Best Campgrounds near Sandia Park, NM

Camping areas around Sandia Park extend from the eastern edges of Albuquerque to the western slopes of the Sandia Mountains, offering diverse accommodation options at varying elevations. Turquoise Trail Campground in Cedar Crest provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals at 6,940 feet elevation, while dispersed camping opportunities exist on Forest Service Road 542 and in the Manzanita Recreation Zone within the Cibola National Forest. Several campgrounds feature established facilities with electric hookups, showers, and reservable sites, while free dispersed camping areas cater to those seeking more primitive experiences.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly affect camping experiences in this high-desert mountain region. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snow, particularly at higher elevations along the Sandia Crest. Summer temperatures can exceed 90°F during daytime hours but typically cool significantly at night due to the elevation. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, with some dispersed areas requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near established campgrounds and limited connectivity in remote dispersed sites. As one visitor noted, "The Sandia mountains shimmer at sunset... New Mexico truly is like no other state and must be on your bucket list!"

Campers frequently mention the striking mountain views as a highlight of staying in this area, particularly the dramatic vistas of the Sandia Mountains. The name "Sandia," meaning watermelon in Spanish, refers to the mountains' pinkish glow at sunset, which creates spectacular scenery from many camping locations. Coronado Campground in nearby Bernalillo receives positive reviews for its accessibility and views, with one camper stating it offers a "great view of the Rio Grande and Sandia Mountains. Just 15 minutes from Albuquerque." Several visitors report challenges with wind at higher elevation sites but praise the night sky visibility, particularly at dispersed sites farther from city lights. Tent campers tend to prefer the quieter settings of the dispersed Forest Service sites, while RV travelers appreciate the hookups and amenities at established campgrounds like Turquoise Trail and the KOAs in Albuquerque and Bernalillo.

Best Camping Sites Near Sandia Park, New Mexico (102)

    1. Turquoise Trail Campground

    33 Reviews
    Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, NM
    1 mile
    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."

    2. Albuquerque KOA Journey

    47 Reviews
    Monticello, NM
    10 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."

    3. Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    26 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    8 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

    39 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    14 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. Coronado Campground

    26 Reviews
    Bernalillo, NM
    16 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."

    6. Hidden Valley RV park

    10 Reviews
    Rincon, NM
    4 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."

    7. Route 66 RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Edgewood, NM
    13 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. Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA

    14 Reviews
    Bernalillo, NM
    14 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."

    9. Kirtland AFB FamCamp

    10 Reviews
    Monticello, NM
    12 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."

    10. Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

    4 Reviews
    Ponderosa, NM
    9 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 Sandia Park, NM

786 Reviews of 102 Sandia Park Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Access illegally closed off by Neighbors

    No way to get to BLM land now because the neighbors put up a gate with locks on it and blocked off their driveway so you can't go around it

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Stagecoach Stop RV Park

    Good location for a stopover with nice views

    The RV park has everything including level spots and a dump station and all hookups and has some nice views of the mountains but it is quite near to the highway so has a bit of noise

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Coronado Campground

    Nice spot

    Nice spot All RV sites have water and 30 smp electric. Shower in restroom, clean but only luke warm. Covered picnic tables, pull through sites. Tent area also has covered tables. It's the cheapest place around at $35 per night. No sewer, but there is a dump station.


Guide to Sandia Park

Camping near Sandia Park, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do

  • Explore the Sandia Mountains: The nearby mountains provide stunning views and hiking trails. Many campers appreciate the proximity to nature, with one reviewer noting, "15 minutes from the Sandia Air tram, 20 minutes from the airport" at the Albuquerque KOA Journey.
  • Visit Bandelier National Monument: Just a short drive away, this site offers a glimpse into ancient history. A camper mentioned that the Cochiti Recreation Area is a good location to visit both Albuquerque and Santa Fe, making it a great base for exploring.
  • Enjoy local attractions: Campers can easily access local shops and restaurants. One reviewer at Santa Fe Skies RV Park highlighted the convenience of being "close to stores and restaurants that are about 10 minutes away."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at the Albuquerque KOA Journey praised the "bathrooms/showers [that] were likewise very clean and there was plenty of hot water."
  • Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds like the Albuquerque KOA Journey offer activities for kids, such as a jump pad and mini-golf. One parent noted, "My kids loved every second of it!"
  • Scenic views: Campers enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A reviewer at the Cochiti Recreation Area mentioned, "The campground is clean, the sites are well groomed with camp pads level. Lots of trees for shade."

What you should know

  • Location matters: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at the Albuquerque KOA Journey mentioned, "It is right off I-40, very convenient, but very noisy."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or showers. A visitor at the Cochiti Recreation Area pointed out that "the bathrooms were not kept even close to adequately clean."
  • Wildlife encounters: Campers should be prepared for wildlife. One reviewer at the Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site mentioned seeing "wild horses active" in the area.

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. The Albuquerque KOA Journey has a pool and playground, making it a hit with families.
  • Be mindful of noise: If your family is sensitive to noise, consider campgrounds further from highways. A camper at the Cochiti Recreation Area noted that the area was "quiet" during their visit.
  • Pack for all weather: The weather can change quickly in the mountains. A reviewer at the Turquoise Trail Campground advised that "winter temps get down to 16 degrees F," so be prepared.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A visitor at the Santa Fe Skies RV Park mentioned that "the sites are a bit tight from the adjoining sites."
  • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with good facilities. A reviewer at the Route 66 RV Resort highlighted the "pool, club house group BBQ area, several bathrooms, showers, laundry rooms."
  • Be cautious with road conditions: Some roads can be rough, especially for larger RVs. A camper at the Dispersed Camping off FS 542 noted that "the roads get worse" as you go further in.

Camping near Sandia Park, New Mexico, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful retreat, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping sites in Sandia Mountains?

The Sandia Mountains offer several excellent camping options. Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District provides free dispersed camping with both drive-in and walk-in access. For those seeking stunning views of the Sandia Mountains from a nearby location, Coronado Campground in Bernalillo offers RV and tent sites with electric hookups and great vistas of the Rio Grande and Sandia Mountains, just 15 minutes from Albuquerque. Prices range from $10 for tent sites to $35 for RVs. These campgrounds provide good access to hiking trails and other recreational activities in the Sandia Mountain area.

Can you camp at Sandia Crest and what are the regulations?

Camping directly at Sandia Crest is generally not permitted as it's primarily a day-use area with scenic overlooks and hiking trails. However, nearby dispersed camping options exist. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site offers spectacular desert views near Albuquerque with ample space for tents and RVs in a quiet, open setting. When camping in the Sandia Mountain area, standard national forest regulations apply: camp at least 100 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and be aware of seasonal fire restrictions. Most dispersed camping in national forests is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. Always check current regulations with the Cibola National Forest Sandia Ranger District before your trip.

Are there RV rentals available in Sandia Park?

While there aren't specific RV rental companies located directly in Sandia Park, several options exist in nearby Albuquerque. After securing a rental, RV-friendly campgrounds in the area include Route 66 RV Resort, which offers full hookups and amenities for RVers. Another option is Albuquerque KOA Journey, which provides RV sites with views of the beautiful Sandia Mountains. Most RV rental companies in Albuquerque offer various RV sizes and types to accommodate different needs and group sizes. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, as availability can be limited in this popular area.