excellent destination for hiking and camping. Nestled in the wooded foothills of the Manzanos, this park provides a quiet retreat and is a nice family get-away. Wildlife viewing, birding, and photography are great activities at this park.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access

      $5 - $14 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Plateau Hame de Colquhoun
      Camper-submitted photo from Plateau Hame de Colquhoun
      Camper-submitted photo from Plateau Hame de Colquhoun
      Camper-submitted photo from Plateau Hame de Colquhoun
      Camper-submitted photo from Plateau Hame de Colquhoun
      Camper-submitted photo from Plateau Hame de Colquhoun

      10. Plateau Hame de Colquhoun

      1 Review
      26 Photos
      22 Saves
      Belen, New Mexico

      Here at Ka-hoon (Plateau Hame De Colquhoun) Ka-Hoon (Plateau Hame De Colquhoun) is a family-operated off-grid establishment offering camping, event hosting (like festivals, concerts, weddings, family reunions), and music production services

      Plateau Hame De Colquhoun is reasonably private and you can make your visit your own. Enjoy being yourself amongst the space.. 420 friendly. Located on edge of the Mesa overlooking the Rio Grande with beautiful mountains views, keep in mind this is an ongoing project and much of the land is untamed and in all its natural glory. Snakes, other wild life included Like the lives of pioneers before us the amenities are sparse. If you enjoy ruggedness and serene isolation with majestic views of the local mountain ranges, then this is your place to visit.

      The space

      Dispersed Camping of your choice of spots for RV, tents or vans. Pull through or back in.

      Down 11 miles of gravel roads off exit 191 Belen NM.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents

      $12 - $20 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 34 campgrounds

    Pet-friendly camping near Polvadera

    Recent Reviews in Polvadera

    115 Reviews of 34 Polvadera Campgrounds


    • Renee T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
      Nov. 23, 2024

      San Antonio Bosque Park

      Location Location Location

      Right now, it is muddy, overgrown and we discovered only one site available that was covered in dog poo. Bad human. We cleaned it up and used site as a base for Bosque del Apache bird watching. Perfect location, but other than that, it's not a place I'd choose. Also bonus 5G T-Mobile. Oh Trains with horns every two hours.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      Aug. 6, 2024

      Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

      Quiet shady camp

      It was hot in the valley so we retreated to the nearest mountains. What a quiet little camp. No huge RV’s or anything. Our 6ft wide, 20ft long trailer seemed too big. Our spot accommodated us well. The trails are fabulous. There’s a Track Trail that just opened and a motorized track wheelchair making this park very accessible. Not very many electric sites but that was ok as the temps were cooler (60’s at night)

    • Bradley K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
      Jul. 14, 2024

      The Box Recreation Area

      Great spot to overnight off I-25

      This was a lovely spot to overnight just about 20 minutes off I-25 near Socorro NM. Great views and incredible star gazing. This is an important rock climbing destination and there are several hiking trails if have more time than we did.

    • Joshuah F.
      Camper-submitted photo from New Canyon Campground
      Jul. 13, 2024

      New Canyon Campground

      Nice place!

      Overall a nice place to camp. Most beautiful drive into the campsite. Some of the campsites had concrete picnic tables and bear containers. They were up a walkway and some stairs though. The vault toilets were clean. We were approached by a guy letting us know there was a boar and a bear coming down the canyon. He said they were about 700 yards away.

    • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Riverine Park
      Jul. 6, 2024

      San Antonio Riverine Park

      Beautiful, Free, Quiet Camping near Bosque Del Apache

      Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a bird nerd’s paradise during the winter.  Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes, and thousands of others congregate in this wetland wonderland. Here, the Rio Grande pauses on its long winding path to the Gulf of Mexico and allows these waterfowl and other migratory birds a place of rest and safety during their bi-annual migration. It’s an amazing place, but it does not allow camping within the park. 

      Just a few miles to the north of the visitor’s center, in the quaint hamlet of San Antonio, lies Riverine Park. Slightly difficult to find in the dark and with a steep entrance, the few campsite spots offer visitors a great place close to the National Wildlife Refuge for the night within striking distance of the dawn patrol show (when the flocks take off for the day). Dawn and dusk are something to behold, so get your cameras ready! 

      The campsites themselves are loosely defined, but a few actually have developed campfire pits and picnic tables. There are no toilets here, but there are lovely facilities in the park itself.  There’s not much room for a trailer longer than 20 feet, but feel free to give it a looksee before committing to the downhill entry point– which is short and steep.  With big cottonwood trees scattered throughout the area, we got some solar charging with our rooftop panels, but needed to move our portable solar panel around to collect a bit more.  Starlink worked well though!

      In addition to birdwatching there are numerous, unlabeled trails and access roads all along the river bank and the canal for walking, or biking. The opportunities can also be found within the wildlife refuge as well.  Nearby services can be found in San Antonio, Socorro, or Truth or Consequences, NM, with the latter being the biggest town within an hour’s drive.

    • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Riverine Park
      Jul. 2, 2024

      San Antonio Riverine Park

      Free and easy

      We stayed here a few years ago and it was the same sad, uncared for park then as it is now. The grass is overgrown and the fire pits are broken, but it’s free, and right off the main road so it makes for a great place to stop for the night. Would definitely not recommend this place as a destination for a camping trip. 

      There are maybe 7 or 8 sites here, and a skoolie and a car camper were here when we arrived late afternoon, and a truck camper pulled in after us. The road down into the campground is steep and raggedy, but we did ok (i.e. didn’t scrape) in our 26ft class c. 

      Good cell service. You can hear road noise but it’s not too bad, it’s not too busy of a road. There are walking paths where you can walk to the river. Mosquitoes / other bugs not bad when we were there in early December. No trash bins and no bathrooms. Please pack out your waste! Park is pretty clean and free from trash, which is so nice to see.

    • s
      Camper-submitted photo from Escondida Lake Park & Campground
      Jul. 1, 2024

      Escondida Lake Park & Campground

      Nice little spot

      First night (Friday) was great. Quiet. Saturday was quiet as well. Not much to catch at the lake. 3pm someone rolls up next to us. Definitely in the wrong spot and he would have known that if he was aware of the “back in” policy. Gave the lake caretaker a call, no answer. No big deal they were quiet. Until 10pm. Loud music. Karaoke with children screaming into the mic with the already loud sound system. Tried calling the caretaker, no answer mailbox full. Didn’t want to bother the police department so decided to wait and see if one of the kids woke up and then I’d call, figuring then I’d be super late. The music stopped suddenly my guess is around 12-2am. I guessing someone called the police or got a hold of the caretaker. Will stay again, however the campsite needs to be checked on by the county imo. If this were to happen again, I’d call non-emergency PD to deal with it.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      May. 16, 2024

      Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

      Beautiful!

      Remote, wooded, serene. Sites are gravel, but not very level. Each site has a picnic table, grill & fire pit. Some sites have power, but none have sewer or water hookups. There is a dump station & drinking water. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place.

    • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      Apr. 23, 2024

      Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

      Secluded and quiet

      Very nice campground, and only $18/night for water and electric.  Beautiful mountain setting with lots of pine trees and cool mornings.  Had hoped to do some road biking but the steep gravel proved intimidating for the less experienced in the group.

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Riverine Park
      Apr. 21, 2024

      San Antonio Riverine Park

      Very Easy Access from Paved Road

      Really a pretty cool spot that can be warmer than Albuquerque, and especially warmer than Santa Fe. 100% no fire, even smoking banned they claim. May help keep numbers low. Only person I saw appeared to be road construction exploring where the road went (think they were working on Rio grande bridge maybe). Lots and lots of space in the big trees by the river, but if you look in there at night with a flash light you may notice a lot of spider eyes shining back at you. I actually parked right by river, probably not exactly correct spot probably (would be very tight fit with trailer). No spider eyes. Plenty of room for car/truck to turn around. Probably stayed 3 nights total. The turn offs from the braised berm down to camp areas can be steep looking, just choose your angle wisely. The roads seem to loop back up to berm after winding through trees, some tighter areas to maneuver around for sure. I doubt anyone would give you trouble sleeping on the unpaved road itself opposite side of trees either. Very little traffic. Weekends may have some local traffic non overnight traffic too, fishing, skeet shooting, etc. Based on debris around river, and the most traffic I saw was on Sunday (2 -3 trucks at once rather than 1/48hours.

      I’d crash here again for the price.

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
      Dec. 17, 2023

      The Box Recreation Area

      Beautiful

      Very easy to get to, went up the hill past the cattle guard. Didn’t see anyone else in my 4 night camp. The sunsets and sunrises are amazing. Will def come back

    • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      Nov. 4, 2023

      Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

      Nice spots and very inexpensive

      We spent a Saturday night here in a spot without services and I suppose because it is late in the season, only a couple of other campers. Clean, well maintained, nice trails. I have good enough service I could stay and work for the week which is awesome.

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountain Retreat
      Oct. 30, 2023

      Manzano Mountain Retreat

      Mountain Retreat Camping for RV or Tenting

      Jake from the Dyrt here!  The Manzano Mountain Retreat is a large venue with tons to check out and nearby mountains to enjoy.  Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from Turner Inn & RV Park
      Oct. 1, 2023

      Turner Inn & RV Park

      Friendly and nice

      Campsites are level full hook ups. Nice people they have Wi-Fi nice bathrooms there’s a really great grocery store downtown called the B St., Café. It was $36 if I paid cash and that was with a 10% discount

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
      Sep. 28, 2023

      San Antonio Bosque Park

      Decent Sites, Bad Experience

      Stopped here since I was tired and couldn’t make it to the Box area. The sites are nice enough etc. Woke up to the sound of birdshot raining in around me. I confronted the hunters saying they ought to mind their aim because there’s a campground. They responded with “it’s duck season”.

      After returning to my site it rained in yet again and it seemed intentional. I am a hunter and can say that is entirely unacceptable. I should’ve called the police on them in hindsight but instead I decided to leave immediately so I could get on with my day.

      It’s idiots like that which give hunters a bad rap.

    • Paul B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Capilla Peak Campground
      Aug. 13, 2023

      Capilla Peak Campground

      Gorgeous View

      Got site number 6, which has the best view to the SE. The site has a tent shelter which was much needed for the high winds experienced at night. The pit toilet was clean. The deer were abundant. A hiking trail was close. And the views were fantastic.

    • Dennis P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Bear Trap Campground
      Jul. 27, 2023

      Bear Trap Campground

      Burned!

      Th e area has been burned in the 2022 fires. The road was closed for a long time, and if it is open now, there will be floods in the burn scar. Check with the Forest Service for more info before you go. Mimbres Ranger District of the Gila National Forest.

    • Justin R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bianca Ranch Road - BLM dispersed
      Jun. 24, 2023

      Bianca Ranch Road - BLM dispersed

      Not great for camping

      Only did about 10 minutes of driving around. Several small spots a couple feet off the main road. Nothing that would support 30'+ trailers. It's open desert with low shrub. Seems to be a popular ATV road so expect lots of dust and noise. I would only camp here if I had an ATV with me.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
      Jun. 10, 2023

      Manzano Mountains State Park Campground

      High winds tough for tents

      Night one was decent, but the rest of the nights I had to hold the side of my tent up to keep it from collapsing despite multiple points staked to the ground. I’m happy I had strong stakes or the tent would’ve been gone. The wind comes in waves like hurricane bands. In one week we had the crazy wind every night, hail, and saw a dust twister at the base of the mountain. Lots of flies as well. At one point we had the back circle all to ourselves, but Friday large groups came out and were very loud until 1am. During the week everyone was quiet. The site layout was nice, private despite being close to the next site over. It’s pretty hot during the day and dips to the 40s at night. We liked the sound of the clicker bugs, they were pretty cool even though we never actually saw one. The trails are nice, vault toilet area is clean. The front office was closed our whole visit. I’d say it’s a cool place for a trailer or RV although the road is difficult in rain. Tents are fine, but be ready to move to the car for the wind or hail.

    • Justin R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
      Jun. 3, 2023

      San Antonio Bosque Park

      It's free

      Easy in and out with 23' trailer. Weeds are tall and mosquitos are plentiful. Great spot for an overnight but I would never spend more time than that.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Red Canyon Campground
      May. 30, 2023

      Red Canyon Campground

      Come early

      I’ve been here a couple times. The site itself is in a really nice area with lots of pine trees and direct trail access. The only issue is it seems a lot of people who come here don’t know camp etiquette and leave the sites completely trashed. Fire pits buried and unusable, beer cans and trash everywhere. I’d recommend going before Memorial Day while the sites are still clean



    Guide to Polvadera

    Camping near Polvadera, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have noted that the trails near Water Canyon Campground provide easy access to great hiking opportunities. One reviewer mentioned, "There are about a dozen campsites, vault toilets, trash cans, a group campsite at the bottom of the hill and easy access to some great hiking trails."
    • Birdwatching: The nearby Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit for bird lovers. One camper at San Antonio Riverine Park shared, "It's right along the Rio Grande and close to the Bosque Del Apache refuge, where we went to see sandhill cranes the next morning."
    • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, check out The Box Recreation Area. A visitor said, "This was a lovely spot to overnight just about 20 minutes off I-25 near Socorro NM. Great views and incredible star gazing."

    What campers like:

    • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Escondida Lake Park & Campground mentioned, "First night was great. Quiet."
    • Natural Beauty: Campers enjoy the stunning views and natural surroundings. A visitor at San Lorenzo Canyon said, "Simply gorgeous area."
    • Free Camping Options: The availability of free camping is a big plus. A camper at Water Canyon Campground noted, "You don't often find free developed camping at the end of a paved road in New Mexico."

    What you should know:

    • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like San Antonio Bosque Park, lack basic facilities. A camper pointed out, "No restrooms, water, or garbage service."
    • Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy due to nearby roads or train tracks. A visitor at Escondida Lake Park & Campground mentioned, "The site is near a busy road and train tracks so it was pretty noisy."
    • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at New Canyon Campground shared, "He said they were about 700 yards away," referring to a bear sighting.

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities. Chupadero Mountainview RV Park has clean bathrooms and is pet-friendly, making it a good choice for families.
    • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Red Canyon Campground mentioned, "Beautiful secluded spot in the Manzanos. Nice kid-friendly trails adjacent to the campground."
    • Safety First: Always keep an eye on children, especially near water or wildlife. One camper at San Antonio Riverine Park noted, "There’s a lot of fresh black bear scat throughout the campsite."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Water Canyon Campground advised, "Road access is pretty rough and it is easy to miss the campground turnoff!"
    • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many sites, like those at San Lorenzo Canyon, do not have water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "No bathroom and water."
    • Arrive Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Red Canyon Campground suggested, "I’d recommend going before Memorial Day while the sites are still clean."

    Camping near Polvadera, New Mexico, offers a variety of experiences, from peaceful retreats to adventurous outings. Make sure to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

    Frequently Asked Questions