Best Campgrounds near Cuba, NM

Public lands near Cuba, New Mexico encompass a range of camping opportunities within the Santa Fe National Forest. Established campgrounds like Rio De Las Vacas and Clear Creek offer developed sites with amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The area supports both tent and RV camping, with several mixed-use campgrounds accommodating different camping styles. Forest Road 533 provides access to dispersed camping areas popular with self-contained campers seeking more remote experiences away from developed facilities.

Road conditions and seasonal access vary significantly across the region. Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain or snow. The main camping season runs May through October, with some areas closing in winter due to snowfall at higher elevations. "Living in Albuquerque, this has become our long weekend, get-away destination of choice," noted one camper about Clear Creek Campground. Dispersed sites along Forest Road 533 offer primitive camping without facilities, while established campgrounds like Rio De Las Vacas ($10 per night, $5 with Senior Pass) provide basic amenities. Cell service is limited or non-existent throughout most of the camping areas, requiring advance planning for navigation and emergencies.

Campers report particularly high satisfaction with sites near water features. The Rio de las Vacas flows alongside several campsites, providing opportunities for fishing and a pleasant backdrop. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Spacious campground with big old pines with a beautiful creek flowing through. Access to good trails for day hiking." Ponderosa pines provide ample shade at many sites, particularly at Clear Creek Campground where each site is surrounded by mature trees. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, though visitors should be prepared for occasional ATV traffic on forest roads. Proximity to hiking trails is frequently mentioned as a benefit by campers who appreciate the mix of developed sites and natural surroundings.

Best Camping Sites Near Cuba, New Mexico (78)

    1. Rio De Las Vacas Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cuba, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 289-3264

    $20 / night

    "A hiking trail can be accessed from site #4. Sites #4 & 5 are favorites for some campers because they are a little bit remote from the others. "

    "Access to good trails for day hiking. One of the best camping spots I’ve visited. Stayed on a Sunday night - was quiet and peaceful."

    2. Fenton Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 829-3630

    $15 - $90 / night

    "I’ve been coming to Fenton Lake for camping with family since I was little and we’ve always loved it. It’s beautiful and well taken care of."

    "We typically come up to Fenton Lake once a year and last year was fantastic however this year the park rangers aren’t that friendly (or that helpful)."

    3. Clear Creek Campground (Nm) — Santa Fe National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Cuba, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 289-3264

    $20 - $75 / night

    "Each site is surrounded by ponderosa pines. A small creek flows through the campground."

    "The area provides lots of opportunities to hike or drive the many forest roads that are nearby. If you enjoy exploring in an atv/utv the forest roads range from well maintained to pretty rough."

    4. Cuba Hwy Pulloff on Forest Road 88

    3 Reviews
    Cuba, NM
    5 miles

    "It’s a bummer people throw so much trash and glass bottles around. Very pretty site otherwise and nice trails to walk. Many cows wandering about in the area."

    "It was getting late after a full day of driving and I happened to find this site. No amenities, but we were the only people in the area. We were just thankful for a place to stop."

    5. Jemez Falls Campground

    29 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 829-3535

    $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! "

    6. Forest Road 533

    2 Reviews
    Cuba, NM
    6 miles

    "The path into the clearing had some deep ruts, but I stayed to the side and my little Corolla did great. I have metro T-Mobile and had signal depending on where I stood."

    7. Theresa's RV Park and Beauty Salon

    2 Reviews
    Cuba, NM
    2 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Spot was gravel/ground up asphalt, bit actually close to level.
    It was chilly (low 30s) at night but water still turned on.
    There is some highway noise but we got a good nights sleep."

    8. Cuba Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Cuba, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (505) 404-5903

    $10 - $20 / night

    9. Rio Puerco Campground

    6 Reviews
    Gallina, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 638-5526

    "New Mexico is just beautiful and this park really brings that to life. Its a great place for fishing, camping, hiking and breath taking river veiws. Love every picture I took here."

    "It's actually only 10 miles off the main road, & 6 miles after the pavement ends, but Google took us down the wrong path."

    10. Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park

    16 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    22 miles
    Website

    "While we pulled up to Jemez camping nearby, the park rangers told us it was closed because of Covid, but we could go down the road to this unmarked, unnamed, dispersed camp site. "

    "We stayed on the edge of the cliff at the far back right side of the campsite and it was easily one of the top 5 locations that we have camped at."

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Recent Reviews near Cuba, NM

356 Reviews of 78 Cuba Campgrounds


  • Arthur B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Titilla Peak

    Tetilla Peak campground

    This campground has mix of gravel dirt on awesome peak overlooking Cochiti Lake! Most of the campsites have shelter ( a cover) and a picnic table. Will note that the bathroom/showers have no light until sundown, and it remains dark in there during the day.

  • Kristin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Camp May Road

    Perfect for a close camp to Los Alamos

    Easy to find pull off spots, lots of good trees. The road is closed Monday-Thursday due to being on lab property. Overall beautiful spot!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Jemez Falls Campground

    Tranquil in the pines

    Quiet spot, decent separation of sites, water, clean pit toilets, interesting hiking right from the campsite, decent cell connection (xfinity).

  • B
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Beautiful area

    We stayed at Cochiti to be close to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The area is beautiful and the campground is great. Sites are spacious with paved pads and a parking spot next to your RV sites it has a concrete area with a covered picnic table. We stayed in the Buffalo loop and had 50 amp electric as well as water. The bathhouse was near and was clean and nice

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Forest Service Rd 268 Dispersed Site

    Beating the Heat at 8800 ft.

    Great place to get away for the week. Cattle will walk thru your camp and people were far enough away to enjoy the cool.

  • Andrea P.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    FR 4B Dispersed

    Pretty basic, doesn’t seem heavily used

    The forest service gate was closed but not locked, and it looks like there’s some pretty recent logging activity. There are still enough trees for shade and some privacy, and it does give a nice view of the cliffs. We had two cars and two tents, and there was room for maybe one more comfortably, or a smallish trailer.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Forest Road 533

    Awesome dispersed camping

    Beautiful forest to camp, spread out spots too!


Guide to Cuba

Camping near Cuba, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "I've been to this campground several times, sometimes camping, sometimes just for the hiking. The views are awesome!" This is especially true at Jemez Falls Campground, where you can find waterfalls along the Jemez River.
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, head to Rio De Las Vacas Campground. A reviewer shared, "Trout have been caught in it," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Sightseeing: The area is rich in natural beauty. One camper noted, "We enjoyed this place. Perfect for some sightseeing, hiking, and close enough to Santa Fe/Taos if you want to visit those cities."

What campers like

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. A visitor at Riana - Abiquiu Lake said, "Amazing views," highlighting the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains.
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One reviewer mentioned, "It is always quiet, with just those camping driving around," referring to the tranquility at Riana - Abiquiu Lake.
  • Friendly hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A camper at Vista Linda Campground said, "Wonderful campground hosts," which adds to the welcoming vibe.

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Many campgrounds, like Fenton Lake State Park, do not have showers or electric hookups. A camper noted, "There was no water available," so be prepared to bring your own supplies.
  • Reservation systems: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis after a certain date. A visitor at Jemez Falls Campground mentioned, "Reservation system ran till the end of September."
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Rio Chama Campground shared, "We found a secluded spot," indicating that wildlife might be nearby.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. A reviewer at Vista Linda Campground mentioned, "The sites themselves were nice with picnic tables, grills, and fire pits."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. One camper at Fenton Lake State Park noted, "There’s a playground which was finally open!"
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of food and drinks. A camper at Rio De Las Vacas Campground mentioned, "The campground has 15 sites," so it’s a good idea to bring your own supplies.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Riana - Abiquiu Lake said, "Great sites for our 17' camp trailer."
  • Be prepared for wind: Wind can be an issue, especially at higher elevations. A camper at Fenton Lake State Park warned, "Wind gusts are common so tie down the tumbleweeds or they'll escape!"
  • Use a senior pass: If you have one, it can save you money. A visitor at Riana - Abiquiu Lake mentioned, "Senior Passes work here for half price discount."

Camping near Cuba, New Mexico, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Cuba, NM?

The Cuba area offers several excellent camping options. FR376 Dispersed is considered one of the best free campsites in New Mexico, perfect for those who enjoy four-wheeling. For camping in a forested setting, Clear Creek Campground in Santa Fe National Forest provides drive-in access with amenities like water and toilets. Further exploration along Forest Road 88 reveals additional pulloff camping spots. The region's stunning natural beauty includes canyon views, riverside camping, and secluded wooded areas that make the Cuba area a favorite for both developed and dispersed camping enthusiasts.

What is the best season for camping around Cuba, New Mexico?

Late spring through early fall offers the most pleasant camping conditions around Cuba. Jemez Falls Campground, one of New Mexico's premier camping destinations, is typically most enjoyable from May through September. At higher elevations like American Springs, summer provides relief from the heat with cooler temperatures, while fall delivers spectacular foliage. Summer nights offer amazing stargazing opportunities, though occasional fire bans may be in effect during dry periods. Winters bring cold temperatures and potential snow, especially at higher elevations, making camping more challenging but still possible with proper equipment.

What amenities are available at Cuba, NM campgrounds?

Amenities vary widely across Cuba area campgrounds. Willow Creek Campground — Heron Lake State Park offers spacious, well-spaced sites with full hookups in a wooded setting that provides privacy between campsites. Riana - Abiquiu Lake features a nicely laid out campground with friendly camp hosts, hiking and mountain biking trails, and lake access, though shade and privacy are limited. Most public campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, while dispersed camping areas typically have no facilities. The Cuba Fairgrounds offers reservable sites with more developed amenities for those seeking convenience, while the numerous forest dispersed sites prioritize natural settings over facilities.