Best Tent Camping near Rio Rancho, NM

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Rio Rancho, look no further. The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Rio Rancho, New Mexico's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Rio Rancho, NM (13)

    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens
    Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens
    Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens
    Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens
    Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens
    Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens

    2. Mother Bosque Gardens

    6 Reviews
    93 Photos
    42 Saves
    Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Mother Bosque Garden , in Albuquerque , NM USA 87107

    We are on Google, and Google Maps, easy to find. We are in the North valley , in the Griegos neighborhood .

    Urban Organic Permaculture in an Urban / Suburban Setting, We are 2 miles East of the Rio Grande River. and walking, bike paths . The paths starts at our neighborhood.

    contact , Michaela and Ernesto Maestas . 505 688 9721, text is best

    6 camp sites only , 8 x 8 is the largest tent . $45- per night, 2 adults . 2 Inside rooms too.

    NO RVs , We take vans, cars , truck, bikes . You may sleep in your van , truck or car.

    We are NOT an RV park . We are Not a camp- ground. We are organic gardens .

    Urban Permaculture, with Fruit trees , flowers, cactus and herbs.

    We are a wildlife safety zone , we feed birds and provide water .

    A Clean shared bathroom , inside toilet / shower , includes towels, soap , shampoo.

    We have a shared kitchen / laundry room you can use . we ask for $3- to do laundry , cash .

    We are 7 Mins. from Route 40 and 25.

    No smoking, no drugs , no parties , dog friendly , 420 ok.

    We are 10 mins. from Old town and 15 mins. from Downtown .

    We are close to the Rio Grande Nature Center .

    There are gas stations and stores within a 2 mins. drive .

    We are one hour to Santa Fe , NM and 3 hours to Taos, NM.

    We are 2 hours to T or C, NM and 5 hours to Silver City , NM .

    We are dog friendly, must be on a leash and please clean up poo. We will give you bags .

    We have trash cans, and recycling and compost.

    Our tent sites are private , if you choose to sleep in your van or car , you are in a parking area but may use the house and gardens . There is a public pool , 2 mins, from the house . A city pool , that is awesome.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $45 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ojito Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Ojito Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Ojito Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Ojito Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Ojito Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Ojito Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

    4. Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    36 Saves
    Ponderosa, New Mexico

    Please consult the Manzanita Mountains Trail System Map to find a dispersed site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd555098.pdf

    Look for Motorized Dispersed Camping info in the bottom left portion of the map. **When looking for the Dispersed Camping Sites, look for small, rectangular boxes with a site number in it and a pointer that directs you to the site.

    There are NO AMENITIES at these sites. Cell phone coverage is not guaranteed. It is the recreationist’s responsibility to use a map if you choose to explore the area. It is a multi-user area. Trail(s) that are associated with each dispersed site are open for the following uses: Hiking, Mountain Biking, 2 Wheel Motorized Vehicles and Horseback Riding.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site

    5. Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    25 Saves
    Tijeras, New Mexico

    Individual BLM Field Offices may have additional or supplemental special camping rules or guidelines. Please call our Field Offices or visit our individual recreation websites for this information.

    BLM's overall policy is to allow dispersed camping on all the lands it administers with the following conditions and exceptions:

    Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public lands in New Mexico for no more than a period of 14 days within any period of 28 consecutive days. The 14-day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28-day period. After this time period, you must relocate to another site at least 25 miles away. The purpose of this is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas.

    Camping is prohibited within 900 feet of any developed water source such as a guzzler or watering trough so that the water is accessible to wildlife and livestock. Please do not park your vehicles near these waters or take any actions that would disturb wildlife or livestock from using these waters.

    Campfires must be attended at all times. Campers must comply with all fire restrictions.

    When using a motorized vehicle for camping access please park your vehicle near existing roads or existing undeveloped campsites.

    Camping is permitted within all units of the National Wilderness Preservation System administered by the BLM in New Mexico. However, all motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment are strictly prohibited in these areas. Campers must not dispose of refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or gray water, in any manner that would pollute the surrounding area. Please pack it out, and dispose of those materials properly.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Trailhead

    6. Coyote Trailhead

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    13 Saves
    Tijeras, New Mexico
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from New Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from New Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from New Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from New Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from New Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from New Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
      • No image available
      Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Rio Rancho

      498 Reviews of 13 Rio Rancho Campgrounds


      • WThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Kirtland AFB FamCamp
        Nov. 11, 2024

        Kirtland AFB FamCamp

        Solid Campground

        Solid RV-focused campground. Half under trees and half in the open. Two bathhouses, laundry, and a dog park make this a nice, safe place to spend a couple of days.

      • James W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Trailer Ranch RV Resort
        Nov. 5, 2024

        Trailer Ranch RV Resort

        Policy does not client

        The place was clean. Our issues were two.

        1. The strong smell of marijuana is due to their neighborhood store that makes and sells the stuff.
        2. Only pay for 2 days at a time or know your time period. We had bad weather approaching and they did not seem to care about our safety but only their policy. The people next to us had the same issue.

        WiFi is weak but cell was ok not great.

      • L
        Camper-submitted photo from Albuquerque KOA Journey
        Oct. 31, 2024

        Albuquerque KOA Journey

        Great stay great staff

        Drove in very very late at night and was helped in through staff member. Told us everything we needed to know…great 24 hour service.

      • Naoshad Z.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
        Oct. 29, 2024

        Dispersed Camping off FS 542

        Easily accessible with peace and quiet. Decent views as well!

        Road is easily traversed but would be more comfortable in a truck/suv. Some rough rutted areas after rains when I went. There are plenty of spots to pull of to along the side of the road. Designated areas with fire pits are bit difficult/narrow to get to if you are towing anything.

      • William B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Albuquerque KOA Journey
        Oct. 22, 2024

        Albuquerque KOA Journey

        Albuquerque KOA: Great Stay Near Dutch Bros Coffee & Cheddar's

        Albuquerque KOA Journey is a great spot for a camping trip, offering clean facilities, kid-friendly amenities, and easy access to nearby attractions. After a day of exploring, treat yourself to Dutch Bros Coffee for a refreshing pick-me-up. Their diverse Dutch Bros menu with prices offers everything from cold brews to blended drinks. For dinner, head over to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. Their Cheddar's menu features hearty, home-cooked meals like ribs, steaks, and gluten-free options, perfect for satisfying any craving after a long day outdoors.

      • W
        Camper-submitted photo from Albuquerque KOA Journey
        Oct. 20, 2024

        Albuquerque KOA Journey

        Unforgettable Camping Adventures in Albuquerque

        Albuquerque is a fantastic destination for camping enthusiasts. With a wide variety of hiking trails and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The numerous campgrounds offer various amenities and site types, making it easy to find the perfect spot for your needs. Plus, the stunning scenery ranging from the Sandia Mountains to the Rio Grande provides a breathtaking backdrop for your adventures. If you are looking for an exciting camping experience, Albuquerque is definitely worth a visit wnjoy Cheddars Food at your adventure.

      • David T.
        Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Valley RV park
        Oct. 17, 2024

        Hidden Valley RV park

        Definitely NOT as advertised. I do not recommend.

        Run down park, not very well maintained at all. The pictures used on their website are very misleading. Their "Recreation Hall" was disgusting. Dirty carpets, paint cans in the sink, just filthy dirty! The bathrooms were very clean at the bath house. The dog park was disgusting with the trash can there overflowing. Very disappointed and will not be staying at this dump again!

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
        Oct. 14, 2024

        Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

        Partial closure and absolute dump

        This place sufficed due to the need to have somewhere for the night, if we had the chance we’d have gone somewhere else. Massive piles of trash everywhere, sites strewn with people’s leftover garbage from camping there.

        Due to its close proximity to the landfill, it was extremely loud during the morning from around 7am onwards.

        There was a partial closure banning camping in a section of the landfill, which was incredibly difficult to figure out where we could camp, as the map is not clear at all,

        Coyotes at night were really cool.

        Overall disappointing but glad we managed somewhere to sleep for the night

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post
        Oct. 10, 2024

        Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post

        Great in a pinch or any other time

        Well appointed RV park for trailer/RV. Little close to I-40 but sound is not that bad. Picnic table, shade trees, pool, hot tub. Even accept mailing ahead(like Amazon)

        Very friendly staff. Great for the balloon fiesta

      • WThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Coronado Campground
        Oct. 9, 2024

        Coronado Campground

        Love the area, some live-ins need to go

        Excellent location and views, just need some lo g term resident clean up or eviction at entrance. We stayed for one night. Great set up and next to a brewery/restaurant in wish we would have visited. Clean bathrooms and nice sites.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel
        Oct. 6, 2024

        Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel

        Overall Nice CG

        This is an overall nice CG. Gravel roadways and relatively level pull through sites. Good FHUs. When we arrived, the office was closed. We reserved E010 but were told to pick any open space in the "A" row. There were quite a few long-term residents. The conditions were very dry and dusty. No shade trees, but the pines planted will eventually provide. This was a great CG for our overnight stay. We would stay here again.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel
        Sep. 17, 2024

        Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel

        Normal

        Perfect for an overnight stop, quiet, clean, there are several long term residents which is not reflected on the online booking system, most overnighters stay in row A. The playground was nice for our daughter

      • A
        Camper-submitted photo from Vista Linda Campground — Santa Fe National Forest
        Sep. 13, 2024

        Vista Linda Campground — Santa Fe National Forest

        Great Campground!

        We just happened upon this 1st come 1st serve campground & so glad we did! The camp host "Brad" was so very nice & helpful. He gave us info on all the things to do and see in the Jamez area (which is alot)  Our campsite #12 was really nice. It has a large covered pavilion (not all sites have the covered pavilions) with oversized picnic table & a short path down to a private area at the Jamez River (which is really more like a creek) from our site. We left our chairs down there & frequently enjoyed relaxing there. The area is scenic & campground was very clean. There are water pumps outside the bathrooms. The cost for us was $5 per night using our America the Beautiful Senior Pass. This is a great home base for visiting the area. Would defiantly visit again!

      • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
        Aug. 17, 2024

        Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

        Good in a pinch

        Plenty of spots and easy to get to. The only catch is you will need to find a spot away from the multiple large piles of trash.

        The surrounding area was pretty and sunset was great!

      • Benjamin M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens
        Jul. 26, 2024

        Mother Bosque Gardens

        Beautiful garden, great living hosts

        I stayed for four days at Moss Gardens in Albuquerque. My host were really generous, easy-going helpful. The garden is really beautiful, their house is very clean and tidy. I was able to shower and come out when I was sick. I got to rest on the couch for a little while. They offered us their kitchen. Overall, it was really great to stay there. Very affordable. I highly recommend..

      • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe Skies RV Park
        Jul. 23, 2024

        Santa Fe Skies RV Park

        Great location and RV Park

        The location is close to stores and restaurants that are about 10 minutes away...that we needed after discovering a damaged tire. The front desk recommended a tire store that was just north of the park. Thank you...The park has been set up nicely. The sites are a bit tight from the adjoining sites. Site were level and all the hook ups worked without issue. The location made for an hour's drive to Los Alamos and Bandelier national monument. Both great visits if you haven't been there before.

      • 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.

      • M
        Camper-submitted photo from Peace Farms
        Jul. 8, 2024

        Peace Farms

        Stayed here after a long July 4th weekend in 2024, couldn’t be happier !

        Fay was a great host, amazing spot for rural camping and cheap as heck too! Loved every part of my stay, thanks for running such a top notch operation!

      • Josh K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
        Jul. 8, 2024

        Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed

        Secluded clearings with plenty of room

        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. The clearings are far enough apart that you can make some noise without bothering the other campers. You need a bit of clearance to be able to drive the road but not much as my Crosstrek did it great. Even on July 4th this site wasn’t busy. We only saw one other camper since most people choose to pay for a campground right on the lake

      • E
        Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Valley RV park
        Jul. 7, 2024

        Hidden Valley RV park

        Mismanaged & Poorly Maintained Dump

        I feel bad for anyone who gets tricked into staying here - the website says it’s a beautiful resort with amenities you would find at a retreat, but in reality the place is a ghetto rv park for longtermers that is falling apart. It’s gross & trashy, with most of the “amenities” broken and dirty and the basic utilities malfunctioning. 

        Most sites are extremely narrow, short & unlevel, with barely enough room to pull in and definitely not enough for awnings, slides, steps or your car. Most of the larger sites are occupied by people who live there or are double occupancy so you can't pull-thru. There are no fire rings or picnic tables- if you want to sit outside you have to put your chairs in the road, very close to neighbors.

        There are very few 50 amp sites and many electric boxes exhibit signs of fire & melting. Breakers blow with a minimal load and some areas of the park have repeat blackouts. Sewage hookups and water spigots are on opposite sides, shared with neighbors and water pressure is very low. 

        There are frequent water leaks under the ground, making it's drinkability questionable. It also gets shut off for long periods of time without warning. There are septic tanks randomly scattered all over the property that are very smelly and some sites have sewage leaking out onto the ground. 

        Most signage is faded or completely missing so good luck finding your site or even the campground. The road in and to upper lot are very steep and narrow - there's giant broken speedbumps and throughout the park there is no gravel so it's muddy with lots of potholes and deep ruts. The campground isn't visible from the interstate but you can still hear all the traffic.

        There are tons of signs that say that the speed limit is 5 mph and say Wrong Way, but people still speed without getting into trouble. When the road is dry it kicks up lots of dust, and with the limited space inside sites it seems dangerous to be outside with children and pets because there is no where to hang out but in the road.

        The grass was all dead and uncut with lots of very tall weeds everywhere. There are very pokey seedheads and goat heads that stick in your feet and get tracked into your RV. Pets walking there are in constant pain due to these pokeys sticking in their paws. Many trees were dead or dying, so be careful where you park because overhead branches could come tumbling down on your RV. Shade is hit or miss.

        There is very little to do at this RV park. There was a small basketball court with busted and dirt covered concrete, a tetherball pole with no ball, and a couple of broken picnic tables scattered about. The playground had a small swing set that is not anchored to the ground so the smallest amount of swinging can make it tip over. A short hiking trail that runs the length of the park has low hanging branches and big rocks that make walking it difficult.

        The swimming pool is bright green and closed, the clubhouse appeared to be empty other than belongings from a very smelly & messy homeless family that seemed to be living in it. It was extremely hot, as were all other indoor areas other than the office. All the bathrooms and showers are absolutely filthy, obviously not cleaned regularly, and smell like backed up sewage. The trashcans were overflowing and garbage blowing in the wind with trash lining the woods around the whole park.

        The dog park is covered in poop with no baggie dispenser and a trashcan piled high with bags of feces. The laundry room was dirty - all of the machines were old & several out of order. The only place in the RV park that was clean and not crumbling was the inside (outside looks rough) of the office, but it's basically empty and not a place to hang out.

        There are a couple of tent sites that are level but very close together - they have power, water and a picnic table but campfires are not permitted anywhere in the park. There are no tent or RV sites that are dry camping even though they advertise that there are. 

        All of the lights throughout the park are burnt out, so it's pitch black at night. With the large amount of ditches, holes, dirt piles, scattered rocks and trash debris everywhere it's dangerous to traverse at night. There are also lots of coyotes and snakes, so keep your kids and pets indoors at night. 

        All of the people employed (I'd say working but there is obviously NO work being done) there appear to be on meth. They act paranoid and sketchy, talking fast while grinding their teeth and unable to make eye contact. There were lots of people who looked homeless & high coming and going in broken down vehicles and hanging out with the managers, so it seemed like they were selling drugs out of the RV office.

        The office hours constantly change depending on when the druggie managers feel like opening it. Some mornings it's closed when it's supposed to be open, some nights they are in there until really late. The two of them do weird stuff at all hours, outside being loud in the middle of night and sound asleep in the middle of the day when they are supposed to be working. They are incredibly irresponsible and lazy, and seem to lack any skills or knowledge about RVs or park maintenance.

        This RV park was recently purchased by an investment company out of Texas and have nobody on the grounds making sure that things are running smoothly. They have not invested any money into repairs or improvements; previous owners allowed the property to decay, refusing to spend money on fixing anything or paying for decent help.

        Many visitors complain that the cost to stay ends up being MUCH higher than is advertised. All kinds of additional fees and taxes are tacked on so expect to pay 25-50% more than you were quoted when checking in. Discounts for being in various clubs may not be honored, changing all the time. 

        Crime and theft in the RV park were rare until the methhead managers took over and have attracted bad apples to the area. Now people associated with that lifestyle have free reign, taking over community spaces, sleeping in cars, being allowed to camp for free, and hanging out at the office, eyeballing your stuff.

        They smell awful and make nasty messes everywhere they go. You can see them digging through the trash in search of metals and spreading all of their broken belongings out. So I wouldn't leave your site unoccupied or anything of worth outside nowadays.  

        I really cannot recommend that anyone stay at this RV park, but especially if you are looking for a vacation spot because you will be extremely disappointed. Photos on the website must have been taken a long time ago during better days, and amenities advertised are now so broken down that they are no longer usable.

        It's really unfortunate that this RV park has fallen into disrepair and isn't being managed by capable people, because otherwise it's a great location surrounded by forest. It's close enough to Albuquerque and Edgewood for groceries, restaurants and entertainment, but far enough away to escape the hussle and bussle. The local mountain towns don't have much to offer but are quaint, and the campground is near to Sandia mountain and outdoor recreation like hiking.

      • mThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
        Jun. 21, 2024

        Dispersed Camping off FS 542

        Roads are a little rough

        Nice place to stop. I was the only one there. There’s a couple spots when you first get in, and then there’s more further up but the roads get worse. There were coyotes around.

      • Maya T.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from FR376 Dispersed
        Jun. 20, 2024

        FR376 Dispersed

        My Go-To

        I live in Albuquerque, and this road is one of my constant summer repeats. You got water, shade, privacy and an adventure. It's about 1.5 hours from Abq and it takes you through the Gilman Tunnels which is always a fun stop and view. The road is a little bumpy and rocky, but there's probably 100 dispersed camping spots. There's ones right on the river, in forrest spots or meadows, you choose! There are no bathrooms, water, or cell service. Everyone has got their spot in Jemez, but this road offers endless possibilities, for all types of 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 Dispersed Camping off FS 542 with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Rio Rancho, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.