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Established Camping

Rio De Las Vacas Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Rio De Las Vacas Campground, near Cuba, New Mexico, is a charming spot that offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With its spacious sites nestled among towering pines and a lovely creek flowing nearby, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in the scenery.

Campers appreciate the well-kept facilities, including clean vault toilets and a water well just a short walk away. Many visitors have remarked on the peaceful atmosphere, especially during quieter times like Sunday nights, making it an ideal retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

For those eager to explore, there are excellent hiking trails accessible right from the campground, with options for both casual strolls and more challenging hikes. The nearby Rio de Las Vacas is not just a pretty sight; it’s also a spot where anglers have had success catching trout. As one camper noted, “The area is beautiful with nice hikes and drives around it.”

While the campground does fill up quickly, especially during peak season, the friendly vibe and stunning surroundings make it worth the visit. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking an RV, Rio De Las Vacas Campground is a fantastic choice for your next outdoor adventure.

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Location

Rio De Las Vacas Campground is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Cuba, New Mexico, travel 11 miles east of Cuba on New Mexico State Highway 126. The campground is located approximately 11 miles from Cuba where lodging, restaurants, and gas stations are available. The campground is approximately a one and a half hour drive from Albuquerque.

Address

PO Box 130
Cuba, NM 87013

Coordinates

35.9966667 N
106.8075 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Jemez Dispersed

Jemez Dispersed

7 min away

Forest Road 533

Forest Road 533

11 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 27, 2023

Favorite Campground for Many

I was the campground host at this place for the summer of 2020, one month of 2021 and all summer of 2022. The campground has 15 sites.  Sites 1 thru 11 can be reserved through recreation.gov the last four are first come/first serve. The fee is $10 per day. $5 per day with a Senior Life Time Pass. According  to the web site the first four sites are for tents only but a short trailer can fit. There are two vault toilets and many people told me that the toilets were the cleanest they had encountered in their camping experiences. There is a water well across the road from site #6. The stream runs beside sites 1 thru 4.  That stream is a river, Rio de las Vacas.  Trout have been caught in it.  A hiking trail can be accessed from site #4. Sites #4 & 5 are favorites for some campers because they are a little bit remote from the others.  Some people came to the campground multiple times each summer.  Each site has a paved parking area, a large picnic table and a fire ring.  Sites #4 & 11 have two tables. Do not park vehicles off the asphalt. Firewood is not sold here but the grocery store in Cuba sells it.  Nearby is Eureka Mine now abandoned and a mountain top view from Bluebird Mesa.  San Pedro Peaks Wilderness is about four miles west on the campground.  San Gregorio Lake is a one mile hike into  the wilderness.

Reviewed Jun. 7, 2021

Jemez perfection

Spacious campground with big old pines with a beautiful creek flowing through. Access to good trails for day hiking. One of the best camping spots I’ve visited. Stayed on a Sunday night - was quiet and peaceful.

Site002
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Rio De Las Vacas Campground by Gavin J., June 7, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2020

Great site

Clear Creek was full so we camped her for the night and had a great place to park the pop up and our friends were out behind us in their tent. Very beautiful area!

  • Review photo of Rio De Las Vacas Campground by Sean L., October 7, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2019

My favorite campground so far!

Small primitive campground! Beautiful scenery. Adorable little creek right there. Vault bathrooms were clean, but we were there early in the season. Big trees all around. Still some snow on the ground.

  • Review photo of Rio De Las Vacas Campground by Krissy C., September 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Rio De Las Vacas Campground by Krissy C., September 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Rio De Las Vacas Campground by Krissy C., September 11, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 28, 2017

Nice campground, somewhat noisy

Camped here twice so far. Great location for popups, tents, and some spots for larger travel trailers, but not many. It fills up fast and the place can be noisy with ATVs racing through the site. Developed sites, and a creek runs along one side of the camp. Toilets are onsite and I think the fee was $10 / day. Take bug spray, lyme carrying ticks do live here.

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rio de las Vacas Campground located in New Mexico?

Rio de las Vacas Campground is located near Cuba, New Mexico in the Santa Fe National Forest. The campground is situated in a forested area with a creek running alongside it. It serves as a good base for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas and hiking trails. The location offers beautiful scenery including pine forests and mountain views, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to experience the natural beauty of northern New Mexico.

Are there photos available of Rio de las Vacas Campground?

Yes, photos of Rio de las Vacas Campground are available through various camping platforms including The Dyrt. These images showcase the campground's beautiful setting with tall pine trees, the scenic creek that runs through the property, and the spacious camping areas. Photos typically highlight the natural beauty of the surrounding area, which features forest landscapes and hiking trails. Checking recent photos can give you a good sense of the campground's layout and environment before your visit.

Is there a map of Rio de las Vacas Campground and its camping spots?

Yes, maps of Rio de las Vacas Campground are available. The campground contains 15 designated sites in total, with sites 1 through 11 being reservable through recreation.gov and the remaining four sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. For the most accurate and up-to-date map showing the layout of specific camping spots, check the recreation.gov website or contact the Santa Fe National Forest office. Having a map is helpful for planning your visit, especially if you're hoping to secure a spot near the creek that runs through the property.

What do reviews say about Rio de las Vacas Campground?

Rio de las Vacas Campground receives consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate its beautiful setting among big pine trees with a creek flowing through the property. The campground features 15 sites, with sites 1-11 available for reservation through recreation.gov and the remaining four offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee is $10 per day ($5 with a Senior Lifetime Pass). Visitors enjoy the spacious sites, clean vault toilets, and excellent hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. The campground accommodates tents and pop-ups well, with some spots suitable for smaller travel trailers. Families particularly appreciate the kid-friendly hiking and climbing opportunities. Some visitors note that the campground can get noisy with ATV activity and tends to fill up quickly during peak times.