Santa Fe National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Santa Fe National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.
$20 - $50 / night
"There are trail heads that are a short walk from the campground including a 1.5 mile trail to the visitor center
The spots have picnic table and fire rings, there is potable water and vault toilets throughout"
"Shuttle bus takes you to visitor center Where ruins are and access to trails. There is a lovely 2 mile trail from campground that you can also walk to center. Ruins are interesting."
"Wide open space to pick your spot next to a Juniper or two.
Hardly anyone here, just the coyotes howling. Appreciated access to a pit toilet."
"That road leads around most of the camping area and you can avoid the side roads with the steep entrances. "
"Given the area described has piles of trash and little else to recommend it, it seems a shame to be close to gorgeous wilderness and stare at rubbish."
"Close by, easy to find, plenty of space. Little trash left behind by some people. Overall, a great place for the night."
$15 - $20 / night
"Some sites in Buffalo Grove are drive through or back-in."
"Visitors center has lots of information, and there are hiking trails. Not close to any major shopping, but there is a small store nearby and a laundry mat next to the store."
"It is Forest Road 181 within Santa Fe National Forest, directly off of Highway 4.
This is some great National Forest camping."
"While most of the trees in this area were burnt by fires less than 10 years ago, it still provides great views of the valley below and the highest mountains in all of New Mexico! "
$20 / night
"It's convenient to have the grocery store within walking distance, and there's a YMCA in Los Alamos where you can purchase shower passes for $5. Nice staff at the visitor center as well."
"The shuttle picks up from the parking lot or I plan to drive in early before 9:00 a.m. with my van to get a parking spot in the park and skip the shuttle."
$71 - $91 / night
"This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."
"There is art scattered around the property as well as along the walking paths. The sunsets are amazing all within just 5 to 10 minutes from town."
$20 / night
"Driving into the camp, you have three options: Walk-In Camping, Camping With Parking Access & Limited Access."
"To begin, the lots are far enough away from fellow campers that you're seldom disturbed by noise or movement."
"I stayed 4 nights bc it was so close to hiking and town. Very dusty and packed some trash out that was left behind. Pretty quiet with beautiful sunrises and sunsets."
"Can get a bit crowded and hard to find a spot away from people, but plenty of room."
$20 / night
"This is one of the places to camp in New Mexico"
"**Campground Review: **
Imagine 1.25 Ma ago an eruption blew apart the landscape of Northern New Mexico that would rival the shear volume erupted by the world famous Yellowstone hotspot! "
ScoutGreat people. All the spots are very nice. 5 D is a great spot with pets
GuideLovely spot in nature, nestled in a. few trees that survived the catastrophic fires of 2011. Just sad to see bullet casings litter ground and these trees that survived the most intense fire in new mexico are being shot up and destroyed. Shame on anyone doing this
GuideIt’s bitter sweet - out camping in what was a devastating fire so hot i see burnt stumps but also witnessing the forrest coming back and healing. No longer charred and black, but shrubs have moved in and groves of Aspen are crawling back up and some pines survived to prove shade on some of the turnoffs. Definitely recommend clearance 4wd. It was muddy and rocky after some rains. Spots closer to road are available to cars but i drove back until i didn’t want to cross a mud pit and found a grove of trees to call home while I explore. The speed test of reported on here was starlink, no mobile device.
GuideWe stayed a few nights, it was a good time I would recommend good shoes as we both got poked by thorns. We have 4 wheel drive so it was nice I do not think cars could make it as some of the roads have huge canyon sized holes due to previous rain.
ScoutPros. went on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of July. Absolute solitude. saw someone else the afternoon of the forth, off in the distance, but it was empty and the view was fantastic. you will pass some logging that has happened at some point, but go beyond that. the view from the ridge is incredible. Cons. if it has rained the access is washed out and mud holes and ruts and mud will require a 4x4. access to the spots we were at were up a short steep ridge, again glad for the 4x4. ground clearance is a must. do not pull to the right, short road that will take you to the bottom of the restroom overlook off the main road. went to the left at first and did not find any good spots but had fun in the mud, the best spots are to the center, on the right hand side. you cant see them from the trial, you only see small trails going up. my opinion is just past the logging then to your right. perfect trees to camp and hang your hammock. cant wait to go back. Also, its going to get colder than you think at night. bring a fleece or warm jacket at the least.
GuideLong, bumpy one-lane dirt road. 2-5mph the whole way. No shoulder. No way to back up or turn around. Lots of ruts and washouts. Only a couple of turn-arounds way up the mountain. Not good for trailers. Best for high clearance or 4x4. Several walk in campsites if you have a small vehicle. If you make it to the top, there’s a handful of nice campsites that you can drive into. We made it, but it was rough! 56 minutes to drive 3.4 miles.
TravelerFound a great spot here, stayed a week and it’s like we had the whole place to ourselves. If you go left from the entrance, be prepared for a rough ride. I would say tent camping only. Go right and there are plenty of spaces to choose from. Los Alamos is only 15 minutes away.
TravelerThis was such a serene spot to camp for the night. Quiet & peaceful with beautiful views of the mountains, sunset & sunrise. Wild horses roamed around our site after sunset. Pretty epic.
TravelerWe’ve had a great time at the campground. The sunsets are amazing! Full hook ups, clean campground, laundry, dog park, walking trail that goes around campground Sites are a little close but they have a nice concrete patio with table and chairs. Friendly staff! Would definitely come back!
Camping near Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a base for outdoor adventures, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Santa Fe National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 147 campgrounds and RV parks near Santa Fe National Forest and 43 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Santa Fe National Forest is Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument with a 4.7-star rating from 30 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 43 free dispersed camping spots near Santa Fe National Forest.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Santa Fe National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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