Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, San Mateo, NM has a lot to offer. San Mateo is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near San Mateo and user-submitted reviews.
$45 / night
"General: Conveniently located close to I40, there are 20 pull-through 50-amp sites, 16 pull-through 30-amp sites, five back-in water/electric sites (ok for tents), five tent-only sites (no hookups)"
"Bathrooms were private and clean. Laundry facility on site is easy to use and clean. There is a small gift shop with a variety of items. Close to Hwy 40."
$15 - $90 / night
"The camp sites are well laid out with picnic table. The bath room was primitive and I didn’t check out the showers. The lake and the area is enchanting!!"
"The site came with a large fire ring conveniently located in the rear part of the concrete pad and a picnic table covered with a roofed shelter."
$15 - $40 / night
"A fun little campground with space to park an RV or rent a cabin. There are no hookups but you’re in a remote part of New Mexico under pines with a Giant night sky above."
"General: There are several options here: RV and tent camping, and cabins."
$30 - $94 / night
"We loved this RV park for many reasons."
"Decent clean shower house. Full camper hookups. It is just minutes from El Morro Nat’l Monument and close to Mal Pais Volcano flows. I recommend the place."
RangerWe loved this RV park for many reasons. Friendly people, creative vibe, nice campground, cozy cabins, full hookups for RVs, beautiful spot, free-range chickens, pet friendly, plus a yurt with enchanting wind chimes, spiritual labyrinth, a gong, art and healing artifacts. Not to mention the groovy Ancient Way cafe which was closed when we were there (April 2021) but opening next month. My parents stayed in the cabin and loved it, we stayed in our camper van. We really enjoyed talking with some of the folks who live there and it’s a very welcoming community. Feels like home. Morro National monument nearby is spectacular. We’d love to return and stay for a few weeks. Special spot.
TravelerThe camp sites are well laid out with picnic table. The bath room was primitive and I didn’t check out the showers. The lake and the area is enchanting!! It was my first visit to New Mexico and for sure I will be back! The lake is large and has fishing.
LegendA fun little campground with space to park an RV or rent a cabin. There are no hookups but you’re in a remote part of New Mexico under pines with a Giant night sky above. Plus you’ve got easy access to two fun little explorations... a 1.5 miles hike to the rim of the Bandera volcano and a 1/4 mile hike to the ice cave. It’s a family run business and they have a nice little gift shop and market with a few supplies. Once the park closes for the night, you have the hikes to yourself to take in sunset with lava rock surrounding. It’s a really beautiful area with a lovely family running the business. They charge $20/night for trailer parking but I’m not sure the price of the cabins. They’re also right by Malpais and El Morro national Monuments. Highly recommend for an overnight along your journey through New Mexico!
TravelerUncrowded when we were there State park located right on a man-made lake. unfortunately, the lake level is extremely low! Decent sites each with picnic table and fire pit some with shade canopies others with a little natural tree cover, not a lot of privacy. Pit toilets, no drinking water available except at maybe the RV sites with hookups and at the pump outstation? Weak cell signal. Seems more suited for RV's.
LegendGeneral: Conveniently located close to I40, there are 20 pull-through 50-amp sites, 16 pull-through 30-amp sites, five back-in water/electric sites (ok for tents), five tent-only sites (no hookups) and four cabins. Other amenities include showers, laundry, a short (approx. 1/3 mile) walking trail, free WiFi, and a playground. We were welcomed by a very friendly staff and offered a cookie upon check-in. But perhaps the best amenity is the dinner service. You have a choice of several entrées, sides, and pie, choose your 10-minute delivery window, and the food is delivered directly to your site! A free continental breakfast is included as well.
Site Quality: As we expected, there is little privacy/separation between the sites. Our site (A) was located right next to the playground so expect to hear children playing if you are in this site (assigned by staff upon check-in). The sites are all gravel and level.
Bathhouse: Three all-in-one toilet/sink/shower combos and one additional bathroom. All were very clean, and the shower was very welcome after many days without one! There were two hooks, a bench, a garbage can, electrical outlet all in the room. There was a little drainage issue but there was an additional drain in the room. There is a code to access the restrooms.
Activities: There is so much to do in the area! The campground itself has a short walking path where pets are permitted. Outside of the campground, you can go to Ice Caves/Bandera Volcano (about 30 miles away) and a bit further, El Morro National Monument. One exit east takes you to El Malpais National Monument with more trails (note the Ranger Station and Visitor Center is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays but you can still visit). Chaco Canyon is about two hours north. There are also several museums in the area and also a stretch of Route 66 (be sure to pose your car and yourself for a selfie in the Route 66 Arch!) Note you will hear an occasional train and road noise from I40.
As far as the campground itself is concerned, it is nothing special but the amenities more than make up for it! We highly recommend the pie!
ScoutThis is a wonderful campground. Our site (A) was perfectly level on a concrete pad. The site came with a large fire ring conveniently located in the rear part of the concrete pad and a picnic table covered with a roofed shelter. The site was clean, spacious, and even though it was not a lake side site, it had a beautiful view of the lake. Right now I’m watching a mix of snow and rain create a misty and magical landscape. My Verizon service varies from 2 - 4 bars. I would definitely stay here again!!!
LegendThis was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing. The campground is broken up into a couple areas. Our site was somewhat shaded, which was nice in the heat of the summer. Very cool sites overlooking the lake. I wouldn’t say the sites are secluded, but it’s still a neat place. I haven’t been to many state parks in New Mexico so it was a unique experience!
RangerFriendly staff. Bathrooms were private and clean. Laundry facility on site is easy to use and clean. There is a small gift shop with a variety of items. Close to Hwy 40. There is a walking path next to the campground that is in a lava field and there are signs along the path with fun facts of the history of the lava field.
Dinner available to order
from resident kitchen and food is delivered to your campsite. Free pancake breakfast every morning.
Dog specific areas are available for your furry companion.
Sites are level gravel pads easy to get into. Mix of back in and pull through sites.
3 cabins are available as well. Playground for the kiddos.
We spent one night here and really enjoyed our stay.
TravelerGreat campground. Not far off I-40. Lots of sites. Most have a level, gravel tent pad, table and fire ring. Vault toilets in abundance. One bathroom with sinks and flush toilets. Separate shower house was closed when we were here. Some electric sites. Some large level pull thrus. Most sites have at least a glimpse of the lake. There were horses roaming through the campground. Mostly empty this April midweek. Good trails for hiking. I only saw one water pump in the park. There is an EV charging station.
Experience the charm of cabin camping near San Mateo, New Mexico, where stunning landscapes and cozy accommodations await outdoor enthusiasts.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near San Mateo, NM is Grants KOA Journey with a 4.3-star rating from 19 reviews.
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