The Pecos River cuts through red sandstone cliffs at Villanueva State Park Campground, where cottonwood trees shade sites positioned between canyon walls. Campers choose between riverside spots in the main camping area or elevated sites on the hill that overlook the valley below.
Adobe-style pergolas cover picnic tables at most sites, providing shelter from New Mexico sun. Susan L. notes that "big old cottonwood trees provide shade and lots of birds visit the area," with hummingbirds frequently visiting campsites. The river runs year-round, though water levels and clarity vary seasonally. Several sites sit directly along the water where children wade and kayakers launch. Sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, with electric and water hookups available at select locations.
Hiking trails include the moderate-to-challenging Vista Trail that climbs to mesa viewpoints and an easier River Trail following the Pecos. The park maintains restrooms with showers, though cell service requires hiking uphill or walking to the visitor center for Wi-Fi access. Ben R. describes it as a "perfect little camping spot, super cheap with showers & toilets."
Road access requires careful navigation, as GPS often directs drivers down rough dirt roads instead of the paved route through Villanueva village. The park gate closes at designated hours, requiring advance planning for late arrivals. Sites book online for $15-30 per night, with some first-come, first-served spots available on the hillside. Wildlife includes foxes, squirrels, and occasional snakes, making proper food storage essential.
Campers seeking dispersed camping can explore Santa Fe NF Dispersed near Sombodoro Mesa for a more remote experience in the surrounding national forest.
Description
60 MILES NORTH OF SANTA FE, NM; 30 MILES SOUTH OF LAS VEGAS, NM
New Mexico is beginning our Outdoor Recreation Plan and needs your input! The plan will:
- Address the state and nation's outdoor recreation trends and their economic impacts
- Inventory the state's resources and address how best to protect them
- Help determine the state's priorities for awarding federal funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund
Warning 8 Alerts are In Effect
There are 8 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 8 Alerts are In Effect
There are 8 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
**Villanueva Group Shelter1 is for DAY USE ONLY.**
To ensure compliance with ADA regulations, vehicles parked at handicap campsites must visibly display a valid handicapped placard or possess a license plate indicating handicapped status; otherwise, relocation will be required.
Make it your goal to extinguish hot coals. If your campfire is too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Drown it with water, stir it with a shovel, and repeat until your campfire is out cold! Learn more from Smokey Bear.
Please bring proof of your reservation with you to your campsite.
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove is prohibited. The use of devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
Villanueva State Park RV Dump Station will be reopened on a limited basis starting today. Limited hours are as follows: 9 am to 2 pm daily The facility will be secured at all times when not in use. Contact park staff for access to the facility during above listed hours. $10.00 fee (cash or check) will be assessed.
Park Gate Hours: 7AM To 7PM October Thru April 7AM To 9PM April Thru September
THE CUSTOMER MUST CONTACT THE PARK TO ADVISE THEM OF LATE ARRIVAL THE SITE WILL BE RELEASED FOR RESERVATIONS / FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER 4:00 P.M.. NO REFUND WILL BE DUE.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsVillanueva State Park Campground is located in New Mexico near Pinos Altos
Directions
STARTING AT I-40, GO NORTH VIA STATE RD 3, 21 MILES TO THE SMALL VILLAGE OF VILLANEUVA, TURN RIGHT AND TRAVEL EAST 1.5 MILES TO VILLANUEVA STATE PARK. STARTING AT I-25, GO SOUTH VIA STATE RD 3, 15 MILES TO VILLANUEVA STATE PARK.
Address
PO BOX 40
Villanueva, NM 87583
Coordinates
35.27650408 N
105.334364 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Santa Fe, NM
- 1 hr 24 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 21 min from Amarillo, TX
- 3 hrs 52 min from Farmington, NM
































































