Albuquerque is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Albuquerque. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Welcome to Albuquerque KOA. We have a beautiful campground nestled close to the Sandia Mountains. Whether you are looking for a big rig friendly 80 foot RV sites, cabins , or just tent camping, we are your Albuquerque campground . We have a swimming pool, indoor hot tub, mini golf, playground, horseshoes and a huge park for your pets. We are definitely pet friendly . We are here to help you relax and take care of all your camping needs. There's plenty to do during your camping stay with us. Our KOA is conveniently located near attractions such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , the world's longest aerial Tramway , and we are the closest campground to Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds. The campground is also conveniently located near a variety of restaurants, the aquarium, zoo, multiple museums and the fascinating Old Town shopping district.
From the KOA website: The campground features a shaded pool (a rarity in the desert) just steps from your Kamping Kabin, tent site or RV pull thru. It's a terrific gathering spot for groups and families with an outdoor covered pavillion, WiFi , playground, volleyball, horseshoes, 2 dog parks, a book exchange, and video rental along with a great gift shop boasting Native American crafts, snacks, drinks, RV supplies and everyday essentials. Catch the new Rail Runner Express in Bernalillo only a mile away (within walking distance) for train excursions to explore downtown Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Belen. The campground also offers easy access to the attractions of New Mexico's two largest cities, as well as to ancient Indian ruins (in Bernalillo), ghost towns, pueblos and all the beauty of the Southwest. Just head West on 550 to highway 4 to the Jemez village where you can swim in the soda damn, soak in the natural hot spring pots and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery New Mexico has to offer. Step through our secret passage way to the Kaktus brewery where you can enjoy live music, food, and great beer! We are the closest KOA to the World Famous International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta just 9 miles away. Every October the skies are filled with every color, size and shape of balloons. An amazing spectacle youll want to see. No car, thats okay. We have a free shuttle that will take you to the Santa Ana Casino where you can enjoy a fun filled evening of dining, bowling (kid friendly with arcade) and entertainment just minutes away. They will always pick you up for an exhilarating round of world famous golf. Feel like staying in, Pizza Hut and Dominos will always deliver to your campsite. On the weekends, for your enjoyment, free G/PG rated movies are shown in the grassy outdoor covered pavillion where you can purchase snacks and popcorn to add to your viewing pleasure. Our employees number one goal is to make your camping experience carefree and memorable so that you will choose our campground as the place to stay in New Mexico.
Vista Linda Campground is a first come, first serve campground in the San Diego Canyon on the Jemez National Recreation Area. There are thirteen sites throughout the campground. Potable water and vault toilets are provided amenities. Each campsite has picnic tables, a fire ring, and a charcoal pedestal. Sites with shad features are available; not all sites provide shade features.__
Vista Linda Campground is one of five developed campgrounds in the Jemez National Recreation Area on the Jemez Ranger District. There are numerous outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the Jemez National Recreation Area, from scenic driving to fishing accesses and day-use picnic areas. Vista Linda Campground is a brief drive from numerous developed day-use sites on the NM-4 Corridor and a short drive from multiple access points to Trail 137
Vista Linda Campground is one of five developed campgrounds in the Jemez National Recreation Area on the Jemez Ranger District. There are numerous outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the Jemez National Recreation Area, from scenic driving to fishing accesses and day-use picnic areas. Vista Linda Campground is a brief drive from numerous developed day-use sites on the NM-4 Corridor and a short drive from multiple access points to Trail 137
Vista Linda Campground is situated in a basin of the San Diego Canyon, south of the town of Jemez Springs, NM. It is surrounded by redrock and sandstone mesas in a vibrant cottonwood bosque. The Jemez River runs parallel to the campground, and provides ample fishing access for campers. The campground provides excellent stargazing options on cloudless nights.__
Vista Linda Campground is part of the Jemez National Recreation Area. There are numerous developed, dispersed, and undeveloped recreation opportunities throughout the Jemez National Recreation Area. It is also near the Valles Caldera National Preserve, Bandelier National Monument, Dome and Bandlier Wilderness Areas, the town of Los Alamos, and a two-hour drive to Santa Fe.__
$10 / night
Sites: 38, Elevation: 7,600 large, well shaded campground (38 units + 11 picnic sites in the lower loop) is a good way into Manzano Wilderness via Red and Spruce Canyon trails on foot or horseback. Corrals and parking for horse trailers. This site is open for day use or overnight camping. No water available. PLEASE NOTE: Recreational Vehicles (RV's) longer than 22 feet are not allowed in this campground. Vehicles of this size may only park at Ox Canyon Trailhead, approximately 1.5 miles South of Red Canyon Campground.
Great views of Manzano Mountains, Rio Grande and Estancia Valleys are part of the attraction of this popular 8-unit site at 9200* with access to Manzano Mountain Wilderness and Hawkwatch*s raptor counting station.
$5 / night
The Ortiz Mountains and enchanting Cerrillos Hills surround us. Our stars shine brighter than most, and coyote songs will remind you that you're dwelling amongst the high desert wildlife. The 1 3/4 mile road to Little Dancing Horse Ranch is not for everyone. I will reiterate this a couple of times in this listing to make sure people understand that we live on a rocky, dirt road. Some folks find it not to be a big deal while others do. Most vehicles most of the time can make it fine if it's taken slowly although high clearance vehicles are ideal. During the rare big rain or snow, 4 wheel drive may be needed. It's advisable to check the weather in advance.
$45 - $68 / night
Paliza Campground sits beneath sandstone cliffs on the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest. The area is replete with culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Ample recreation opportunities exist at or near the campground, which makes it a wonderful outdoor destination.
Hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic drives are some of the popular activities enjoyed near the campground. Striking views of an ancient volcanic crater amid the rolling hills, can be seen from the Cerro Pelado Scenic Overlook, about 11 miles from the campground. Off-road vehicle trails and numerous hiking and mountain biking trails surround the campground.
The newly refurbished campground sits in a forested area at the top of a hill with views of the Jemez Valley below. It was originally the site of a 1930s Civilian Convservation Corps base camp. Remnants of that camp, including log lean-to's and adirondack shelters with rock fireplaces, can be found within the campground. A small stream runs alongside the campground and sandstone cliffs on the nearby mesas provide excellent photographic and sightseeing opportunities. A small tract of private land is located north of the campground and common courtesy is appreciated.
The campground is located five miles northeast of the town of Ponderosa, New Mexico, an area known for its vineyards and winery with a tasting room. The Jemez Pueblo and the Walatowa Visitor Center, both of which provide rewarding cultural experiences, are just 11 miles from the campground in the town of Jemez. The quaint community offers shopping and dining opportunities, as well as a variety of recreational opportunities.
$34 - $50 / night
18 & Up Only Strictly Enforced Why should movie folks have all the fun? Scaramanga Ranch is available to campers seeking a canyon & convenient scenic escape between our productions. Snore, explore, hike, bike, and immerse yourself within our desert forest. Nestled above Madrid, we are just 20 minutes from Santa Fe. Premium sites have private canopy, solar-gravity shower, uber-clean catchment latrine, toiletries, and fire pit.
$45 - $65 / night
Traveler
We just happened upon this 1st come 1st serve campground & so glad we did! The camp host "Brad" was so very nice & helpful. He gave us info on all the things to do and see in the Jamez area (which is alot) Our campsite #12 was really nice. It has a large covered pavilion (not all sites have the covered pavilions) with oversized picnic table & a short path down to a private area at the Jamez River (which is really more like a creek) from our site. We left our chairs down there & frequently enjoyed relaxing there. The area is scenic & campground was very clean. There are water pumps outside the bathrooms. The cost for us was $5 per night using our America the Beautiful Senior Pass. This is a great home base for visiting the area. Would defiantly visit again!
LegendVista Linda NM : Adjacent to the highway. Don’t be fooled, though. Beautiful, peaceful, clean, and the most helpful host.
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 4 Security: No Usage during visit: the host tells me that usually fills up Site Privacy: good Site Spacing: very good Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: First, come first Campground Noise: Quiet, campground Outside Road Noise: along the highway. Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no, Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: yes Generators: allowed Bathroom: very clean pit toilets. Showers: no Pull Throughs: yes. Cell Service (AT&T): no bars Setting: beautiful setting. Along in Canyon wall. Would love to stay here Recent Weather: 70s during the day Solar: very good Insects: none during our visit this time of Host: yes sky Rig Size: around 40 feet Sites: many nice sites. See the pictures. Site seven was our favorite site. Very nice. Flowing Creek adjacent to that site.
Legend
Great staff. Clean park. Second time here. Better than most KOAs.
LegendOne of the nicer KOAs but still a KOA. Sites are close together. Friendly staff and clean/organized campground. Close to highway but easy in/out. Some smaller trees have branches that can damage your rig so be mindful of the space above as you navigate through the sites.
LegendThere are many campgrounds that we simply love, and we can’t come within 50 miles of this place without staying at least one night. Tucked into the Jemez Valley just south of the town of Jemez Springs and the nearby Carson National Forest, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and Bandelier National Monument, this campground offers a great place to camp for a night or stay for a week.
Some of the sites have the full shade structure over the picnic table and campfire ring area, others offer shade under the trees along the river bank. There’s lots of great sun for solar power in the valley but none of the sites have electricity. It’s still one of the best campsites for $10 a night. The toilets are clean vault style and are regularly serviced by the nearby park service crews. As the name implies, the scenery is stunning and you can find lots of hiking in the area, including trails that lead to nearby warm and hot springs.
You can also get a permit to visit the Jemez reservation (Red Canyon) hiking trails here as well -- definitely worth it. Also check out the locals who prepare food at the stalls across the road, got some good enchiladas there. But probably the best food around is going to be Los Ojos Saloon. Now, we don’t normally single out businesses in these reviews, but this one is special. Definitely get Olgas Chile Rellenos, as they are among the best we’ve had...anywhere!
With 3 hot springs resorts in town, your soaking desires can be serviced locally or within a short drive. Back down the valley at the reservation visitor’s center there’s a small museum and a cafe offering a very respectable spiced mocha and gas station where you can get a pizza. The suburban sprawl of Bernalillo is just about 30 minutes away in case you need something beyond the convenience store level.
Ranger
Great spot not too far from Albuquerque, very peaceful and quaint. Friendly staff and dog friendly ( on a leash). Picnic tables, showers, laundry, clean restrooms, all nestled in the pine and fur trees.
GuideGreat place on a Tuesday, hardly anyone there and campsites close to the water. Great for sleeping, I didn't bother pitching my tent and slept out under the shelter. Cool breezes came down the valley in the evening and overnight. It's dark in the canyon in the morning and late afternoon. Water available.
Traveler
Got site number 6, which has the best view to the SE. The site has a tent shelter which was much needed for the high winds experienced at night. The pit toilet was clean. The deer were abundant. A hiking trail was close. And the views were fantastic.
Traveler
We stayed in the camping area near the trailhead. Very green and lush with deer visiting our site at dusk!
TravelerI’ve been here a couple times. The site itself is in a really nice area with lots of pine trees and direct trail access. The only issue is it seems a lot of people who come here don’t know camp etiquette and leave the sites completely trashed. Fire pits buried and unusable, beer cans and trash everywhere. I’d recommend going before Memorial Day while the sites are still clean
RangerLarge sites. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Convenient location. Friendly staff.
TravelerThis is a great location to test out some camping gear and/or explore camping for newbies.
The site is clean, well-maintained, and managed. The staff is very friendly and helpful!
A grocery/general store is nearby for anything you may have forgotten. I would highly recommend it and look forward to coming here again.
RangerWe stayed here one night traveling through NM. The sites were tight (typical KOA). Everything was clean and the folks were friendly. Easy in and out. Would stay here again for an overnight.
GuideWe only stayed for one night but we enjoyed this location! The surrounding views were fantastic. Walking along the Jemez River was a great evening activity. The sites themselves were nice with picnic tables, grills, and fire pits. There was potable water pumps near the restrooms which we used to ferry water and fill up the RV before heading out.
We liked how spread out the sites were, you never felt on top of your neighbor. The evening we were here, it was less than half full during the first week of November.
Of note, was some sites were great for starlink being set back from some of the trees and further from the river and mesa while others were just okay for starlink.
GuideThe trip to Capilla Peak camp is not for the faint of heart. You'll be traveling on a one-lane gravel and dirt track to 9200 feet above MSL, but once you get there, it's worth the journey. On a weeknight in August I had the entire campground to myself.
A couple of the eight sites have wooden awnings which are great on windy days. There is also a pavilion for group gatherings. All of the sites have fire rings and picnic tables. There isn't a place to park a trailer in the camp itself, but there are spots at the top of the driveway. I wouldn't bring a trailer up here anyway.
Easy access to the Crest Trail and the hike to Osha Peak is an easy two miles. Past Osha Peak you enter a pretty nasty burn scar and the trail becomes harder to follow. Hardly any people but tons of deer to keep you company!
ScoutThe campground is clean, the sites are well groomed with camp pads level. Lots of trees for shade. There are 2 areas, on for tents and 1 for RV’s. The people who run the campground are very nice and accommodating.
LegendThis is a civilized campground located just a few minutes north of Albuquerque. Amenities include a camp store and laundry room. I arrived without a reservation and was able to find a nice tent site with plenty of shade and wooden fences on three sides for privacy. Water and electricity were also available at my site.
This being an urban campground, there was some traffic noise from nearby roads and freeways. However, the campground quieted down at night and I slept well. The bathrooms were very well appointed, and required a code to enter.
TravelerI stayed 2 nights and this quiet, quaint campground in my van. I had a pretty secluded spot with electric. Everyone here was so nice and helpful especially Autumn in the office who checked me in. Very reasonable price. I would stay here again in an heartbeat. Very quiet except for the occasional car on the private road. Had a nice shower.
TravelerNice spot. Sites are kind of close for my liking but still served its purpose. Stayed a day during the 2nd week of May 2022.
Ranger
Super cute little bus! We ended up staying during a rainy weekend, and my tiny Prius C made it up and down the trail twice, albeit very slowly. Definitely bring a 4wd or high clearance vehicle if you can help it, because it wasn't easy. Definitely worth it though. Great view of the hills and mountains from every direction.
We didn't realize that there was a van/RV site on the lot as well, and that the outhouse was shared with it. Given the current circumstances, we were a little nervous since we could audibly hear our neighbors coughing, but we all kept our distance.
When we arrived, there was water available for us on the bus, as well as instructions for the appliances and outhouse. There was plenty of space on the bus to spread out(and I had two kids on a rainy weekend), and it's charmingly decorated. The host does have dogs that roam, and are friendly for the most part. One dog is a little more excitable than the other, and did spook my daughter.
We got plenty of exercise and beautiful views walking on the dirt road. Only 5 minutes from Madrid, which is magical if you've never been before.
ScoutWas looking for a camp site at the end of a long day of driving Route 66. This one popped up and was highly rated. Very glad I made the stop here. Facility is well maintained and Super friendly hosts. Great stay!
LegendThis was a clean and nice KOA. We only stayed there for a night, but like some journey level koas we’ve stayed at, I would’ve stayed longer.
Scoutit is a great place great rangers I love the little creek and beautiful view favorite campsite so far 🏕⛺️
GuideStayed overnight on 1/22/22 and had a great experience. The campground and vault toilets were super clean. The area is gorgeous and makes for breathtaking views from your site.
All the sites had fire pits and picnic tables. Spacing was great; couldn’t see our neighbors from our camper windows.
The creek that runs behind the campground is cathartic. Just down the road is Ponderosa Winery and Jemez Hot Springs is the other way. We’ll be back!
ScoutGreat spot to car camp for the night. I definitely appreciated the HOT , running water and nicely kept bathroom.
TravelerVista Linda camp ground was an awesome surprise for us . It’s located roughly 40 mins north of ABQ but right in between some amazing spots . It was on first come first serve basis , with restrooms (no showers ) and water . Camped for 3 nights and were able to visit and experience some awesome spots such as Jemez hot springs (a few miles north on HWY 4) and Gilman Tunnels (a few miles south on HWY 4 , then north on another road north some ) . Linda Vista campground had a creek running along itself which made for good hiking and scenery. Over all we really enjoyed our stay and felt like it made our Fall visit one to never forget .
Time of Visit : Mid October Temperatures : 60-70 during day 50-40 during night (buddy heater recommended) Campsite #6 included : shaded picnic area with grill and fire pit , space for tent and drive through parking spot for vehicle.
Instagram: iz_07_ (For any questions or More pictures/ Videos)
GuideLovely campground. Excellent AT&T signal for cellular internet.
Camping near Albuquerque offers a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping in Albuquerque, NM, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly spots to serene retreats. With the right planning, you can enjoy the beauty of New Mexico's outdoors while having access to the conveniences of city life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Albuquerque, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Albuquerque, NM is Albuquerque Central KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 45 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Albuquerque, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Albuquerque, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
