Located just 8 miles northeast of Santa Fe, in New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Hyde Memorial State Park is mountain getaway surrounded by pine forests and high peaks. The park sits alongside Little Tesuque Creek, at an elevation of 8,500 feet. This makes the area a little cooler than the city in the valley below, despite their proximity. The big summer draw to the area is access to the Pecos Wilderness and the many miles of hiking trails that roam deep into the mountainous backcountry, as well as plentiful bird and wildlife watching. In winter, though the campground is closed, visitors flock to the park’s snowy trails for sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, or head a few more miles up the road to the slopes at the Ski Santa Fe resort.
The campground at Hyde Memorial State Park offers 57 drive-in campsites for tent and RV campers. A few sites provide electrical hookups, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 50 feet. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Water faucets and vault toilets are located throughout the park, and flush toilets are available at the visitor center; a dump station is located near the park entrance. The park also has three yurts to rent. Park visitors also have access to several picnic areas, a playground, volleyball court, and more than 4 miles of local hiking trails. Park naturalists also offer seasonal interpretive programs. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed. Most campsites are first-come, first-serve; rates are $10–$14/night