Best Campgrounds near San Antonio, NM

The camping landscape around San Antonio, New Mexico spans from developed RV parks to primitive backcountry sites within an hour's drive. Coronado Campground in nearby Bernalillo provides tent and RV sites with Rio Grande views and Sandia Mountain backdrops, while dispersed camping options like Top of New Mexico offer more remote experiences with minimal facilities. Several KOA locations, including Albuquerque North/Bernalillo KOA and Albuquerque KOA Journey, provide full hookups and amenities for travelers seeking convenience. The Turquoise Trail Campground in Cedar Crest sits at nearly 7,000 feet elevation along the base of the Sandia Mountains, offering a mix of tent and RV sites with mountain proximity.

Road conditions vary significantly between established campgrounds and dispersed sites, with areas like Dispersed Camping off FS 542 requiring high-clearance vehicles for access to more secluded spots. As one camper noted, "I did a little off-roading and drove deeper in for privacy. It was quiet at night and the stars were epic." Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly in summer and fall. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, especially in canyon areas and at higher elevations. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically between seasons, with summer days often exceeding 90°F while winter nights frequently drop below freezing. Many campgrounds operate year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months.

Stargazing receives consistent praise from visitors to dispersed sites, with the Milky Way clearly visible on moonless nights. Campers at Coronado Campground appreciate the proximity to cultural attractions, with one reviewer noting, "You are next to the Rio Grande and in walking distance of the Pueblo Kuaua which is cool." Sites near the Sandia Mountains provide hiking access, while those closer to Albuquerque offer urban conveniences. Safety concerns exist at some dispersed sites, particularly those closer to urban areas. Noise levels vary significantly, with train tracks affecting some campgrounds and highway noise impacting others. Wildlife sightings include coyotes, roadrunners, and occasionally larger mammals like deer or cougar. The desert landscape provides limited natural shade, making tree-covered sites particularly valuable during summer months.

Best Camping Sites Near San Antonio, New Mexico (90)

    1. Albuquerque KOA Journey

    47 Reviews
    Monticello, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 296-2729

    "New Mexico is a land of wonders and beauty in every turn."

    "Good campground with access to all Albuquerque has to offer. Quick biking to the Sandia trails and short drive to hiking. The bus stop is nearby so getting around town is easy too."

    2. Turquoise Trail Campground

    33 Reviews
    Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, NM
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-2005

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Turquoise Trail Campground, Cedar Crest, NM Turquoise Trail Campground is a small privately owned campground located five miles north of I-40 off Route 14 (exit 175) just outside"

    "We arrived around 6pm and our info was thumb tacked to the entry board. Call her and she comes right down to show you your spot. It’s located next to a little brewery and pizza place."

    3. Dispersed Camping off FS 542

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

    "I got here after dark on my drive from the west coast to NC. There were a couple of other campers at the front of the entrance. I did a little off-roading and drove deeper in for privacy."

    "Can make it up to camp with 2 wheel drive low clearance. Maybe some minor scraping as you leave/arrive over a bit of a rough ramp lip."

    4. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    41 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    "Top of New Mexico" near Albuquerque is a fantastic camping spot if you love open spaces and beautiful desert views."

    "This campground offered amazing views of the Sandia mountains and the surrounding area."

    5. Hidden Valley RV park

    10 Reviews
    Rincon, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-3363

    $40 - $75 / night

    "Easy access to all facilities. Will stay here again when in the area."

    "Close to Cedro Peak mountain biking and hiking trails."

    6. Kirtland AFB FamCamp

    10 Reviews
    Monticello, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 846-0337

    "Contrary to the previous review, Kirtland AFB has 24/7 access to all authorized persons via the Truman gate off of Gibson Blvd. There is 30 and 50 amp service available along with water and sewer."

    "You must show up Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm to get access to the base."

    7. Route 66 RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Edgewood, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-0893

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Our site and adjacent sites were not level. However, Our fifth-wheel auto alignment overcame this. This campground offers propane, firewood and has a clean laundry room. "

    "Good place to stop near Albuquerque. Right off the highway but traffic noise wasn’t too bad at night. Showers and laundry were clean. Has an enclosed area for dogs and playground for kids."

    8. Coronado Campground

    26 Reviews
    Bernalillo, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 980-8256

    $18 - $40 / night

    "Operated by the town of Bernalillo, New Mexico. Prices range from $10.00 per night for tents and $20.00, $30.00, $35.00 per night for Rvs. Great view of the Rio Grande and Sandia Mountains."

    "Great place to camp if visiting Rio Rancho, Bernalillo and the surrounding area. Super nice camp sites, more than enough room for our 39’ trailer and inexpensive."

    9. Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA

    14 Reviews
    Bernalillo, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-3616

    "Close to highway but easy in/out. Some smaller trees have branches that can damage your rig so be mindful of the space above as you navigate through the sites."

    "We walked to the brewery next door and made good use of the dog parks."

    10. Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

    4 Reviews
    Ponderosa, NM
    6 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."

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Recent Reviews near San Antonio, NM

715 Reviews of 90 San Antonio Campgrounds


  • Arthur B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Titilla Peak

    Tetilla Peak campground

    This campground has mix of gravel dirt on awesome peak overlooking Cochiti Lake! Most of the campsites have shelter ( a cover) and a picnic table. Will note that the bathroom/showers have no light until sundown, and it remains dark in there during the day.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Can’t Reach Site

    Spent a while driving around trying to find a dirt road to reach the site. Everything was blocked off by the neighbors who were of no help and just kept saying it was private property

  • Stacia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Great experience 10/10

    Amazing experience! Definitely a tight squeeze for my rv but definitely worth it. Don’t listen to anyone that it’s “closed.” You just have to listen to the description and not take the private roads!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Coronado Campground

    Excellent city run RV park

    This RV park is popular and can be filled. So try to get a reservation before you arrive. I managed to get a spot because somebody had canceled. Campsites have power and some have water. I paid $35 a night. But they do have an overflow area which is just a big parking lot but will serve in a pinch if there are no regular spaces available.

  • Kiran B.
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Placitas BLM

    BLM Land Placitas NM

    Just 10 miles north of Albuquerque by the Sandias. Open space for dispersed camping with views of the mountains. Lots of flat open places. Don't need 4x4 but a little clearance helps with the rocks and ruts.

  • A
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Coronado Campground

    Convenient and well appointed

    Remarkable nice little campground, with well laid-out sites, each with its own adobe picnic shelter as well as power and water. There’s a dump station at the exit. The location is very convenient, though there’s a bit of highway noise.

  • Angela L.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Titilla Peak

    I love beautiful views!

    Most of the sites on the outside overlook the Rio Grande or the Cochiti Lake. The views are amazing! Bathrooms and showers are available.

  • Kevin K.
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Albuquerque KOA Journey

    Very nice KOA

    This KOA has a lot of pull thru sites and they have decent space sizes. Each site has a small picnic table and there are some sites with pet pens. The laundry is open 24 hours and was clean.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Sparkling Location!

    Spotless, spacious level concrete pads with barbecues and sheltered picnic tables. No campfires are permitted. Water views from many sites. Boat launch and swimming beach are both less than a mile from the lower loop and available for day use as well as two campers. Dump station, free, hot showers, dumpster, portable water, and electric available at various sites. There is a Ranger on duty at the visitor center up the hill and a good walking/hiking trail that begins near the boat launch. Some steep spots so don’t forget that you’re at over 5000’ here.


Guide to San Antonio

Camping near San Antonio, New Mexico offers options ranging from high-elevation forested sites at nearly 7,500 feet to lower desert terrain. Access roads vary dramatically between locations, with many dispersed sites requiring high clearance vehicles to navigate unmaintained forest service roads. Nightly temperatures can fluctuate by 40°F or more, especially at higher elevation sites.

What to do

Mountain biking at Hidden Valley RV Park: Located near Cedro Peak mountain biking trails, this campground provides convenient access to outdoor recreation. "Close to Cedro Peak mountain biking and hiking trails. Great spot to stay and then visit the city during the day," notes Evan S. from Hidden Valley RV park.

Cultural exploration at Coronado Campground: Visit the nearby Coronado Monument and pueblo ruins. "We stayed here for our annual Cub Scout camp out. We tent camped around a group site. It's next to the Coronado Monument and the Rio Grande with an awesome view of the Sandia mountains," shares Jennifer A. at Coronado Campground.

Night sky viewing at Top of New Mexico: This remote dispersed site offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "This is a perfect hidden gem for campervanning. Beautiful sunrise and sunset. Wild horses in the area. And, you can clearly see the Milky Way. No light pollution except the beautiful view of the city far away," explains Lauren I. at Top of New Mexico.

What campers like

Brewery access: Several campgrounds provide walking-distance access to local breweries. "But the best part is there is a brewery you can walk to from the campground. They serve organic pizza and cold beer. What more do you need?" says Doug W. about Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA.

Wildlife encounters: Campers frequently report sightings of wild horses, cows and other animals. "My first morning I was surrounded by a group of 5 cows grazing. They ended up laying 30 feet from the trailer all morning," reports Josh F. at Top of New Mexico.

Urban conveniences with natural settings: "We only got to stay one night at this Campground but it was awesome. The staff were friendly and helpful and the store was well stocked. They have nice laundry facilities and lots of spots for the doggies to play," notes E.M. about Albuquerque KOA Journey.

What you should know

Road conditions vary dramatically: Many dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. "The road is a little washed out once you get to the end of the paved road and make a left. I didn't make it all the way to the 'primitive' campsite as my car bottomed out," warns Aaron K. about Dispersed Camping off FS 542.

Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have reported water discoloration. "Main issue was the water. After sitting in hose for many hours it would turn yellow to orange. Running several gallons through would result in clear water again. We wouldn't drink it," cautions Lance T. about Route 66 RV Park.

Military base access requirements: "Staying at the Kirtland AFB fam-camp can be challenging. If you're active or retired military no problem if you're disabled vet some check in and out issues can arise. You must show up Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm to get access to the base," advises Thomas S.

Tips for camping with families

Playground options: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly facilities. "The playground has the best swing set and is all sand, very fun for kids of all ages," recommends Karla D. about Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA.

Entertainment amenities: Some campgrounds offer evening activities. "They had a nice pool with plenty of shade and an outdoor movie in the evenings which my kids enjoyed," shares Jennie R. about Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA.

Safety considerations: Many campgrounds prioritize security. "I had no concern for my safety staying on base. It does require military base access. It has clean bathrooms and is dog friendly. You will see plenty of wildlife as well," explains Kat B. about Kirtland AFB FamCamp.

Tips from RVers

Hookup positioning: Pay attention to utility placement when selecting sites. "Water is on one side of the pad, electricity on the other but it was not a problem when we positioned our camper," advises Nick W. about Coronado Campground.

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have terrain issues. "Sites are all nice and flat. Not much tree cover," notes RichMichelle M. about Albuquerque KOA Journey. Similarly, at Turquoise Trail Campground, "Site 23 was a pull through and level. Water and electric both worked fine," reports Jil S.

Privacy considerations: Spacing between sites varies widely. "I would give 4 out of 5 stars and not 5 out of 5 stars is the urban location is not much to look at. The campground itself is very well-maintained and the staff are extraordinarily friendly," says Drew S. about Albuquerque KOA Journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near San Antonio, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, San Antonio, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 90 campgrounds and RV parks near San Antonio, NM and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near San Antonio, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Antonio, NM is Albuquerque KOA Journey with a 4-star rating from 47 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Antonio, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near San Antonio, NM.

What parks are near San Antonio, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near San Antonio, NM that allow camping, notably Cibola National Forest and Grasslands and Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands.