Join the fun near Rio Rancho. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Rio Rancho, plus reviews and photos from other campers like 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.
Welcome to Turquoise Trail Campground, nestled near Cedar Crest, NM. This spot is a gem for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Albuquerque while still being close enough for a quick drive into the city. The campground is open year-round, making it a versatile choice for any season.
Turquoise Trail Campground offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and even glamping options. The campground is big-rig friendly and provides essential amenities like electric and water hookups, showers, and clean restrooms. Pets are welcome, but make sure to keep them on a leash.
Visitors have praised the peaceful and quaint atmosphere, with many noting the friendly and helpful staff. The campground is surrounded by pine and fir trees, providing plenty of shade and a serene environment. Picnic tables are available at each site, making it easy to enjoy a meal outdoors.
One of the standout features is the nearby grocery and general store, perfect for picking up any forgotten items. The campground also has a market on-site, adding to the convenience. For those who enjoy a campfire, firewood is available, and fires are allowed.
The campground's layout includes separate areas for tents and RVs, ensuring a comfortable experience for all types of campers. The sites are well-maintained, with level camp pads and plenty of trees for shade. Some reviewers mentioned the occasional car on the private road, but overall, the campground is quiet and relaxing.
Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the experience, Turquoise Trail Campground is a fantastic choice. With its beautiful surroundings, excellent amenities, and welcoming staff, it's no wonder visitors are eager to return.
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.
Paliza Campground sits beneath sandstone cliffs on the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest. The area is replete with culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Ample recreation opportunities exist at or near the campground, which makes it a wonderful outdoor destination.
Hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic drives are some of the popular activities enjoyed near the campground. Striking views of an ancient volcanic crater amid the rolling hills, can be seen from the Cerro Pelado Scenic Overlook, about 11 miles from the campground. Off-road vehicle trails and numerous hiking and mountain biking trails surround the campground.
Hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic drives are some of the popular activities enjoyed near the campground. Striking views of an ancient volcanic crater amid the rolling hills, can be seen from the Cerro Pelado Scenic Overlook, about 11 miles from the campground. Off-road vehicle trails and numerous hiking and mountain biking trails surround the campground.
The newly refurbished campground sits in a forested area at the top of a hill with views of the Jemez Valley below. It was originally the site of a 1930s Civilian Convservation Corps base camp. Remnants of that camp, including log lean-to's and adirondack shelters with rock fireplaces, can be found within the campground. A small stream runs alongside the campground and sandstone cliffs on the nearby mesas provide excellent photographic and sightseeing opportunities. A small tract of private land is located north of the campground and common courtesy is appreciated.
The campground is located five miles northeast of the town of Ponderosa, New Mexico, an area known for its vineyards and winery with a tasting room. The Jemez Pueblo and the Walatowa Visitor Center, both of which provide rewarding cultural experiences, are just 11 miles from the campground in the town of Jemez. The quaint community offers shopping and dining opportunities, as well as a variety of recreational opportunities.
$34 - $50 / 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
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.
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
Ponderosa Group Campground is located 6 miles (9.7 km) from the park's main entrance and is an ideal place to stay for large groups visiting Bandelier National Monument. The campground is adjacent to Ponderosa Trailhead providing access to more than 70 miles (113 km) of hiking trails and is just a short drive from the Visitor Center, the Frijoles Canyon Shuttle System (mid-May to mid-October), and the town of Los Alamos, Valles Caldera National Preserve, Manhattan Project National Historic Site, and the Santa Fe National Forest.__ Ponderosa Group Campground is open year-round (water is only available from mid-May to mid-October). Same-day reservations are not permitted.____ Frijoles Canyon and the park Visitor Center are accessible only by shuttle bus from mid-May to mid-October. The shuttle bus system stops at the Bandelier Visitor Center, Juniper Campground, and the White Rock Visitor Center in the town of White Rock. Outside of the designated shuttle bus period, visitors may access all park areas by private vehicle.__ Public events are prohibited at Ponderosa Campground. Private events that adhere to campsite capacity limits, may be permitted after obtaining a special use permit. Visit the park's Permits & Reservations web page or call (505) 672-3861 ext. 1102.
Accessible from Ponderosa Group Campground, the Ponderosa Trail descends into the park through ponderosa pine forest and connects to many other trails including the Middle Frijoles Trails which leads 8 miles (13 km) through Frijoles Canyon to the Visitor Center and Main Loop Trail.____ The Visitor Center houses museum exhibits, park film, information and ranger programs, Western National Parks Association sales outlet, and more.__ Entrance to Frijoles Canyon and the Visitor Center is by shuttle bus only from mid-May to mid-October. These areas are accesibile by private vehicle outside the shuttle bus period.Although rock climbing is prohibited within Bandelier National Monument, many popular climbs are within a short drive up Route 4 into the Jemez Mountains.
Accessible from Ponderosa Group Campground, the Ponderosa Trail descends into the park through ponderosa pine forest and connects to many other trails including the Middle Frijoles Trails which leads 8 miles (13 km) through Frijoles Canyon to the Visitor Center and Main Loop Trail.____ The Visitor Center houses museum exhibits, park film, information and ranger programs, Western National Parks Association sales outlet, and more.__ Entrance to Frijoles Canyon and the Visitor Center is by shuttle bus only from mid-May to mid-October. These areas are accesibile by private vehicle outside the shuttle bus period.Although rock climbing is prohibited within Bandelier National Monument, many popular climbs are within a short drive up Route 4 into the Jemez Mountains.
Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres (13,355 ha) of rugged, beautiful canyon and mesa country which features evidence of human presence going back over 11,000 years. Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities.____ Bandelier National Monument sits at the southern end of the Pajarito (Spanish for "little bird") Plateau. The plateau was formed by two eruptions 1.6 and 1.4 million years ago. Home to the Bandelier Wilderness, Bandelier ranges from 5340 feet (1628 m) at the Rio Grande River to the south and 10,199 feet (3109 m) at the summit of Cerro Grande to the north, almost a mile (1.6 km) of elevation change in just under 12 miles (19 km). This elevation gradient creates a unique diversity of habitats specific to Northern New Mexico. The diversity of habitats and quick access to water supported a relatively large population of Ancestral Pueblo people. Currently, Pi__on-Juniper woodlands dominate in the southern parts of the park transitioning through ponderosa pine savannahs and forests, finally reaching mixed conifer forests at the highest elevation. Scattered throughout the park are desert grasslands, montane meadows, and riparian areas in the canyon bottoms. Over 70 miles (113 km) of trails at Bandelier climb in and out of deep canyons and cross large flat mesas, showcasing the entire spectrum of volcanic geology and ecosystems found within the park.The park is home to over 55 species of mammals including mule deer, Abert's squirrels, mountain lions, black bears, and 16 species of bats. Reptiles and amphibians of all shapes and sizes can be seen. Birds such as Steller's jays, canyon towhees and mountain chickadees stay year-round, whereas turkey vultures, western tanagers, and black-headed grosbeaks are summer residents.
The town of Los Alamos has shopping, museums, amenities, a movie theater, ice rink, ski hill, and is home to the Los Alamos unit of Manhattan Project National Historic Site.____ Nearby Department of Energy and US Forest Service lands provide trails which accommodate pets. Valles Caldera National Preserve is 16 miles (26 km) west of Bandelier.__ Jemez Historic Site is 37 miles (60 km) west. Pecos National Historical Park is 70 miles (113 km) southeast.__ Santa Fe, 40 miles (64 km) south of the park, is home to the New Mexico state capitol, museums, historic districts, art galleries, food, accomodations, and more.__
$50 / 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Rio Rancho, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Rio Rancho, NM is Albuquerque KOA Journey with a 3.9-star rating from 41 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Rio Rancho, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Rio Rancho, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
