Best Campgrounds near Tesuque, NM

Camping in the Tesuque area of New Mexico blends established campgrounds and dispersed options within the Santa Fe National Forest. Several campgrounds like Hyde Memorial State Park and Big Tesuque Campground provide developed sites with varying amenities, while dispersed camping is available on Forest Road 102 and BLM lands. The region includes both tent and RV-friendly locations, from primitive forest sites to RV parks with full hookups, such as Santa Fe Skies RV Park and Los Sueños de Santa Fe RV Park.

Road conditions in the national forest areas require caution, particularly for larger vehicles. Forest Road 102 presents challenges with its narrow, rutted surface that demands high-clearance vehicles. "Long, bumpy one-lane dirt road. 2-5mph the whole way. No shoulder. No way to back up or turn around. Lots of ruts and washouts," noted one visitor about Forest Road 102. The elevation changes significantly around Tesuque, with temperatures notably cooler at higher elevations than in nearby Santa Fe. Hyde Memorial State Park and surrounding forest areas typically operate seasonally, with some campgrounds closing during winter months when snow impacts accessibility. Most established campgrounds require reservations during peak seasons.

Campers frequently mention the contrast between proximity to Santa Fe and the quiet mountain environment. Hyde Memorial State Park receives praise for its hiking trails and natural setting despite road noise at some sites. "The site was roomy and had a nice picnic table and shelter," reported a camper at Hyde Memorial. Tesuque Casino parking areas serve as unofficial overnight spots for self-contained RVs, with several visitors noting the safety and convenience of these locations. Black Canyon Campground and Big Tesuque Campground provide more natural settings with basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables. While many sites offer drinking water during warmer months, several dispersed camping areas require visitors to bring their own supplies, including water. Forest Service and BLM lands typically allow longer stays than state park facilities but with fewer amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Tesuque, New Mexico (142)

    1. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    42 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    11 miles

    "I often camp by Diablo Canyon, which has wonderful sunsets and decent off trail hiking.  There's even a cave for those who know where to find it. "

    "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."

    2. Black Canyon Campground

    29 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 753-7331

    $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."

    3. Santa Fe Skies RV Park

    36 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 473-5946

    $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."

    4. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    26 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    11 miles

    "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."

    5. Hyde Memorial State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 983-7175

    $15 - $80 / night

    "Black Canyon Campground is just before the Hyde Memorial State Park entrance."

    "This small state park, located just 6 miles outside of downtown Santa Fe, might provide the least expensive lodging options for visiting this wonderful city."

    6. Santa Fe KOA

    29 Reviews
    Glorieta, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 466-1419

    "It is located in the foothills so it is not out in the hot windy flatlands or the cool woods. It is close to but not in or near SantaFe."

    "Stayed here for a week with the family close to Santa Fe and Pecos national forest. Managers very friendly and can be quite entertaining if you hang around for a bit."

    7. Rancheros de Santa Fe

    26 Reviews
    Eldorado at Santa Fe, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 466-3482

    "Just a short drive to the outskirts of Santa Fe in mountain country we found our campground, Rancheros de Santa Fe."

    "If you have a big rig or tow a car, you can drive around the loop instead of trying to make the turn to go back out by the front of the office."

    8. Big Tesuque Campground

    10 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 753-7331

    "If you're tent camping, Big Tesuque is AMAZING!! It's small, but absolutely beautiful. Each site has a picknick table and a tent pad. There are basic toilets. No showers, no sinks."

    "You can expect dozens upwards of a hundred faces a day hiking up here which can be extremely annoying and the car traffic can drive you nuts."

    9. Los Sueños de Santa Fe RV Park & Campground

    13 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 473-1949

    $43 - $65 / night

    "Perhaps their roadside sign had recently blown down? It was hard to see, but a fine stay."

    "This was a great location to explore the city and the staff was really nice.  The bathrooms are clean and the laundry facility is nice as well. "

    10. Trailer Ranch RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 471-9970

    "Restaurants are near-by and be sure to try Tortilla Flats. Showers and toilets are a close walk away and are kept clean by friendly staff. There is a laundry and lines to hang up your clothes."

    "Close to the bike path and grocery stores. Very convenient. Very clean. Very friendly."

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Recent Reviews near Tesuque, NM

969 Reviews of 142 Tesuque Campgrounds


  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    South Area Campground — Storrie Lake State Park

    Love it here!

    This is a great place to stop and breathe for a while while on the road. Especially with kids.

    Has great hook up sites (electric and water) beach site comes with a sweet outdoor patio with roof and picnic table - perfect for shade or rainy days.when living in an RV this is a great addition/ an extra room!

    There is a great playground and a perfect view of the lake

    Prices are totally fair - between 14-25 depending on site and residency

  • B
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Coyote Creek State Park Campground

    Quiet, beautiful, and no visible burn scars

    Beautiful area with no visible burn scars such as exist nearby. Many trees, nice views of mountains. Lots of spots, some with electric, many without. Many are designated 18 feet and under. Ours (T-4) would fit 35 feet, had lots of shade on a 80• October day. Small clean creek. Great places to walk all around. Water only available April to October 1. Back 2/3 of campground and RV DUMP also closed and gated off during cooler months. We were (luckily) advised on arrival by neighbors that the rangers are zealous about ticketing for any dog off leash, so we were extra careful and had no interactions at all. Referring to another review, there was no host at the time of our visit, but one of our neighbors regularly hosts here and didn't remind us of Goober Pyle at all. Yes we are old enough to remember.

  • 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.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Can’t Reach Site

    Spent a while driving around trying to find a dirt road to reach the site. Everything was blocked off by the neighbors who were of no help and just kept saying it was private property

  • 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!

  • Stacia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Great experience 10/10

    Amazing experience! Definitely a tight squeeze for my rv but definitely worth it. Don’t listen to anyone that it’s “closed.” You just have to listen to the description and not take the private roads!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Coronado Campground

    Excellent city run RV park

    This RV park is popular and can be filled. So try to get a reservation before you arrive. I managed to get a spot because somebody had canceled. Campsites have power and some have water. I paid $35 a night. But they do have an overflow area which is just a big parking lot but will serve in a pinch if there are no regular spaces available.

  • Kiran B.
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Placitas BLM

    BLM Land Placitas NM

    Just 10 miles north of Albuquerque by the Sandias. Open space for dispersed camping with views of the mountains. Lots of flat open places. Don't need 4x4 but a little clearance helps with the rocks and ruts.

  • A
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Coronado Campground

    Convenient and well appointed

    Remarkable nice little campground, with well laid-out sites, each with its own adobe picnic shelter as well as power and water. There’s a dump station at the exit. The location is very convenient, though there’s a bit of highway noise.


Guide to Tesuque

Camping near Tesuque, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful 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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, including those at Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument. One visitor shared, "The hiking right from the campground is great - the two hikes are definitely worth doing."
  • Exploring National Monuments: Visit Bandelier National Monument, just a short drive away. A reviewer noted, "We enjoyed visiting the ancient Pueblos, especially climbing the 140 feet to the Alcove house."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Cochiti Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One camper mentioned, "This campground was an incredible value for $6, with a boat ramp available."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the stunning views at places like Black Canyon Campground. A visitor said, "The campground was very well maintained, and the views were beautiful."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of spots like Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite. One reviewer noted, "It was pretty quiet, and while we did have neighbors, we were by no means packed in there like sardines."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campgrounds like Rancheros de Santa Fe are known for their welcoming staff. A camper shared, "The owners are super kind, and our site was great."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, such as Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed, lack basic amenities. A camper warned, "If it is still open, you’ll see a lot of trash. Certain sites looked better than others."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Hyde Memorial State Park Campground, are only open during specific months. A visitor mentioned, "During the fall, winter, and spring, most of the camping loops are closed."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper at Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite noted, "If you put up a hummingbird feeder, they will love you."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Santa Fe Skies RV Park, which has a walking trail and is close to town. A reviewer said, "The park is super clean, and I highly recommend this park."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities. One family enjoyed the "game room and movie theater" at Rancheros de Santa Fe.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Cochiti Recreation Area mentioned, "Security check-in stations were active on weekends."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Santa Fe KOA noted, "Some of the spots were a little tight once you get your slides out."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with good facilities. One RV traveler at Los Sueños de Santa Fe RV Park & Campground said, "The sites were very clean and easy to get into with a class A."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Campgrounds like Black Canyon Campground can get windy. A camper mentioned, "Summer temps were very comfortable during the day and cool overnight."

Camping near Tesuque, New Mexico, offers a variety of experiences, from serene landscapes to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Tesuque, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Tesuque, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 142 campgrounds and RV parks near Tesuque, NM and 36 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Tesuque, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tesuque, NM is Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 42 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tesuque, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 free dispersed camping spots near Tesuque, NM.

What parks are near Tesuque, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Tesuque, NM that allow camping, notably Santa Fe National Forest and Abiquiu Lake.