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.
$10 / night
"Visited the coal mine campground after driving a 500 mile day, so it was a set-up eat and crash situation."
"All sites have table, barbecue, and fire pit/ring. All sites are reservable online at Recreation.gov."
$40 - $50 / night
"We ended up camping in the truck bed here after a few other remote sites."
"Many sites have water, electric & sewer. Sites are very close to each other and there are no tables. The dog run is very small. Road noise from I40."
$30 - $94 / night
"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"
"It is just minutes from El Morro Nat’l Monument and close to Mal Pais Volcano flows. I recommend the place."
RangerVisited the coal mine campground after driving a 500 mile day, so it was a set-up eat and crash situation. I did make a reservation on line, but that cost more than the $5 per site fee and was not necessary even though it was memorial day weekend. The fee is great because it is primitive, no electricity, no water at all, not just hookups, but the bathrooms were nice and clean with no sinks.
If you are prepared for a primitive camp with your own water and batteries for your electronics it is great. They have fire rings, grills, picnic tables and level places for tents.There are also nice back-in sites for boondocking RVs and the road up to the campground is fine for big rigs.
I ran into two mountain biker's here from Ireland that were riding the Continental Divide trail from The Mexican border in New Mexico to the Canadian border in Montana. They were staying here since the Trail goes through here. Paddy & Conner were very interesting people and I was fortunate to have run into them here.
I enjoyed my stay with a peaceful quite nights sleep and a short hike in the morning before breakfast cooked on the campfire. I would recommend this over a hotel stay if your passing through Grant's New Mexico on I40. You can probably get a site for the night anytime your passing through.
TravelerHad a relaxing, quiet three night stay from 8/10 - 8/13/21 with our Jayco Octane Lite SL161 toyhauler. The only facilities are clean vault toilets. Some pull through spots for smaller camping units. I would not recommend this campground for large RVs.
15 sites available with about 8 that I could comfortably park my camper in. All sites have table, barbecue, and fire pit/ring. All sites are reservable online at Recreation.gov. When arriving without a reservation and staying for more than one or two nights be aware that empty sites without a reservation posting may have a reservation that has not been posted. You could wake up and find a reservation posted at your site and have to relocate to another available site.
There is a nice hiking trail available from the campground. La Mosca lookout is a nice drive from the campground with beautiful views. Head up to the Gooseberry Trailhead to hike to the top of Mt Taylor the highest mountain in NW New Mexico.
Camping fees for this campground are increasing to $10 per night next season.
GuideWe ended up camping in the truck bed here after a few other remote sites. The clean showers and bathrooms were greatly appreciated after a few days of roughing it and we were able to restock our water before continuing on. Most people staying in the park seemed to be full time residents. The vibe was something along the lines of the "good Ol' days" of family vacationing with small eclectic parks. There's an on-site brewery and bar but we didn't stop in. If you're tent or car camping be sure to arrive during the day or talk to someone prior to checking out as those sites are less expensive than the RV sites. Frenchy, a friendly Canadian ex-pat retired uranium miner, was on site to help with any questions. Would recommend for anybody taking a break from boondocking or heading to El Malpais.
TravelerEasy check-in. Many sites have water, electric & sewer. Sites are very close to each other and there are no tables. The dog run is very small. Road noise from I40. There is a small brewery on site, hence upgraded to 4 stars. It appears that most sites are occupied by full-timers.
GuideStayed in a full hook up, pull through site and everything went smoothly. It has a couple of dog runs, but they are too small for play. Not much dog walking space without cacti. I was most excited about the brewery on-site, but sadly I was too tired once we got there. Would stay again for a chance to drink the beer.
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.
GuideWe reserved an "Elite" Pull through spot. When we arrived, we saw that this "Elite" spot was dirt and not level at all. Hardly any room between our space and the permanent resident that was next to us. The stickers are terrible too so be extra careful if you have animals.
I wouldn't recommend this place but there's not a lot of options along this route so we took our chances.
I will say, some of the spots closer to the office looked a little better. We were in Site 39. It's next to the dump station and closest to the highway.
LegendNo reservations accepted, but no one there so we had our pick (showed up on a Tues. in late May). Mens/womens restrooms look new, 2 of each, side by side. Sporadic 4g Verizon network (was VERY slow when it was up), sometimes no service. But, we were surprisingly able to watch end of game 4 Knicks/Pacers playoff, once it finally loaded! Short walking trail that is not marked well; took a side trip where it forked at the beginning and not sure where it went so, turned around. Right next to Hwy, but there was minimal traffic so no noise. Sheriff drove through once in evening. Some trees, some spots have some shade, elevation ~7000' or so (estimate). Some spots had nice space for multiple tents/sun shades. Most spots are level; those that weren't, were level enough, really not bad. Seemed safe enough. No water available, no hook-ups, no dump station.
TravelerLavaland is a nice rv park, but focused on the older community. registration was easy and online. Check in was simple.
There is no kid amenities at this property. There is a small dog run. No grass.
The property is still under construction in some spots. Newly cement pads and updated electrical (which wasn’t available yet). New asphalt road around campground; still loose and bumpy for trailer driving.
Restrooms were clean, but there was little toilet paper available, and no soap and paper towels. Showers were newly renovated. Fresh paint in bathrooms.
Brewery onsite. Cute . No food available. But you can order from dominos to be delivered. Outdoor patio and Jenga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near San Mateo, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near San Mateo, NM is Coal Mine Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near San Mateo, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 glamping camping locations near San Mateo, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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