Camping options near San Antonio, New Mexico range from established RV parks to rustic tent sites, with most positioned at elevations around 7,000 feet providing cooler summer temperatures. The surrounding Cibola National Forest offers over 300 miles of hiking trails connecting various camping areas. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night, even when daytime temperatures remain mild.
What to do
Explore local breweries: Just steps from Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA, visitors can enjoy craft beverages without driving. "There is a brewery you can walk to from the campground. They serve organic pizza and cold beer. What more do you need?" notes Doug W.
Hike on-site trails: Several campgrounds maintain their own trail systems. At Red Canyon Campground, campers have direct access to kid-friendly paths. "Beautiful secluded spot in the Manzanos. Nice kid-friendly trails adjacent to the campground," says Gavin J., highlighting the convenience for families with children.
Visit Jemez Springs: The small town near Vista Linda Campground offers natural hot springs and historic sites. "There's two hot springs, two waterfalls, a fishing lake a few miles away. I would enjoy coming here again anytime!" shares Jillian P., who discovered these local attractions during a Memorial Day weekend trip.
What campers like
High elevation cooling: Most campgrounds in the region sit between 6,900-7,100 feet, providing natural air conditioning. A visitor to Turquoise Trail Campground notes: "7100' elevation. There were a ton of stars at night which was great. The staff was very friendly and helpful."
Public transportation access: Some locations offer convenient access to nearby cities. At Trailer Ranch RV Resort, "Bus stops right in front of entrance for a 15 minute bus ride to downtown historic area," according to Paul Y., making exploring Santa Fe simple without moving your vehicle.
Privacy features: Many campgrounds use natural vegetation to create separation between sites. "Campsites are small yet private due to the wonderful shrubbery and small trees," notes Cheryl E. about Rancheros de Santa Fe, highlighting how the landscaping creates personal space despite the compact layout.
What you should know
Highway noise considerations: Several campgrounds near major roads experience traffic sounds. At Santa Fe KOA, "There's a little road noise, but not bad, and definitely worth it for ease of use," reports Liz W., suggesting the convenience outweighs the occasional noise.
Limited shower facilities: Many campgrounds offer basic amenities. "Showers and bathrooms were basic but clean," notes Karen B. about Turquoise Trail Campground, adding that tokens provided with nightly fees give seven minutes of shower time.
Seasonal availability: Several campgrounds close during winter months. "Not open until March. Save the trip," warns Michelle D., who attempted to visit Santa Fe KOA during the off-season and found it closed despite being listed as available online.
Tips for camping with families
Look for specialized kid amenities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's facilities. "The playground has the best swing set and is all sand, very fun for kids of all ages," shares Karla D. about Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA.
Consider cabin options for mixed comfort levels: For families with members who prefer indoor sleeping, Rancheros de Santa Fe provides both tent and cabin accommodations. "We camped here in an RV. The spaces are fairly close together, but the property is hilly and treesy affording us some privacy," explains Lisa S.
Check for evening entertainment: Some campgrounds provide structured activities. "They had a nice pool with plenty of shade and an outdoor movie in the evenings which my kids enjoyed," reports Jennie R., who stayed in a camping cabin at Bernalillo KOA with her children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Turquoise Trail Campground, "Site 23 was a pull through and level. Water and electric both worked fine," reports Jil S., highlighting the importance of checking site conditions before setup.
RV size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "We have a small RV which fit nicely into our spot but larger RVs were stacked close together as the space between sites was small," cautions Karen B., who observed crowding at Turquoise Trail Campground during her July visit.
Utility hookup positioning: Some campground layouts create connection challenges. "On our full hook up site the dump sight was in a bad place. We would of had to un hook from our truck to fully hook up," notes Frank about Albuquerque Central KOA, illustrating the practical issues that sometimes arise with fixed utility connections.