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.
"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"
"Any SUV could handle it but being in an extended length van limits where I can go. Very peaceful with a nice view down the canyon. Elk grazing below were the cherry on top."
"12 miles uphill drive into the Santa Fe National Forest, just past million dollar mansions in Santa Fe. Easy access, just drive up and park. Multiple tent camp sites with fire pit and picnic table. "
"- Nice babbling brook alongside campsites, fun for kids to play in (COLD, but shallow), and makes for great white noise.
- Convenient to Santa Fe (20-25 min from downtown)
- drive up the mountain 4"
"Coming from Texas, I almost turned around to go back home with only 4 hours left of my drive because I was so terrified."
"Most campers pitch tent in the wooded area in the center of the parking lot - this is off the west end of the parking lot. Wonderful trails and you get to camp right in the middle of an aspen grove."
"The road is a bit rough, but easy access and close enough to the lake that I drove over to kayak after setting up camp."
"This campsite is beautiful and right next to the lake. Perfect for some chill camping. There are multiple clearing along this road. Each one is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups."
"We drove out to the Pecos Wildness and decided to backpack a trail called Cave Creek, this is a mild trail about 2.8 miles in and 2.8 out."
"Campsite is situated at the Cave Creek trailhead, a cool hike to some local caves. It's 5 bucks for the night, 2 dollars day use, all backpacking tent sites. Some shelters."
"Stay limit: 14 days
This spot really has a lot to offer. There are trees on one side, a creek on the other, and 2 sites with shelters directly next to the parking lot."
"Cowles campground in the Pecos Wilderness area is a launching point for the Windsor Trail which travels alongside beautiful Windsor Creek to Stewart Lake and Pecos Falls."
"The Trampas Trailhead campground gets 4 stars not because it's a great campground (it's good, don't get me wrong) but because it provides great access to an amazing trail."
"Wonderful trails and mountain views, I have been there 2 times in the last 10 years..."
"2 wheel drive accessible, fresh water source, fire pit ring, room for 3 vehicles near camp, very peaceful, and zero noise and no light pollution."
"It was a longer drive out there than expected, but there’s a sign that lets you know your in the National forest and out of peoples private property."
RangerCamping in Santa Fe National Forest is great if you know what you're in for. There aren't a ton of amenities depending on where you camp and it's in high elevations so during winter months it can get FREEZING. We went in November and it got down to negative temperatures. Thankfully my wife's sleeping bag was rated for -20 but I was not that fortunate. So for sure if you're going in the winter then be prepared!
Other than this the views up in the mountains were amazing and each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a location for a tent.
Definitely would recommend checking out!
ScoutLovely small camping area about 15 mi north of Pecos, NM on NM 63. 2 loops. Good sites for car/tent camping. Well maintained with clean vault toilets. Fire rings and picnic tables. Rained every afternoon (real boomers!) while we were there, but no problem for us. Will definitely visit again!
TravelerWe arrived early on a Tuesday and snagged a tree heavy site on the upper loop. The sites on the outside of the loops are decently wooded, smaller and not well suited to RVs. The sites on the inside of the loops have longer, RV sized pull in and little trees. Vault toilets are well maintained by the very active camp host, Mark. There is potable water from a well two miles down the mountain and trash, but packing out much that can’t be burned is encouraged. Pick up firewood in Pecos, there is enough dead & down tinder at the site. Dogs allowed on leash at all times, quite time begins at 10pm. The closer we got to the weekend, the more crowded and noisy the site became. One night, multiple campers arrived after dark and noisily set up camp. I’m sure the state parks being closed forced more people into the National Forest, but it’s a great site. There are several trailhead and just down the hill is easy access to creeks and fishing. We had great weather, upper 70’s during the day, dipping to low 50’s overnight. Each site has large fire rings with cooking grates and at least one picnic table, some with two. Sites are close together so try to grab one at the end of the loop for a little privacy.
Traveler12 miles uphill drive into the Santa Fe National Forest, just past million dollar mansions in Santa Fe. Easy access, just drive up and park. Multiple tent camp sites with fire pit and picnic table. Accessible to trails. Beautiful sunset views.
LegendThis was our first time at this lovely National Monument and we simply loved it. The campground was small with only a few spaces for bigger rigs, but we fit without any problem. Love those small spaces!
The campground is perched on the mesa above the monument’s protected dwellings, artifacts and trails at the valley. You can get there by walking about 2.5 miles from the campground along a stunning trail, or driving around the road. We simply loved hiking here, choosing a different way each day over the four days we were there. So much to explore!
Campsites have the standard picnic table, bear box locker, and fire ring. The trees were mostly shorter scrub junipers and other high desert trees so there was lots of sunshine for solar powered rig, but no electrical service at any sites. Nice privacy between sites.
The bathrooms were clean, heated, and had flush toilets and running sinks with potable water, plus a small dish cleaning sink, but no showers.
The Visitor Center is an awesome CCC structure from back during the depression as are many of the hiking trails in the valley. We were here for Halloween, so carved our pumpkins in memory and celebration of the people who lived here so many years ago.
Nearby Los Alamos has all the services you need as far as supplies, services and restaurants. But if you can plan your hike to end before 4pm, the cafe at the VC is really worth it!!
LegendCamped 2 nights at site #38 on the Puerco Loop. Reserved thru rec.gov while at the site. Wonderful campground hosts. Site was not quite level for our campervan, but close enough. Good views of lake & surrounding area from site. Vault toilet & drinking water a short walk away. Juniper provided minimal privacy. Site has lantern poll, fire ring, trash can & table. No hookups at this site. $6/night with senior pass. Restroom/shower house within walking distance. Facilities & vault toilets were very clean. Hiking trail in campground. AT&T & T-Mobile service. Overall, quiet & peaceful stay.
RangerThese coordinates are a rough estimate, but this entire forrest road is filled with amazing campsites you can simply pull off and camp in. currently there’s a fire ban, so it makes it hard to stay warm at night, but the stars are amazing. it’s quiet. it’s lovely. there’s canyon walls for miles. it’s really amazing. some of these pics are from the nearby canyon that’s a bit of a walk up the road, but most are from our campground. loved our first experience camping in New Mexico!
LegendCamp May is a small and seasonal campground located at the base of Pajarito Ski Hill. It is wooded with aspens, ponderosas and more. The temperatures are pleasant throughout the hot summer months, and the nights may be rather cold. There is hiking nearby, mountain biking, and the campground itself is situated near Los Alamos, Valles Caldera National Park, and Bandelier National Monument. Pajarito Mountain occasionally opens up their chair lifts to mountain bikes.
There is no staff onsite. Campsite fees must be paid in town at the aquatic center, and campers can reserve a space in advance. However, the campsites are not numbered, and specific sites are not reservable. If campers want to set up outside of pool hours, they can usually call the county (311) or the non-emergency number to let the county know about camping plans and the plan to pay fees in the morning. There is one group site at the top of the loop and a handful of individual sites; the campground itself is very small and has no more than 10 sites. Camping rings are available at all sites, however it would be wise to check on a fire restrictions before lighting any fires. Los Alamos County typically follows suite with the Santa Fe National Forest Restrictions and takes fire very seriously. The Cerro Grande Fire burned thousands of acres along with around 300 homes in town, and campers will drive past the devastating Las Conchas Fire Scar on their way to Camp May.
Although there is no host, typical camp rules are still enforceable by law enforcement and include quiet hours after 10 p.m., fire restriction adherence, etc. There are vault toilets, which are rather not-smelly, considering. Camp May is situated in bear and mountain lion country; if that isn't enough to keep your idle food in your car, then the super friendly but tenacious golden mantle ground squirrels, and chipmunks should be.
There is a steep dirt road upon accessing the camp. Depending on how recently the dirt road has been groomed will determine the vehicles that can climb into camp. Only smaller pop-ups and trailers would be recommended.
RangerMy first backpacking adventure in Northern New Mexico took me from Iron Gate Campground to Mora Flats. BEAUTIFUL!
A quick 4-5 mile hike in, we crossed the Pecos River and found a nice, shady spot in valley. It was peaceful, quiet and surprisingly cool for late-July. It rained each afternoon, but we had everything we needed to stay dry and cozy.
The river provided plenty of trout for a nice rice and fish dinner. The sky provided plenty of stars for gazing.
Tent camping near Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Santa Fe National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Santa Fe National Forest is American Springs with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Santa Fe National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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