Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Ribera, NM
Villanueva State Park Campground accepts pets throughout its riverfront camping area, offering both developed sites with electric hookups and primitive tent areas where dogs can accompany their owners. The park features picnic shelters, water access, and restrooms with showers while maintaining a pet-friendly environment along the Pecos River. Several campsites provide direct river access where dogs can wade in the water during warmer months. Santa Fe KOA, Las Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey, and Rancheros de Santa Fe also welcome pets with designated areas for dog walking. Some campers report their pets particularly enjoyed the hiking trails along the ridge at Villanueva, with the Vista Trail offering moderate terrain suitable for active dogs.
The Santa Fe National Forest offers dispersed camping options where leashed pets can explore undeveloped areas with their owners. Dogs must be kept under control at all sites, particularly at Villanueva State Park where wildlife including squirrels and chipmunks are abundant. Campers note the gates at Villanueva close at either 7pm or 9pm depending on season, so arriving with pets before closing time is essential. The nearby town of Villanueva provides limited services, though some campgrounds like the KOAs offer pet-friendly cabins for those seeking more comfortable accommodations with animals. Weather considerations include potentially hot summer temperatures requiring extra water for pets, while spring brings windy conditions that might disturb nervous dogs.
