Tall ponderosa pines surround the sites at Borrego Mesa Campground, a small, low-traffic spot within Santa Fe National Forest that draws mostly tent campers and van travelers. The campground sits above 8,000 feet in elevation, which means temperatures can drop sharply at night even in summer. The road in is dirt but generally manageable for standard SUVs and sedans without four-wheel drive, roughly 15 minutes from the highway.
Only five or six sites exist here, and a handful appear overgrown or blocked by debris. A couple of sites can accommodate a small trailer or teardrop, but full-size RVs will have a difficult time on the access road. The toilets have been out of service across multiple recent visits, so plan accordingly. Trash has been noted at the campground over the years, though most reviewers found it manageable enough to work around. Timothy N. describes it as a "quiet and secluded primitive campground," though ATV and chainsaw noise occasionally carries through on weekends.
Cell coverage is spotty at the campground itself but tends to improve near the Rio Mario Trail trailhead, which sits close by. Weekday visits tend to mean lighter crowds, with some campers having the site entirely to themselves. Nearby options in the forest include Trampas Diamante Campground and Trampas Medio Campground to the northeast. Bring your own water and a trowel, given the bathroom situation, and pack layers regardless of the season.
Description
The Borrego Mesa Campground is located close to several trailheads leading into the north half of the Pecos Wilderness. Amenitites include picnic tables, firepits and small corrals at each site suitable for one or two horses. The Vaulted toilet is currently not in service. Adjacent to and south of the campground is the Rio Medio Trailhead, one of the major trailheads into the Pecos Wilderness. The campground is rather primitive and little used, and is much less developed than most. It is primarily used for picnicking by locals from nearby communities, and also serves those who use it for an overnight stay before embarking on a horsepack or backpack into the Pecos. There is ample space for trailer/RV camping, but no dump station is available. There is no potable water and no Campground Host.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBorrego Mesa Campground is located in New Mexico near Truchas
Directions
Twenty miles east of Española NM. To get to Borrego Mesa, take State Road 503 out of Pojoaque through Nambe and Cundiyo. Just past the turn off to the west to Santa Cruz Lake you will see the junction with Forest Road 306. Turn right on FR 306. Just after nine miles turn right on Forest Road 435 into the Borrego Mesa campground.
Coordinates
35.9778277 N
105.77308836 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 58 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 1 hr 48 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 29 min from Farmington, NM
- 4 hrs 4 min from Pueblo, CO
