Vista Linda Campground

There are many campgrounds that we simply love, and we can’t come within 50 miles of this place without staying at least one night. Tucked into the Jemez Valley just south of the town of Jemez Springs and the nearby Carson National Forest, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and Bandelier National Monument, this campground offers a great place to camp for a night or stay for a week. 

Some of the sites have the full shade structure over the picnic table and campfire ring area, others offer shade under the trees along the river bank. There’s lots of great sun for solar power in the valley but none of the sites have electricity. It’s still one of the best campsites for $10 a night.  The toilets are clean vault style and are regularly serviced by the nearby park service crews. As the name implies, the scenery is stunning and you can find lots of hiking in the area, including trails that lead to nearby warm and hot springs. 

You can also get a permit to visit the Jemez reservation (Red Canyon) hiking trails here as well -- definitely worth it.  Also check out the locals who prepare food at the stalls across the road, got some good enchiladas there. But probably the best food around is going to be Los Ojos Saloon. Now, we don’t normally single out businesses in these reviews, but this one is special. Definitely get Olgas Chile Rellenos, as they are among the best we’ve had...anywhere!

With 3 hot springs resorts in town, your soaking desires can be serviced locally or within a short drive. Back down the valley at the reservation visitor’s center there’s a small museum and a cafe offering a very respectable spiced mocha and gas station where you can get a pizza.  The suburban sprawl of Bernalillo is just about 30 minutes away in case you need something beyond the convenience store level.

Great place on a Tuesday, hardly anyone there and campsites close to the water. Great for sleeping, I didn't bother pitching my tent and slept out under the shelter. Cool breezes came down the valley in the evening and overnight. It's dark in the canyon in the morning and late afternoon. Water available.

We only stayed for one night but we enjoyed this location! The surrounding views were fantastic. Walking along the Jemez River was a great evening activity. The sites themselves were nice with picnic tables, grills, and fire pits. There was potable water pumps near the restrooms which we used to ferry water and fill up the RV before heading out.

We liked how spread out the sites were, you never felt on top of your neighbor. The evening we were here, it was less than half full during the first week of November.

Of note, was some sites were great for starlink being set back from some of the trees and further from the river and mesa while others were just okay for starlink.