Looking for the best Truchas pet-friendly camping? Finding a place to camp in New Mexico with your dog is easier than ever. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Truchas's most popular destinations.
Juniper Family Campground is the ideal place to camp on the Pajarito Plateau. Located just inside the main park entrance, the campground is a short drive from the Bandelier Visitor Center, the Frijoles Canyon Shuttle bus system (mid-May to mid-October), and the adjacent towns of Los Alamos and White Rock. Juniper Family Campground is the perfect "home base" to explore the Pajarito Plateau, Jemez Mountains, and all of north central New Mexico! The campground is divided into 3 loops: Abert's Squirrel Loop (Loop A) campsites are available year-round as first-come, first serve only. Pay for first-come, first-serve campsites at the self-pay kiosk located at the Juniper Family Campground or in-person at the Bandelier Visitor Center during business hours. Black Bear Loop (Loop B) campsites are open year-round and are reservable up to 6 months in advance. Some sites may open on shorter booking windows (7 or 14 days in advance or the day of arrival). Coyote Loop (Loop C) campsites are open seasonally, March 1 October 31, and are reservable up to 6 months in advance. Some sites may open on shorter booking windows (7 or 14 days in advance). You may also book campsite reservations in Loops B & C on the day of arrival (subject to availability). HOWEVER, cell service/data is not always reliable in the park and no public WiFi is available. The park highly recommends booking your reservation from the neighboring towns of Los Alamos and White Rock before heading to Bandelier. Group campsites (in Loop A) are available by reservation only up to 12 months in advance until the day before arrival (subject to availability). Same day reservations are not available for group campsites.
Bandelier is home to over 70 miles (113 km) of hiking trails most of which are located within federally designated wilderness. Two trails are accessible directly from Juniper Family Campground. The Frey Trail follows the historic route into Frijoles Canyon and descends down the canyon wall to the Visitor Center and the Main Loop Trail. The Tyuonyi Overlook Trail leaves the amphitheater parking area for a 3/4-mile (1.2 km) hike across the open mesa top to an overlook providing breathtaking views of Frijoles Canyon and of Tyounyi, an ancestral Pueblo village. The Bandelier Visitor Center houses museum exhibits, park film, information and ranger programs, Western National Parks Association sales outlet, and more. Entrance to Frijoles Canyon and the Visitor Center is by shuttle bus only (or by hiking) from mid-May to mid-October. These areas are accesibile by private vehicle outside the shuttle bus period. Many other opportunities for recreation and exploring the history and culture of the area are nearby, such as Valles Caldera National Preserve, Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Los Alamos museums, the Jemez District of the Santa Fe National Forest, US Department of Energy public recreation trails, and others around Los Alamos County. Rock climbing is prohibited within Bandelier National Monument, however many popular climbs are within a short drive up Route 4 into the Jemez Mountains.
Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres (13355 ha) of rugged, beautiful canyon and mesa country which features evidence of human presence going back over 11,000 years. Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities. Bandelier National Monument sits at the southern end of the Pajarito (Spanish for little bird) Plateau. The plateau was formed by two eruptions 1.6 and 1.4 million years ago. Home to the Bandelier Wilderness, Bandelier ranges from 5340 ft (1628 m) at the Rio Grande River to the south and 10,199 ft (3109 m) at the summit of Cerro Grande to the north, almost a mile of elevation change in just under 12 miles (19 km). This elevation gradient creates a unique diversity of habitats specific to Northern New Mexico. The diversity of habitats and quick access to water supported a relatively large population of Ancestral Pueblo people. Currently, Pi__on-Juniper woodlands dominate in the southern parts of the park transitioning through ponderosa pine savannahs and forests, finally reaching mixed conifer forests at the highest elevation. Scattered throughout the park are desert grasslands, montane meadows, and riparian areas in the canyon bottoms. Over 70 miles (113 km) of trails at Bandelier climb in and out of deep canyons and cross large flat mesas, showcasing the entire spectrum of volcanic geology and ecosystems found within the park. The park is home to over 55 species of mammals including mule deer, Abert's squirrels, mountain lions, black bears, and 16 species of bats. Reptiles and amphibians of all shapes and sizes can be seen. Birds such as Steller's jays, canyon towhees and mountain chickadees stay year-round, whereas turkey vultures, western tanagers, and black-headed grosbeaks are summer residents.
The town of Los Alamos has shopping, museums, amenities, a movie theater, ice rink, ski hill, and is home to Manhattan Project National Historic Site. Nearby Department of Energy and US Forest Service lands provide trails which accommodate pets. Valles Caldera National Preserve is 16 miles (26 km) west of Bandelier. Jemez Historic Site is 37 miles (60 km) west. Pecos National Historical Park is 70 miles (113 km) southeast. Santa Fe, 40 miles (64 km) south of the park, is home to the New Mexico state capitol, museums, historic districts, art galleries, food, accomodations, and more.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (505) 672-3861.
$50 / night
Santa Fe Skies RV Park is family built, owned and operated. It sits on 17 acres overlooking the beautiful mountains of Santa Fe, New Mexico. We are "Big Rig friendly". Fifty five sites are pull-thrus designed to accommodate large motor coaches and travel trailer rigs. All sites are equipped with 20/30/50 amp electrical service. Water and Sewer are available at all pull-thru and almost all back-in sites. We are "pet friendly". Free Wifi is available. The RV Park is within a short driving distance to two major shopping malls (one an outlet mall), several restaurants, a large supermarket and other local businesses. We are located just off the scenic Turquoise Trail, which includes the historic Villages of Cerrillos and the artist center of Madrid. It is only a short distance from the 17th Century Spanish Colonial Living History Museum, El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, which was the last overnight stop for travelers coming to Santa Fe on the El Camino Real from Mexico. The city of Santa Fe is located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains at an altitude of 7,000 ft. above sea level. (That is 1,500 ft. higher than Denver, Colorado.) Since the Santa Fe Skies RV Park sits on a ridge just outside of town, you get a panoramic view of the entire Santa Fe area! Not only can you see the historic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where the sunset makes the mountains shine with a red glow in the evening (hence the name "Sangre de Cristo" or "Blood of Christ"), you can also see the Jemez Mountains to the west, and in the south and southwest the Cerrillos Hills, the Ortiz Mountains and the Sandia Peak at the base of which lies the city of Albuquerque.
$71 - $91 / night
Located just 8 miles northeast of Santa Fe, in New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Hyde Memorial State Park is mountain getaway surrounded by pine forests and high peaks. The park sits alongside Little Tesuque Creek, at an elevation of 8,500 feet. This makes the area a little cooler than the city in the valley below, despite their proximity. The big summer draw to the area is access to the Pecos Wilderness and the many miles of hiking trails that roam deep into the mountainous backcountry, as well as plentiful bird and wildlife watching. In winter, though the campground is closed, visitors flock to the park’s snowy trails for sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, or head a few more miles up the road to the slopes at the Ski Santa Fe resort.
The campground at Hyde Memorial State Park offers 57 drive-in campsites for tent and RV campers. A few sites provide electrical hookups, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 50 feet. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Water faucets and vault toilets are located throughout the park, and flush toilets are available at the visitor center; a dump station is located near the park entrance. The park also has three yurts to rent. Park visitors also have access to several picnic areas, a playground, volleyball court, and more than 4 miles of local hiking trails. Park naturalists also offer seasonal interpretive programs. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed. Most campsites are first-come, first-serve; rates are $10–$14/night
$10 - $150 / night
Situated in a beautiful steep canyon right along Holy Ghost Creek, 16 miles north of Pecos on NM 63 and FR 122. Uses: camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking. Facilities: vaulted toilets, water, trash bins, tables and grills. No hook-ups or showers. Special Instructions: Horse trailers are not allowed, but can be parked at Terrero. Picnickers must pay fee. Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org.
$8 / night
Ah, this campground is a desert oasis at the end of a busy day. The patio is a delightful resting spot in the shade, where you can watch hummingbirds whiz by. This is your home base as, day by day, you visit the Santa Fe Plaza, San Miguel Mission, Palace of the Governors, Loretto Chapel or Canyon Road, where you'll find many galleries and artists to observe. Summer brings an abundance of festivals to enjoy. And don't forget the wonderful local cuisine! Many restaurants are small family-run establishments, and the recipes handed down through the ages keep getting better. Relax at the campground and plan your next day's activities. Will it be the Rio Grande Gorge or a day touring Native American ruins? Whatever you decide, it will enrich your life. Max pull thru: 65 feet. Your hosts: Larry and Phyllis Pasekoff.
Santa Barbara Campground is situated nicely on the edge of the Pecos Wilderness area and next to Rio Santa Barbara, a beautiful and healthy trout stream.
This is a great drop off point for hikers and horseback riders seeking close access to the Pecos Wilderness and Jicarita Peak.
Santa Barbara is located in a mixed forest of spruce, fir and aspen trees, which provide some shade throughout the day. At an altitude of 8,900 feet, temperatures can cool off during the summer nights.
Trail access to Jicarita Peak, with close access to North Truchas Peak, Sipapu Ski Resort, the town of Vadito, and the town of Penasco are all nearby. All are within 8-15 miles from the campground. Most services are available in Taos, NM, 25 miles north of the campground or Espanola, NM, 45 miles southwest.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
$70 / night
Agua Piedra, located in the Carson National Forest, is nestled near the Rio Pueblo and Agua Piedra Creek. The campground contains many shaded areas to camp, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.
Visitors to the Agua Piedra campground and group shelters can also enjoy fishing in the Rio Pueblo River, which is a tributary of the mighty Rio Grande. The river is stocked with rainbow trout and there is a small pier in the day use area.Hiking to Serpent Lake and Cordova Canyon, which are both within seven miles of the campground and group shelters, are also favorite activities for visitors. Also popular is further exploration of points of interest in the Pecos Wilderness, as well as within the Sangre De Cristos Mountains, the southernmost Rocky Mountain range.
Agua Piedra campground and group shelters are located in a mixed forest of spruce, fir and aspen trees, which provide some shade throughout the day. At an altitude of 8,100 feet, temperatures can cool off during the summer nights.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
Sipapu Ski Resort, the town of Vadito, and the town of Penasco is within 3 - 17 miles from the campground and group shelter. Most services are available in Taos, NM, 25 miles north of the campground or Espanola, NM, 45 miles southwest.
$150 / night
Guide
I will start with the only downside of this site: it is very active with hikers, families, dogs, and photographers. 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. That said, for the ease of access, for the beautiful trails, and for the clean amenities I think it is worth it. In the winter right before the ski area opens is your best bet for quiet camping. But in the summer, spring, fall, and during ski season you will have a lot of friendly faces. Again, not bad, but I know some folks are very interested in getting "away" from people while camping. To those I recommend this site for hiking and not staying. Highly recommend for folks who are less physically abled; I developed a heart condition which limits my abilities most days and the ease of access to these sites and close parking is great for someone who wants to be in touch with nature while enduring limiting conditions.
Scout
Stayed here 2 nights and had a great time. This campsite is in a great location to see the falls, and has a good layout. The pit toilets were clean, and well maintained. The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful when we had questions. I’ll definitely be back at some point!
Scout
Area is open. There’s some trash right as you come in, but there’s plenty of clean spots not too much further in. Decent spot, though also popular.
Guide
There was a decent amount of snow but the road was easy enough to navigate. I came in from Las Alamos and went in about 7-8 miles. The site I found was amazing. There was a site available right as you pulled in and about 3-4 more half developed sites (fire rings) within a quarter mile walk in. It looks like there’s a bit of an OHV trail leading up the mountain, halfway. From there if you want to reach a peak you do have to bushwhack a bit. This was easily by top 10 dispersed campsites I’ve even been to and will definitely be coming back. Little to no service, roughly an hour 45 minutes from Albuquerque stayed 2 nights.
Guide
This place is about 20-30 minutes outside of Las Alamos. If you go through Santa Fe, you do have to go through a military checkpoint. There was a decent amount of snow, so I didn’t go very far in. I saw plenty of 4x4 trucks making it further than I did. The site was nice, but there was broken glass nearby so be careful. Made a couple of fires, and had a good time. From my site you could see the town below but thankfully it did not impede my view of the stars. I had full service too which was nice.
TravelerAfter a long drive I found this site to be posted and closed. I’m a newbie so I could be incorrect but check USFS closures.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/santafe/alerts-notices/?aid=88339
Guide
Campground is nestled in a bug group of dense pines and only a 15-20 minute drive from Los Alamos. Quite a few hiking trails in the areas to explore the high desert mesas and escape the heat of Albuquerque.
Traveler
The place was clean. Our issues were two.
Traveler
We paid $75 for one night and the WiFi was weak and we had no cell service. The place was lovely and the bathrooms were clean and easy to use. It’s located 12 miles out of the city. There is a grocery store near by with a good selection of food and alcohol.
Guide
We parked a little further off 285 than most people so the road noise was minimal. A car drove past us on the dirt road in the morning which was surprising but nothing more. There was a rotting animal smell once in a while but we didn’t smell once inside the van. No toilet. Someone left a small fire ring. The road was rutted, don’t go if it’s wet. Fine for overnight lodging but I wouldn’t hang out there.
Guide
Picnic table, running water in spigots, fire ring and a view. We drove our van right to the spot. Clean pit toilets. $7/night
Traveler
Unwisely, we decided to go here in a large RV. DON’T!
Ranger
Stayed in spot R1 which is pretty small/crowded in, but near river and trees. Lovely duck and geese ponds and river walk, also dog park. Clean restrooms and showers but no changing stalls in either mens/womens shower. Very quiet and affordable. Near to grocery. Grounds are well-kept and healthy & green (lots of trees, shrubs, beautiful walk by river). Sorry pics are a bit washed out, doesn't do it justice.
Guide
This place sufficed due to the need to have somewhere for the night, if we had the chance we’d have gone somewhere else. Massive piles of trash everywhere, sites strewn with people’s leftover garbage from camping there.
Due to its close proximity to the landfill, it was extremely loud during the morning from around 7am onwards.
There was a partial closure banning camping in a section of the landfill, which was incredibly difficult to figure out where we could camp, as the map is not clear at all,
Coyotes at night were really cool.
Overall disappointing but glad we managed somewhere to sleep for the night
Guide
We had 50 amp, full hookups and stayed for a week. Stable power, good water pressure and threaded sewer connectors. The sites are level, decently spaced and easy to access. The wonderful lady that runs the place (Marti) is warm, friendly and very appreciative of business. If you’re in the area, I recommend staying here. If you’re close by, I’d recommend the same!
ScoutWe loved it. Very spacious. Fire pits here and there.
Scout
It's a lovely location, and the camp is hosted by the Army Corps. They do a good job, the facilities and grounds are very well maintained. Drinking and marijuana consumption is strictly prohibited, with the hosts making regular rounds. The sites are so close together it may as well be one big group camp; I could hear everything going on in the sites around me at all hours of the night. Even when folks were in their tents and campers. Forget trying to enjoy a quiet evening stargazing. Was surrounded by large family groups who were having a great time, which I'm glad about, but it is not my cup of tea for camping.
Traveler
Nice place! Great views! It's a quite place with a gathering hall to watch TV or charge your devices if need be. I would definitely stay there again!
Guide
We enjoyed our 2 nights here and would stay again next time we are in Taos. Easy access to all the activities in the area. Grounds and bathrooms were very clean. The staff was friendly and helpful. In late Sep it was still busy and full, but it was quiet within the RV park. We had a full hookup site and all services worked as expected. Wifi was available, with repeaters around the park. Mobile service was solid. The showers worked well and were clean. The only negative was the noise from the adjacent streets with what sounded like street racing, finally quieting down around 1AM.
Traveler
We loved the location. The hiking trails were awesome. We booked a reservable with hydro for one night and decided to extend our stay with the first come first serve system. The self pay stations are at each of the teo campground loops. The 2nd and 3rd night didn’t have hydro however the size of the site and view more than made up for it.
To use the dump station, you have to go to the Rangers Station and ask them to unlock the gate. The access is a bit tight and we were not able to fill our fresh water tank due to the State Park having to bring their water up by truck. All in all, it was worth it.
Traveler
20 gravel sites in the desert about 6 miles NW of Taos. Only issue is there was only 1 men's room and 1 woman's room. But since we were smallest rig in our Sprinter van it wasn't an issue as I think others in Class A and C rigs had their own showers.
Traveler
We stayed overnight after hiking the Tolby Creek Loop nearby the campground. Pleasant shady place with occasional highway noise. No cell service.
Guide
Made the reservation online. $14/night for a leveled site with covered table, fire pit and a water spigot. Had a great night. Felt very safe and noise was minimal. Would definitely stay again when in the area.
Guide
There are so many campsites to choose from, all along the Hondo Rio. It's peaceful and quiet. We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. There's so much to do to keep them busy. The dogs love the river and to run through it. No one really bothers anyone. There are toilets at some of the sites. Very clean. We had storms while camping. At least six rock/mud slides on the road. I don't know who, but someone managed to clean it all up in record time. We've had a great time, even with the rain and hail. We will definitely come back.
Guide
Very small, but quiet and secluded primitive campground. Several sites appear to be overgrown or have too much debris to be usable. There are a couple sites that could fit a small trailer. All are suitable for tents or a van. The bathroom is still out of order. Mobile coverage was spotty, worked better if you went up to the nearby trailhead. The road up to the campground is in good shape, 4x4 not required. Overall traffic was very low. There was a little bit of firewood cutting nearby, with a few trucks making multiple trips. A few families were up on Sat for picnics. UTVs were minimal. There are a few dispersed options in the area.
TravelerA good amount of dispersed sites off of FSR558. I just pulled off to one of the closer sites but looked like tons of other sites were further in on the road. Really quiet even with the highway close by. Great stars at night, decently clean (the sites that I saw). You could probably make it in a 2WD vehicle for the first few sites but it gets a bit more rugged as you continue in.
Traveler
Yes, it can get packed but be prepared to go early enough to find a good spot. I prefer camp sites 7 through 10, even the very first site when you first come in since they are right near the river. If you really want to experience the haunt of the campground I prefer the campsites in the back 11 through 16.
I have not experienced the haunts until I camped at spot 15, this past Labor Day weekend on Friday night August 30, 2024. I went to bed and about 12 am I heard a voice say Hello to me. Then the last night my friend and I were by the fire we did not have any more neighbors as they left that Sunday, we had our trash bag hanging from my friends canopy there was no wind and that trash bag was swaying back and forth rapidly. Was definitely an experience.
The hikes are the best especially if you have time to go to the lake which you want to get an early start, just follow the trail in the back past the reservation spot to get to the trail and follow up get to the fork in the trail and hang a left to the lake. I love the camp site always clean restrooms and fun experience for the paranormal.
Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Truchas, New Mexico, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Truchas, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Truchas, NM is Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 39 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 126 dog-friendly camping locations near Truchas, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
