Camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico offers both high-desert and forested mountain experiences, with elevations ranging from 5,300 to 8,400 feet throughout the region. The dramatic elevation changes create diverse camping environments, from pinyon-juniper woodlands to ponderosa and aspen forests. Santa Fe's location at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains provides campers with access to numerous recreational activities throughout the 1.6-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest.
What to do
Explore Rio Grande access: At Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite, continue further down Buckman Road for better sites and water access. "Head out just a bit further and turn onto the well maintained dirt Buckman road? There are canyons to explore and access to the Rio grande at the road's end, offering water in an area with next to none otherwise," notes Jeff V.
Hiking at Black Canyon: The Black Canyon Loop trail offers moderate hiking with notable elevation changes. "The trail is phenomenal. The incline is quite steep, but the loop is a reasonable length and I've seen families with young children and elderly folks successfully complete the loop. In the spring and early summer a small (VERY small) stream cuts through the trail from the snowmelt," explains Luke M.
Visit Bandelier National Monument: Juniper Family Campground provides direct access to Bandelier's archaeological sites. "Even if you stay at the campground, Bandelier is only accessible by shuttle from 9am-3pm. However, there is a hiking trail that will take you from the campground to the ruins. We did that then hiked the trails down there," shares Meandering Life.
What campers like
Cooler mountain temperatures: When summer heat becomes uncomfortable at lower elevations, higher elevation sites offer relief. "If these lowlands are too hot in the summer, drive up Artist Road to Big Tesuque or the ski-way at the end of the road, where shade, cold streams, and elevation keep nights pleasant even in July or August," recommends a camper at Santa Fe BLM.
Clean facilities at higher-end campgrounds: Santa Fe Skies RV Park maintains their grounds meticulously. "The staff at this place are 5-star, lovely & friendly people. We stayed 5 nights are these grounds to explore the surrounding areas. We used the laundry and restrooms, both kept immaculate," notes kristin S.
Public transportation access: Some campgrounds offer convenient transit into downtown. "Bus stops right in front of entrance for a 15 minute bus ride to downtown historic area. Sites are well spaced. Lots of trees for shade," reports Paul Y. about Trailer Ranch RV Resort.
What you should know
Winter camping options: While many high-elevation sites close during winter, some remain accessible. "I arrived after dark on December 28th, and at first missed the turn off for the camping, but using the map here on the Dyrt, could see where I went wrong. It was completely deserted, except for one RV. In the morning I discovered a car which looks like someone may be living in the park, but saw no signs of anyone," shares Alice C. about Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed.
Alcohol restrictions: Some public land campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption. "If you like privacy, this is not the campground for you. Nor if you like to have a beer in the open. We called them the beer police. We had booked three nights, but stayed only two," reports Kathi V. about Cochiti Recreation Area.
Trash issues at dispersed sites: Many free camping areas suffer from improper waste disposal. "Area is open. There's some trash right as you come in, but there's plenty of clean spots not too much further in. Decent spot, though also popular," mentions Vivian H. about dispersed camping near Santa Fe.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated areas for children. "This place had options for all: tent sites, camper sites, RV, cabins. Etc. We stayed at the Black Canyon site and the options were plentiful. No showers but clean pit toilets are abundant. There is also a nice playground for those traveling with little ones who may need to burn some steam," recommends Deacon J.
Educational opportunities: Cochiti Recreation Area provides easy access to cultural sites. "This site, especially if you want to visit Tent Rocks early the next morning. It's about a 10 min drive from the campground," shares Stacy R.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies dramatically between sites. "AT&T signal was not good with only 1 bar LTE without the booster and not much better with it. It was enough to WIFI call and do some light searching, but uploading photos was too slow. Verizon was good with about 2-3 4G LTE without the booster, and 4 bars with it," reports a camper at Juniper Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Tight sites at urban parks: City campgrounds typically offer less space between campsites. "We got a full hook up 50amp site. There is a row of these in the southwest end of the park. These are VERY narrow sites. We snugged right up against the hookups, and still didn't have room on the other side to put out our rug," notes Reuben about Los Sueños de Santa Fe RV Park & Campground.
Size limitations at forest campgrounds: Many national forest campgrounds have strict size limits. "The campground is well wooded. Campsites come in all shapes and sizes. Our rig is 29 feet, 3 inches, and we were in a spot that maxed out at 32 feet. We barely fit. We saw very few sites that could have accommodate much more. I don't think any site would have been able to handle more than 35 feet," cautions a visitor to Black Canyon Campground.
Water availability: Some campgrounds have limited water options. "No hook-ups at any of the spots but there is a dump station near the entrance with potable water. There are also potable water spigots throughout the campground. Conveniently, there was a spigot right by us. Very easy to fill jugs," explains a camper at Juniper Family Campground.
