Looking to get away and reconnect with nature? Glamping near Ponderosa is the perfect choice. Camping has always been a favorite form of travel for many, but Ponderosa, NM glamping is a new and unique way to do it. The Dyrt's camping photos, reviews, and tips are an easy way to find the right New Mexico glamping spot for you.
Welcome to Albuquerque KOA. We have a beautiful campground nestled close to the Sandia Mountains. Whether you are looking for a big rig friendly 80 foot RV sites, cabins , or just tent camping, we are your Albuquerque campground . We have a swimming pool, indoor hot tub, mini golf, playground, horseshoes and a huge park for your pets. We are definitely pet friendly . We are here to help you relax and take care of all your camping needs. There's plenty to do during your camping stay with us. Our KOA is conveniently located near attractions such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , the world's longest aerial Tramway , and we are the closest campground to Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds. The campground is also conveniently located near a variety of restaurants, the aquarium, zoo, multiple museums and the fascinating Old Town shopping district.
From the KOA website: The campground features a shaded pool (a rarity in the desert) just steps from your Kamping Kabin, tent site or RV pull thru. It's a terrific gathering spot for groups and families with an outdoor covered pavillion, WiFi , playground, volleyball, horseshoes, 2 dog parks, a book exchange, and video rental along with a great gift shop boasting Native American crafts, snacks, drinks, RV supplies and everyday essentials. Catch the new Rail Runner Express in Bernalillo only a mile away (within walking distance) for train excursions to explore downtown Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Belen. The campground also offers easy access to the attractions of New Mexico's two largest cities, as well as to ancient Indian ruins (in Bernalillo), ghost towns, pueblos and all the beauty of the Southwest. Just head West on 550 to highway 4 to the Jemez village where you can swim in the soda damn, soak in the natural hot spring pots and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery New Mexico has to offer. Step through our secret passage way to the Kaktus brewery where you can enjoy live music, food, and great beer! We are the closest KOA to the World Famous International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta just 9 miles away. Every October the skies are filled with every color, size and shape of balloons. An amazing spectacle youll want to see. No car, thats okay. We have a free shuttle that will take you to the Santa Ana Casino where you can enjoy a fun filled evening of dining, bowling (kid friendly with arcade) and entertainment just minutes away. They will always pick you up for an exhilarating round of world famous golf. Feel like staying in, Pizza Hut and Dominos will always deliver to your campsite. On the weekends, for your enjoyment, free G/PG rated movies are shown in the grassy outdoor covered pavillion where you can purchase snacks and popcorn to add to your viewing pleasure. Our employees number one goal is to make your camping experience carefree and memorable so that you will choose our campground as the place to stay in New Mexico.
Sites: 38, Elevation: 7,600 large, well shaded campground (38 units + 11 picnic sites in the lower loop) is a good way into Manzano Wilderness via Red and Spruce Canyon trails on foot or horseback. Corrals and parking for horse trailers. This site is open for day use or overnight camping. No water available. PLEASE NOTE: Recreational Vehicles (RV's) longer than 22 feet are not allowed in this campground. Vehicles of this size may only park at Ox Canyon Trailhead, approximately 1.5 miles South of Red Canyon Campground.
Ah, this campground is a desert oasis at the end of a busy day. The patio is a delightful resting spot in the shade, where you can watch hummingbirds whiz by. This is your home base as, day by day, you visit the Santa Fe Plaza, San Miguel Mission, Palace of the Governors, Loretto Chapel or Canyon Road, where you'll find many galleries and artists to observe. Summer brings an abundance of festivals to enjoy. And don't forget the wonderful local cuisine! Many restaurants are small family-run establishments, and the recipes handed down through the ages keep getting better. Relax at the campground and plan your next day's activities. Will it be the Rio Grande Gorge or a day touring Native American ruins? Whatever you decide, it will enrich your life. Max pull thru: 65 feet. Your hosts: Larry and Phyllis Pasekoff.
Great views of Manzano Mountains, Rio Grande and Estancia Valleys are part of the attraction of this popular 8-unit site at 9200* with access to Manzano Mountain Wilderness and Hawkwatch*s raptor counting station.
$5 / night
The Ortiz Mountains and enchanting Cerrillos Hills surround us. Our stars shine brighter than most, and coyote songs will remind you that you're dwelling amongst the high desert wildlife. The 1 3/4 mile road to Little Dancing Horse Ranch is not for everyone. I will reiterate this a couple of times in this listing to make sure people understand that we live on a rocky, dirt road. Some folks find it not to be a big deal while others do. Most vehicles most of the time can make it fine if it's taken slowly although high clearance vehicles are ideal. During the rare big rain or snow, 4 wheel drive may be needed. It's advisable to check the weather in advance.
$45 - $68 / night
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
Guide
New Mexico is a land of wonders and beauty in every turn. From its famous green or red chili and the smell of roasted chiles in the streets to the beautiful sandia mountains that shimmer at sunset to the many parks and recreation areas to explore. New Mexico truly is like no other state and must be on your to bucket list!
Traveler
Easy to find, nice, clean, Quiet friendly campground to stay at. I would definitely recommend this to anybody traveling through or just need a couple of days to stay. Has bath room and showers. Make sure you get your free tokens for the shower. Very affordable!
ScoutShe found this gem on her way west to AZ, then returned on her way back east. She described it as "out in the country" and also enjoyed the excellent customer service.
RangerNot too far off the highway and only about a mile and a half to a decent grocery store. Location is secluded and quiet. Staff was friendly and got us to our site quickly. We have a small RV which fit nicely into our spot but larger RVs were stacked close together as the space between sites was small. Looked like lots of sites had multiple vehicles so seamed crowded.
RV sites are gravel with a little grass between. Not much shade and it was very hot in July. Could use some updates and additional spacing.
Tent sites were not being used but liked a little shadier and had trees between. Some small cabins available.
Showers and bathroom was basic but clean.
GuideClean facility overall. Tent sites have their own loop with trees separating. Each spot has a gravel tent pad, picnic table and grill. Cost was $20 and included a shower token (5 min).
There were quite a few RVs and tent camping was about 50% full. Great spot while we were passing through.
GuideWe stayed overnight here and left in the morning. The view to the campground was beautiful but the campground was so full and RVs so close together, hard to enjoy what the area has to offer. Staff was helpful and accommodating. Site had full hookups and a picnic table but was not level. Was not a bad experience, but with other campgrounds in the area, I would not camp here again.
GuideWe only stayed here for one night on our way from Texas to Utah but it was a nice cozy stay. The park has full hook ups and a little dog area. The wifi worked great we streamed Netflix that night. 7100’ elevation. There were a ton of stars at night which was great. The staff was very friendly and helpful. 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. The pizza and beer were both really good I would check that place out while you stay. Ale Republic it’s called. Check it out.
GuideThe manager was very nice and helpful. Campground is functional; campsites are kinda close to each other.
ScoutStayed only one night on our way west. Beautiful location, stay in the tent (primitive) side for more privacy and quiet. The address is 22 Calvary Cedar Crest, NM. We used the coordinates in Dyrt and pulled onto Cooper Road. Don’t do that!
TravelerStaff was friendly-- as were locals. There were even prairie dogs to greet you at entrance (careful driving!)
RangerExcellent for a my stop into Albuquerque to see the Sandia Mountains (the view from the top of the tram is better than the view from the top of the road up, by the way - if you are hiking, you’ll see both; If not, maybe that will affect your decision on how to go up) and Petroglyph National Monument (well worth your time). Campground tent sites were spaced fairly well and level. Facilities were sufficient. Overall, a pleasant experience and provided what I needed.
GuideAlthough they’ve tried to make handicap accessibility adaptations the main office is completely inaccessible. The women’s restroom has a large lip on the entry door and the handicap restroom is still fairly narrow and anybody with a wheelchair will have difficulties. None of the shower stalls are handicap accessible. There is no issues with actual sites as far as being able to get in and out of your vehicles but they do have the wooden parameters that make it difficult to get around the RV. 
ScoutI'm an EV driver and was my first time spending the night in an RV park. With the right adapter was able to easily hook up. Very nice staff.
ScoutI really enjoyed this spot. I was driving cross-country and this campsite was the perfect place to bed down for the night. It’s at the foothills of the eastern side of the Sandia Mountains and makes for some amazing views.
ScoutNot many options in this area. I stopped here since it was on the way. The lady was helpful and gave me shower tokens included with the cost which was 22. The sites are not super private, some less than others. I found a decent spot, even though I arrived In the evening time. There are dogs that live near by and they bark all night which wasn't ideal. Also I could hear sirens from the near by freeway which sort of beats the purpose of camping. However, it was clean and I would recommend if you need somewhere to shower and rest for the night. Also important to note, no wood fires. I was very disappointed by that since I had just bought stuff for smores.
TravelerThere's nothing to dislike here. But if you find something, let them know, and they'll fix it. ☺ I'm in the camping area 🏕. There are many people who frequent this area. Returning over and over again. Plenty of children, dogs, and the usual traveler. I've seen business men with laptops, who are sick of hotels, and city folk with pop up cabins. Everyone is always happy here.
ScoutI haven't stayed here as of now, however the person I talked to on the phone was amazingly helpful. My husband is a traveling nurse and we are looking for a spot to stay during his next contract in Albuquerque NM. When we took the contract we had no idea about the balloon festival that happens there in October. I have been calling around looking for sites and of course they are all booked. Most people I have spoken to have been polite and professional. The lady I talked to at this place was so kind and took time to give me some much needed advice on the area even though their location likely won't be a great fit for our family due to the number of people in our family she still spent time trying to help me even giving me info on other places in the area that could work better for our family. I appreciate when people are willing to help me and give me info even when they have nothing to gain by doing so. It sounds like we will need to look for a different place, but if it were a better fit i would choose this place over others simply because of the customer service. I have confidence that the people working here will do anything they can to help those staying here and that to our family is worth a lot.
GuideLovely campground. Excellent AT&T signal for cellular internet.
ScoutGreat spot to car camp for the night. I definitely appreciated the HOT , running water and nicely kept bathroom.
ScoutWas looking for a camp site at the end of a long day of driving Route 66. This one popped up and was highly rated. Very glad I made the stop here. Facility is well maintained and Super friendly hosts. Great stay!
TravelerNice spot. Sites are kind of close for my liking but still served its purpose. Stayed a day during the 2nd week of May 2022.
TravelerI stayed 2 nights and this quiet, quaint campground in my van. I had a pretty secluded spot with electric. Everyone here was so nice and helpful especially Autumn in the office who checked me in. Very reasonable price. I would stay here again in an heartbeat. Very quiet except for the occasional car on the private road. Had a nice shower.
ScoutThe campground is clean, the sites are well groomed with camp pads level. Lots of trees for shade. There are 2 areas, on for tents and 1 for RV’s. The people who run the campground are very nice and accommodating.
TravelerThis is a great location to test out some camping gear and/or explore camping for newbies.
The site is clean, well-maintained, and managed. The staff is very friendly and helpful!
A grocery/general store is nearby for anything you may have forgotten. I would highly recommend it and look forward to coming here again.
RangerGreat spot not too far from Albuquerque, very peaceful and quaint. Friendly staff and dog friendly ( on a leash). Picnic tables, showers, laundry, clean restrooms, all nestled in the pine and fur trees.
ScoutGreat place to stay. Convenient drive to Albuquerque.
LegendCAMPGROUND 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 the east side of Albuquerque. Tucked along the base of the Sandia mountains, at 6940’ elevation. http://www.turquoisetrailcampground.com/
There is plenty of visible signage to guide you down Snowline Dr into the campground.
As you approach the office/museum on the right, the RV/Camper loop is visible on the left (which appeared full). Behind the office building are two tent loops (upper and lower). There are two very clean bathroom/showerhouses located between the office and tent loops. A laundry room and dishwashing sink is located at the back of the office building. *This is also the only water access for the tent loops.
RV sites have full hookups. Tent sites have only a leveled, gravel tent pad, picnic table and standing grill. Only stove fires were permitted at our visit due to open fire restrictions.
Tent sites are separated by scrub brush, which offered partial privacy between most sites, but you will hear your neighbors. The outer tent sites back up to a residential area, with a fence separating. Bring earplugs for undisturbed sleeping, as road noise from Route 14 can be heard, along with local dogs randomly in the distance.
At $20 a night, the campground is convenient and sufficiently met our needs as we traveled west on a tight itinerary.
Shower tokens are provided with your nightly fee. Each token gives you 7 minutes of shower time.
There is plenty to do nearby, with bike trails and hiking trails…though nothing of particular interest in the campground itself.
The bustling city of Albuquerque is the next exit west, so you are still very close to shopping, eateries, and nightlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Ponderosa, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Ponderosa, NM is Albuquerque KOA Journey with a 3.9-star rating from 45 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Ponderosa, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Ponderosa, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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