Camping options around the Rincon area cater to equestrians and non-horse owners alike, with elevations ranging from 6,000-7,000 feet creating moderate temperatures even in summer months. Wild horses are common in the region's higher elevations, particularly at dispersed camping sites where they often approach campsites during early morning hours. Seasonal considerations include spring winds that can reach 40+ mph and summer monsoon storms that typically arrive in afternoons.
What to do
Trail riding access: At RV Park at HIPICO Santa Fe, campers can explore surrounding public lands on horseback. As one camper noted, "This is a very spacious private campground southwest of Santa Fe with access to public land. Located 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe."
Wildlife viewing: The Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site offers opportunities to see wild horses. A visitor shared, "Woke up in the morning to a heard of wild horses moving through the area." Another camper mentioned, "My first morning I was surrounded by a group of 5 cows grazing. They ended up laying 30 feet from the trailer all morning."
Stargazing: Dark skies make this region ideal for astronomy. One camper at Top of New Mexico noted, "This is a perfect hidden gem for campervanning... And, you can clearly see the Milky Way. No light pollution except the beautiful view of the city far away."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Visitors appreciate the maintained restrooms at Turquoise Trail Campground. One camper remarked, "They have showers (limited to 5 mins but better than nothing!), they have dishwashing stations and two bathhouses."
Camping variety: Campers enjoy the diverse accommodation options. A reviewer at Turquoise Trail Campground said, "They had RV, cabins and tent camp sites. My friend and I are tent campers and there was more than enough space for the vehicle and both our tents."
Mountain landscapes: The natural surroundings draw visitors to equestrian camping areas near Rincon. A camper at Red Canyon Campground shared, "Very green and lush with deer visiting our site at dusk!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Some horse-friendly camping areas have challenging access. At Top of New Mexico, a camper warned: "Pretty rough getting here as neighbors are sabotaging the road making it narrow using loose gravel & boulders on turns. There is now a locked gate on Palomino to keep non-locals out!"
Seasonal variations: The Manzano Mountains Camp weather affects campground conditions. A camper noted: "Gets muddy if it rains" and another mentioned the area is "very wooded. Could get muddy when it rains."
Facility limitations: Many dispersed sites lack amenities. A visitor to Top of New Mexico reported: "Don't arrive when it's dark. Not much going on, no fire rings, no wild horses to wake up to. Maybe it was too cold for the horses."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When camping with kids near Rincon, consider Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel. A camper mentioned, "There's a playground for the kids and possibly some horses in the stables."
Kid-friendly trails: Red Canyon Campground offers suitable hiking paths for children. A visitor shared: "Beautiful secluded spot in the Manzanos. Nice kid-friendly trails adjacent to the campground."
Unique lodging experiences: For families seeking special accommodations with horse-friendly options, consider RavenHouse RV Spot and Horse Hotel. A camper described, "We stayed one night in the TeePee which was just magical and cozy, a mini vacay inside of our otherwise rustic van camping trip!"
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site advantages: Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel offers convenient parking. A visitor noted: "Roomy, pull-through parking. The slides and awning were fully extended without getting close to the adjacent sites."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies by location. At Red Canyon Campground, a camper reported: "I did get a phone call while using the bathroom in the lower campground." At Top of New Mexico, someone mentioned: "Great Starlink location and pretty good cell service (3/4 bars)."
Plan for self-sufficiency: Come prepared to horse campgrounds near Rincon. At Top of New Mexico, a camper advised: "Pretty isolated from supplies, which is the charm, but come prepared."
