Best Tent Camping near Rio Rancho, NM

The Cibola National Forest surrounding Rio Rancho, New Mexico offers numerous primitive tent camping opportunities within a short drive. Dispersed Camping off FS 542 provides secluded tent campsites in the Sandia Mountains, approximately 20 miles east of Rio Rancho. Mother Bosque Gardens offers a unique urban tent camping experience with two private tent sites in a garden setting near the Rio Grande River. For more remote backcountry tent camping, Ojito Wilderness provides primitive sites about 30 miles northwest of Rio Rancho, though access requires navigating rough dirt roads.

Road conditions vary significantly across these tent camping areas. Dispersed sites along Forest Service Road 542 require careful navigation due to rutted, potholed surfaces. According to reviews, "You definitely need something high-clearance with 4x4 as there are large ruts on either side, potholes, and large rocks." Most sites feature established fire rings but lack amenities like water or toilets. Tent campers should arrive during daylight hours to locate designated sites, as rangers may ticket those camping in unmarked areas. At higher elevations (approximately 7,500 feet), temperatures can drop to freezing at night even during summer months, requiring appropriate cold-weather gear.

The tent-only experience in these areas offers notable solitude and natural beauty. Campers at FS 542 report excellent stargazing opportunities and peaceful nights. One visitor noted, "It was quiet at night and the stars were epic." Walk-in tent sites located farther from access roads provide additional privacy. Sites in the Sandia Mountains feature scattered tree cover providing partial shade, while Ojito Wilderness offers more exposed desert camping with panoramic views. Wildlife sightings are common, with reports of coyotes, snakes, and various small mammals. Cell service is surprisingly good at many sites due to nearby towers, making these primitive tent camping areas accessible yet remote enough for a genuine outdoor experience.

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Best Tent Sites Near Rio Rancho, New Mexico (12)

    1. Mother Bosque Gardens

    6 Reviews
    Albuquerque, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 688-9721

    $45 - $50 / night

    "Upon arrival, they gave us the tour, and even offered to share a bowl of the aromatic soup simmering upon their stove."

    "Airbnb for tent camping, overnight parking for van camping, full access to home amenities - this was exactly what we needed for a one night stop."

    2. Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    26 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    "When you turn into Juan Tomas (FS 542) Rd - be sure to go straight down nearly to the very end of the road. You’ll see signs marking campsites (refer to photos). Sites were large with fire rings."

    "There are multiple site identified with lot signs and fire rings. Some of the spots are Easier to access than others. Be prepared for a road that in rough shape."

    3. Ojito Wilderness

    2 Reviews
    Jemez Pueblo, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    4. Continental Acres RV Park

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    Albuquerque, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 345-5582

    5. Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

    4 Reviews
    Ponderosa, NM
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-3304

    "A bit less traveled than other nearby campground. Road almost more accessible to this camp ground for low clearance. Might scrape a bit going up final ramp to Cedro peak one, but not terribly either."

    "Have to drive up the forest service road off the pavement. A little rough but I have a lifted outback no issues! Highly recommended."

    6. Deadman Campground

    1 Review
    Ponderosa, NM
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    7. American Springs

    4 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    42 miles

    "Just sad to see bullet casings litter ground and these trees that survived the most intense fire in new mexico are being shot up and destroyed. Shame on anyone doing this"

    "Any SUV could handle it but being in an extended length van limits where I can go. Very peaceful with a nice view down the canyon. Elk grazing below were the cherry on top."

    8. Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    42 miles
    Website

    "The road is a bit rough, but easy access and close enough to the lake that I drove over to kayak after setting up camp."

    "This campsite is beautiful and right next to the lake. Perfect for some chill camping. There are multiple clearing along this road. Each one is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups."

    9. Scaramanga Ranch

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    Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (424) 279-4370

    $45 - $65 / night

    10. Forest Service Road Large Camp

    1 Review
    San Mateo, NM
    47 miles

    "This spot is fairly wide open spacious, right off the Continental Divide Trail, and has two fire rings. You can drive to this location Via forest service road 456 until it turns into FSR 239."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Rio Rancho, NM

567 Reviews of 12 Rio Rancho Campgrounds


  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 3, 2024

    Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument

    Fascinating National Monument in Northern New Mexico

    This was our first time at this lovely National Monument and we simply loved it. The campground was small with only a few spaces for bigger rigs, but we fit without any problem. Love those small spaces! 

    The campground is perched on the mesa above the monument’s protected dwellings, artifacts and trails at the valley. You can get there by walking about 2.5 miles from the campground along a stunning trail, or driving around the road. We simply loved hiking here, choosing a different way each day over the four days we were there.  So much to explore!

    Campsites have the standard picnic table, bear box locker, and fire ring. The trees were mostly shorter scrub junipers and other high desert trees so there was lots of sunshine for solar powered rig, but no electrical service at any sites.  Nice privacy between sites.

    The bathrooms were clean, heated, and had flush toilets and running sinks with potable water, plus a small dish cleaning sink, but no showers. 

    The Visitor Center is an awesome CCC structure from back during the depression as are many of the hiking trails in the valley.   We were here for Halloween, so carved our pumpkins in memory and celebration of the people who lived here so many years ago.

    Nearby Los Alamos has all the services you need as far as supplies, services and restaurants. But if you can plan your hike to end before 4pm, the cafe at the VC is really worth it!!

  • Damon T.
    Jun. 24, 2016

    Fourth of July Campground

    Clean campground with access to great fall foliage

    The Fourth of July Campground provides a starting point for hiking 4th of July Canyon, which is a must-do for anyone in NM in the fall.

    The campground itself is pretty standard: gravel pad, fire ring and a picnic table. The sites are a little close together, so don't expect too much privacy. We found one that had a flat spot up the hill a bit so we almost felt like we were alone, but the neighbors barking dogs when I went to the bathroom in the AM brought me quickly back to reality.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Redondo Campground

    Set back in the pines

    A nice campground set north of the town of Jemenz Springs. There was a fire ban in place and the Forest Service was planning on closing the entire forest the morning after I showed up. I had enough time to camp and get in one hike to a social spring before they came through and closed everything up for safety. The campground was nice, but there was no water available (it had been shut off in preparation for the closure). The campsites were nice and well spaced with lots of pine trees around each site, so there was a lot of privacy. There was an abundance of pine needle duff covering the ground which would have been great until you considered the fire danger. Each site had a picnic table and fire pit (with bright tape over it to remind you not to use it).

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 24, 2025

    Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    Why not camp just a bit further out on Buckman Road?

    Given the area described has piles of trash and little else to recommend it, it seems a shame to be close to gorgeous wilderness and stare at rubbish.

    Head out just a bit further and turn onto the well maintained dirt Buckman road?  There are canyons to explore and access to the Rio grande at the road's end, offering water in an area with next to none otherwise. 

    If these lowlands are too hot in the summer, drive up Artist Road to Big Tesuque or the ski-way at the end of the road, where shade, cold streams, and elevation keep nights pleasant even in July or August. 

    You won't be any further from Santa Fe, although it can take awhile to drive from the river or ski-way to town if you park as far away as possible.  

    All of the above sites have fire rings and vault toilets, and Big Tesuque and the ski-way have some sites with picnic tables as well.  Firewood can be scavenged, especially if one gets away from the immediate campsite area.

  • Day Hiker Chronicles
    Sep. 30, 2019

    Fourth of July Campground

    Solid sites but nothing special

    This was our first time camping in the Manzanos. The campsites are well made with a picnic table and fire ring. There isn’t a tent pad but all of the spots have a nice section of relatively flat ground. There are several vault toilets spread through the site. Cost is $7 per night. There is no water source at or near the campsites so make sure to bring enough for your stay. The campground is clean and well maintained. The sites are relatively close together but the campsite wasn’t crowded. The road in is a forest road. SUV’s will be fine but starting to push it for cars. You can walk from the sites to the Fourth of July trail

  • Roxy V.
    Jun. 6, 2020

    Albuquerque KOA Journey

    Nice Campground

    We stayed here only overnight as part of our cross-country trip. Overall, nice for a quick stay but would not for an extended visit.

    Pros: Everyone there was friendly and accomodating. They have personel maintaining the gate 24/7. Restrooms & showers were clean. They offer RV sites, cabin rentals (which we were told they were all booked but saw no one there- possibly closed due to pandemic though), and tent sites. We tent camp. The site had a fire ring, picnic table, a shaded area, and is covered in pea gravel. The shaded area is not waterproof or "fully" covered. But seems it would help with the heat to provide some shaded comfort. It rained the night we were there, and I was unable to get all of our tent spikes into the ground for our rainfall (think there may have been concrete a few inches below). If you are staying for an extended time, I recommend bringing a tarp that you can tie to the shaded area to help with heat / rain. Each tent site is separated by a privacy wall (see pic). The best part was the sunrise! Absolutely stunning as you are literally at the base of the mountains. You just have to ignore the giant Geico billboard on highway in your view.

    Cons: EVERY review will tell you about the noise from highway, and it is no joke!! We were so tired we did not care. But it is BAD! If you are looking for peace and quiet - THIS IS NOT THE PLACE! You can see the highway wall in my pics. It appeared to be in what seemed as "not the best part of town". It is fully gated 24/7 which I appreciate, but makes you wonder where you are staying. However, we did not have any issues, and the few people we saw were all very polite. We arrived later in the evening and ran out to get a quick bite, but everything closes at 9p so be mindful.

    Pandemic note: We stayed here 6/1/20-6/2/20. Everyone was wearing masks, VERY mindful of social distancing, and you could not even go in to the office - they come out to you.

    I would recommend this only as a quick stop-over / last option campground.

  • Katriza L.
    Jul. 23, 2021

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Very clean but no shade

    We stayed at the Buffalo Grove Site #66 for one night. If you have an RV/trailer, Buffalo Grove is the best loop as all have 30/50 Amp, city water hookup, covered table, lantern and paved sites. There are other loops in the campground that may have 50 amp and no water or 15/30 amp with water and gravel. The Juniper loop requires a 100ft hose for shared spigots.

    Some sites in Buffalo Grove are drive through or back-in. Decent space between camps and some privacy but there’s not a lot of large shrubs, extremely scarce actually and no trees whatsoever making all sites at this campground super hot with full sun. We were praying for the rain to come. There are tent sites available but I can’t imagine withstanding this kind of heat in July. We hardly saw anyone hanging outside during the day.

    According to their map, there should be a playground right behind our site but it is nonexistent and clearly has been for some time and they’ve never updated their maps for it. The check-in was quick and simple, they gave us a map to our site and they were very friendly! The bathroom and shower facility close to our campsite was very clean and showers are free. There’s working water fountains outside of the bathroom. There’s no sewer hookups but there are two dump stations with water near the campground host location just outside of the Buffalo grove loop. There are no stores or laundry facilities inside the campground however if you drive past this campground you’ll find a mini mart, gas station, and laundry place.

    If you go down to the boat ramp there’s covered picnic tables right off the shoreline with a bathroom on the left and you can walk on the shoreline to the right and find several picnic tables with no shade. The fishing and swimming are down a different road and the swimming area is by far the most popular area. They don’t allow pets here (at swimming area, OK at campgrounds) and there was literally no one fishing (unless you’re on a boat)!

    Alcohol is not permitted and currently there’s fire restrictions that are not allowing fires (wood or charcoal, but propane is fine) though there are no fire rings in the Buffalo Grove area, not sure if that’s the case for other loops.

    Tent Rocks is about 5 minutes away but they are currently closed. The crest dam road is also currently closed at this time. Overall a great stay, we would come back - preferably in the spring!

  • Jennifer  A.
    Oct. 6, 2021

    Red Canyon Campground

    Nice Campground, loud nighttime visitors

    There are vault toilets, trash bins, and bear boxes. This campground is nice with sites for RV and tent camping. We camped here one night with our scout troop. I did have spotty T-Mobile service, others had phone service as well but I’m not sure of their provider. We had a great night with a campfire and a good view of the stars and moon. All was well until someone started illegally cutting down trees at 2 in the morning. After an annoying couple of hours they were gone, most of our group were wide awake and tried to go back to sleep. We stayed at the site till afternoon with no other problems, just a group of tired scouts.

  • Heather Y.
    Apr. 18, 2018

    Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument

    Great Rustic Camping in Bandelier National Park

    There are 3 loops in the campground with various sized spots and amount of shade. We were initially drawn to loop C but there was a group that had 8-10 cars in two camping spots so we opted for loop B instead. We found a great spot with trees to hang our hammocks while still being able to keep our solar panels in the sun.

    There are trail heads that are a short walk from the campground including a 1.5 mile trail to the visitor center

    The spots have picnic table and fire rings, there is potable water and vault toilets throughout the campground as well as a dump station at the entrance/exit. You pay at an automated machine at the entrance, in April there were plenty of spots to chose from and the campground was probably about 50% full. Cost is $12/night.


Guide to Rio Rancho

Tent camping near Rio Rancho, New Mexico offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tent campers should check out Mother Bosque Gardens

  • Experience a beautiful garden setting at Mother Bosque Gardens, where you can enjoy amenities like showers and picnic tables.
  • This well-reviewed spot allows pets, making it a great choice for families traveling with furry friends.
  • With only six sites available, you can expect a peaceful atmosphere and generous hosts who provide a welcoming environment.

Local activities to enjoy while camping

  • Explore the nearby trails and stunning landscapes at Ojito Wilderness, where you can hike and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
  • For a more adventurous experience, check out Coyote Trailhead, which offers access to hiking trails and the chance to spot local wildlife.
  • If you're looking for a quiet retreat, Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District provides a serene environment with plenty of trails for hiking and biking.

Tips for tent camping near Rio Rancho

  • Be prepared for rough roads when heading to Dispersed Camping off FS 542, as some areas may require a vehicle with higher clearance.
  • Bring your own water and supplies to Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site, as amenities are limited, but the peaceful surroundings make it worthwhile.
  • For those seeking a more social atmosphere, Scaramanga Ranch offers a variety of accommodations and communal spaces, perfect for meeting fellow campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rio Rancho, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rio Rancho, NM is Mother Bosque Gardens with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Rio Rancho, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Rio Rancho, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.