RV camping near Placitas, New Mexico offers visitors access to both mountain terrain and desert landscapes with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Cellular reception varies significantly throughout the region, with stronger signals at properties closer to Albuquerque and intermittent coverage near Sandia Mountain.
What to do
Mountain biking near Cedro Peak: Hidden Valley RV park serves as a convenient base for accessing nearby trail systems. "Close to Cedro Peak mountain biking and hiking trails," notes Evan S., who appreciates the park's location "just outside the city sprawl."
Cultural explorations: Santa Fe Skies RV Park provides a central location for exploring regional attractions. "We stayed 5 nights are these grounds to explore the surrounding areas — Santa Fe (15 min from Historic Plaza), Albuquerque (50 minutes via 25 or a lovely trip down the nearby Turquoise Trail) and Bandera National Monument (1 hour)," shares kristin S.
Vintage RV displays: View unique Americana at Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post. "The old vintage RVs are awesome. They don't make them like that anymore!!" says Chuck M. Another visitor adds, "There is a collection of vintage cars and rv's behind the store is really neat to see."
What campers like
Mountain views: Santa Fe Skies RV Park offers panoramic vistas that campers consistently praise. "Sunsets are epic and there is a walking trail around the grounds," one camper reports. Another notes the park has "sculptures and antique ranch equipment throughout" adding character to the landscape.
Sheltered sites: NomadLand RV Stay provides covered parking spaces that protect against harsh sun. "We were undercover with full hook-ups, this was very helpful in the hot NM sun. All the sites are flat and paved," shares Penny P., who appreciated this feature during a summer stay.
Pet accommodations: Many RV parks accommodate animals with designated spaces. At Stagecoach Stop RV Park, one camper mentions "Our pups got to run around and that make everyone happy 😀" with access to a "Small dog enclosure" that offers "a view of the Sandra mountains."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Multiple RV parks have reported water issues. "Main issue was the water. After sitting in hose for many hours it would turn yellow to orange. Running several gallons through would result in clear water again. We wouldn't drink it," notes Lance T. at Route 66 RV Park.
Leveling challenges: Terrain throughout the area creates uneven sites at many parks. "The sites are tight and are terraced up a hill," reports a visitor to Hidden Valley RV park. At Route 66 RV Park, another camper noted "Our site and adjacent sites were not level."
Wildlife precautions: Local fauna requires awareness. "You will see lots of wildlife here, coyotes, mountain lions, etc. If you have little dogs with you, be careful and keep them close. During my stay a coyote got my neighbors small pug," warns a visitor to Hidden Valley.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: American RV Resort offers play areas for children. "Campground has everything including level spots and a dump station and all hookups and has some nice views of the mountains," notes one visitor who stayed with their family.
Game rooms: Indoor entertainment options supplement outdoor activities. "Attached to laundry room is a game room with free pool table, TV, 2 arcade games," reports Laura M. about Enchanted Trails RV Park.
Unique accommodations: For something different, "We stayed one night in the TeePee which was just magical and cozy, a mini vacay inside of our otherwise rustic van camping trip!" shares Tina M. about her stay at RavenHouse RV Spot and Horse Hotel.
Tips from RVers
Security considerations: Several parks offer gated access for added protection. "The park is gated with cameras so we felt very safe in the middle of the city in a camper," notes a visitor to NomadLand RV Stay, which also offers "free filtered water, free bags of ice, free coffee, free use of washer and dryer."
RV washing facilities: NomadLand RV Stay provides a "free RV wash bay that has an 'upper level' so you can reach your rv roof," a valuable amenity after driving through dusty conditions.
Supply proximity: The convenience of nearby services matters to many RVers. "There is a Walgreens, Walmart Neighborhood Market, a brewery and restaurants all within 1/4 of a mile from Nomadland," notes one visitor, while another at Stagecoach Stop mentions it's "Less than 1/2 a mile to the entrance of Walmart!"