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! "
$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
"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."
$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! "
ScoutThis campground is amazing, very clean, friendly staff, many amenities.
TravelerWe stayed here just after Memorial Day weekend in late May, and again in mid-June. Such a great campsite! Although at 8,000 feet of elevation, prepare for cold nights and intermittent rain, hail, and high winds, even during the "summer" season. We experienced day time temps of 70s - 80s and nighttime drops to the low 40s on both trips. There was a burn notice in effect in May, which was lifted for our June trip - probably because the significant afternoon hail storms on the first two days of our trip nicely saturated everything! ;) Day time weather was usually clear until noon, and then intermittent afternoon storms would set in, usually clearing by 6 pm. Basically, typical New Mexican mountain weather!
The sites are very well maintained, and the Camp Host was incredibly friendly and made regular rounds. FYI - there is NO cell signal at any of the tent sites, although we were able to get a signal (Verizon) within 50 feet of the ranger station if you need to check your phone.
A note about the various campsites. There are four main loops past the RV/electric hookup section. Loop 1 (sites 1 - 9), loop 2 (sites 10- 14), loop 3 (sites 16 -18), and loop 4 (sites 19 -30). Each of the four main areas have their pros/cons and would be ideal depending on personal preference.
Loop 1 - this is where we stayed in both May and June. It's the easiest walk to the lake, but also has the oldest vault toilet. This toilet locked itself a couple times after people left, and we had to ask the camp host to open it back up. Ultimately, he taped the lock in the unlocked position which worked fine. Several of the toilets have been upgraded throughout the site, but this one is still on the list.
Loop 2 - there's a playground next to site 14 and this is a GREAT loop for folks with kids. If you're not a kid person, you'd probably prefer a different loop.
Loop 3 - this is a beautiful loop with a brand-new vault toilet. With only sites 16, 17, and 18 sharing this loop, it seemed a little quieter.
Loop 4 - the final loop. Furthest away from the lake, you'll get less traffic from folks going up and down the road to their site.
Honestly, all of the sites are beautiful and your favorite site will depend a lot on personal preference. The river runs along the south side of the campsite road and we saw folks fishing - and catching fish! - at those campsites that backed up to the river.
This is a beautiful campground and we will definitely be back!
LegendNot yet open, gate closed.
LegendI liked this spot don’t get me wrong, it was beautiful and nestled in the mountains so very secluded and quiet BUT the poop that littered this campsite made this site basically uninhabitable. A bummer but when nature calls, literally, you gotta do what you gotta do.
ScoutI don’t know what people expect from a$20 campsite provided by a municipality. This is a lovely paved lot with pull-through sites with electricity. Sure, you’ll need to level a bit, but it’s clean, safe, and easy to get into. Potable water is available as is a dump and restrooms. Plus… there’s a nicely fenced doggy area. All pretty convenient to Los Alamos and Bandolier.
Thanks White Rock!
ScoutReally close to town, and service and was still far enough in that it wasn't terrible
TravelerPROS: Beautifull mountains, very close to pretty much any supplies you need. It is easily accessible with large RV(25'+). Cons: very dirty, large trash. Others are close also.
TravelerI checked out 6/1. Very inaccessible, was crowded when I got there. Would be good for backpack camping. But not Rv' or larger trailors. You'll need good 4x4!
ScoutCamp host was wonderful. Clean bathrooms (flush toilets are a treat while camping). Fresh water nearby and quiet.
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 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Santa Fe National Forest and 41 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 41 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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