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The best camping near El Vado Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next El Vado Lake adventure.

100% (2 reviews)
100% (2 reviews)

El Vado Lake State Park: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers.  

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Community favorites near El Vado Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in El Vado Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near El Vado Lake State Park

99%
(753)

Star Dance High Desert Retreat

9 sites ¡ Tents100 acres ¡ Youngsville, NM
Visit the startling beauty of the plateaus above Lake Abiquiu in northern New Mexico.  Star Dance provides a secluded experience for travelers, artists, fishermen, birdwatchers, stargazers, and more.  Star Dance sits above the upper Rio Chama canyons on 30 acres of trails and undisturbed natural terrain.
from 
$30
 / night
92%
(6)

Stone House Lodge

13 sites ¡ RVs14 acres ¡ Tierra Amarilla, NM
Discover the beauty of Stone House Lodge nestled between northern New Mexico’s most popular recreation areas, El Vado and Heron Lake State Parks. Come and relax in this beautiful, fun and friendly environment. We are surrounded by mountains, lakes and rivers in a wooded setting. We have five unique rustic cabins, each with their own special features. The cabins have been recently renovated and have electric and hot water. Our RV sites are spacious long level pull-throughs and have access to water, septic and electricity. Our premium RV spaces are secluded with mountain and lake views. Community showers and restrooms available. Our Dry Camp Sites are secluded and peaceful with mountain and lake views. Our campsite amenities include fishing tackle shop, minimart, picnic tables, BBQ grills, fire pits, bikes, kayaks and paddle boards.
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$35
 / night
95%
(134)

River Sanctuary by Ojo Hot Springs

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres ¡ La Madera, NM
Learn more about this land: Lush high desert river oasis nestled in a fertile valley in the Carson National Forest right between the fiery expanse of Taos and the rolling colorful formations of Abiquiu. Peaceful and private 3 acres right by the river at the edge of a little quaint town called La Madera (145 people, no shops)- just 6 miles to the healing mineral Hot Springs of Ojo Caliente, a place of emergence or rebirth as known to the local Natives. Right by the river, held by a ridge (that makes for amazing sunset hikes), I have a 16ft Yurt Canvas set up with furnishings (desk, couch, wash stand) and a wooden Queen Bed with down bedding. This site can only be reached by foot across the river via stumps- a car can be parked near by.. approx. 50ft.  I also have a Vintage Camper that can be heated, has a kitchen, electricity and plenty of outdoor furniture with a fire pit and serene mountain views. As well as a monastic and very grounding Ensuite Bedroom, or a simple campsite if you want to bring your own camper or tent. All facilities have access to a guest bathroom inside the main house. I offer dog sitting while you soak at Ojo, healing modalities that you'll find in the Extras section, and my dear neighbor Jackie takes appointments for massages with homemade essential oils. +++ 6 miles to Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. There you will find the best restaurant in the area, with locally/organically farmed produce. Very yummy!  The land is naturally and beautifully wild- it is not a manicured campsite. The dirt rd down to the property is best suited for higher clearance vehicles, but is manageable for city cars.  Waterhole, Waterfall and climbing sites near by, as well as Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch and the Taos Gorge are 30 mins drive away.  *No cell service in the greater area. WiFi reaches around the house/deck and allows for WiFi Calling: that’s a setting in your phone that enables phone calls & texts beside usual internet access.
from 
$50
 / night

Stone House Lodge

8 sites ¡ RVs14 acres ¡ Tierra Amarilla, NM
Discover the beauty of Stone House Lodge nestled between northern New Mexico’s most popular recreation areas, El Vado and Heron Lake State Parks. Come and relax in this beautiful, fun and friendly environment. We are surrounded by mountains, lakes and rivers in a wooded setting. We have five unique rustic cabins, each with their own special features. The cabins have been recently renovated and have electric and hot water. Our RV sites are spacious long level pull-throughs and have access to water, septic and electricity. Our premium RV spaces are secluded with mountain and lake views. Community showers and restrooms available. Our Dry Camp Sites are secluded and peaceful with mountain and lake views. Our campsite amenities include fishing tackle shop, minimart, picnic tables, BBQ grills, fire pits, bikes, kayaks and paddle boards.
from 
$45
 / night
98%
(26)

High Desert Oasis by Ojo HotSprings

1 site ¡ Lodging3 acres ¡ La Madera, NM
Monastic earthy Bedroom with ensuite bathroom in 1,700 sqft adobe house in a High-desert River Oasis. Three serene acres by the River Vallecitos, and moments away from the healing waters of Ojo Hot Springs (6miles). Lush vegetation with lots of trees and shade to relax, ground, and explore the enchanting natural phenomena all around. Lots of hiking tips. Where the fiery Taos (45mins) desert expanse and its majestic mountain ranges merge with the colorful rolling hills of magical Abiquiu (30mins) lies a fertile valley in Carson National Forest. There the old town (145 people) of La Madera sits, where you'll find this quaint private room with its own bathroom. A nourishing hide out to center and ground into Earth and melt with the elements, listen to the birds, mountains and your self.
from 
$99
 / night
64%
(11)

Fountain of Youth Springs Ranch

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents6 acres ¡ Los Ojos , NM
This camp is on the chama river, swimming holes up stream, has natural Fresh water springs on the property. Close to heron lake state park El vado state park. Nature trail walks great fishing, plan to have have spring water supply to camping area great for growing gardens and building green house for future plans. camping accommodation can be provided or built on the land.Learn more about this land:This camp is on the Chama River, swimming holes up stream, has natural fresh water springs on the property. Close to Heron Lake State Park, El vado state park. Nature trail walks great fishing, plan to have have spring water supply to camping area great for growing gardens and building green house for future plans. Camping accommodation can be provided or built on the land.
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(1)

Eve is her name

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Brazos, NM
Learn more about this land:Pull into this off road area to park and explore 5 acres of pine and oak forest. Set up your camp on one of several flat areas around the property. If the creek bed is dry, that is a beautiful valley area to set up. View mountains hundreds of miles away and enjoy the milky way at night. This area is green all summer and breath taking during fall. About a mile off the highway, this land is easy to get to and six miles south of Chama, New Mexico where the old train runs. Going south are Heron Dam and Abiquiu Lake as well as beautiful red rock formations.
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$34
 / night
100%
(7)

Casa de KAMA (The Silo)

1 site ¡ Lodging4 acres ¡ Abiquiu, NM
Kasa de KAMA (The Silo) is a repurposed grain Silo brought in from Kansas! It sits on 4 acres of it's own but Many more expansive acres support the Fabulous Panoramic views of Mountain ranges , Chama River, Sunrises and sunsets. Completely Peaceful and Gorgeous landscape with Vista de Pedernal (the mountain Georgia O'Keeffe painted so much she decreed God would Give it to her!) out many of the windows...
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$125
 / night
100%
(1)

Gallina Canyon Wilderness Rentals

2 sites ¡ Lodging299 acres ¡ NM
Elizabeth is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. Andrew is from Grand Rapids Michigan. In 1977 we bought the homestead complete with cows. We grew speciality organic produce for restaurants in Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque for fifteen years. David is from the Los Angeles area. He came to the ranch in 2002. He is our caretaker, and webmaster.Dogs are very much welcome at the ranch and we even have a couch for dogs at Anasazi. At both camps, we provide dog bowls for food and water, and horse blankets for dogs to sleep on. Dogs must be on leashes at the main ranch where there are cats, dogs, horses, chickens, cows and other ranch animals.The canyon stretches more than seven miles, with a dirt road going through the canyon, and the road crosses Rio Gallina many times. Dogs and humans are welcome to explore the entire canyon system.Rio Gallina is shallow, and for most of the time it is not a hazard for dogs or humans. In addition to the river, there are several places where dogs can drink when exploring: two springs west of Remote Casita cross the river, and several seeps in the big grassy meadow farther west. The land is populated by Cottonwood trees, Pinyon pine trees, Ponderosa pine, sage brush, a few Junipers, many white and red cedars, some Russian olives, and tall grasses.
from 
$125
 / night
100%
(9)

Bear Paw lake Cabin

1 site ¡ Lodging2 acres ¡ Regina, NM
Relax with the whole family at this peaceful hideaway. Spend the evening star gazing on the balcony, or roasting marshmallows on the open fire pit. There is also Wi-Fi and two televisions for those who would rather relax indoors. We remodeled the cabin this year, so it is Ready for your families adventures.
from 
$150
 / night
89%
(32)

Echo Canyon Reservoir Camping

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ CO
Beautiful forest with 5 acres of land to camp, the area is mostly flat with a secluded feel, great views available with a very short 5 minute hike. There is a reservoir that is a nice hike down and a river that is on the other side that can be walked to, but its steep and a good half mile away! This river leads to a hot springs resort that is pretty awesome but is a whole separate company. We're excited to host you! Pagosa Springs downtown and hot springs are about a 10-15 minute drive from the site. This is not a commercial property. This is an RV dry camping site so please remain self-contained and pack out whatever you pack in! No open campfires, gas stoves and enclosed fires are allowed when no fire ban.
from 
$40
 / night
Booked 2 times

Chili Line Depot Historic Lodging

4 sites ¡ Lodging2 acres ¡ Tres Piedras, NM
Welcome to the Chili Line Depot Bed and Breakfast! Unwind at this historic southwest territorial-style building. Your private upstairs suite boasts two spacious bedrooms: a king-size haven and a room with two cozy twin beds. Indulge in the luxurious bathroom, featuring a jetted tub and a walk-in shower. Step out onto your private deck, where breathtaking views will leave you speechless. Enjoy al fresco meals on your personal outdoor dining area, or head downstairs for a soak in the shared hot tub and a delightful meal on the restaurant patio. Our downstairs rooms are more economical, but they still offer all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including soaking in the shared hot tub, free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast. The downstairs restaurant features farm-to-table southwestern cuisine and operates in the Summer and Fall. Open till 6:00PM most nights, and open till 9PM with live music on Saturday nights. Tres Piedras is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails in the area, as well as rock climbing at our world famous rocks. You can also enjoy fishing, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and elk hunting in the Carson National Forest. The Ojo Caliente hot springs resort and spa are just down the road. Whether you're looking for a delicious meal, music on Saturday nights, or a comfortable place to stay, the Chili Line Depot is the perfect place for you. Come and experience the best of that New Mexico has to offer at the Chili Line Depot today!
from 
$65
 / night

The best camping near El Vado Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Lake to lake access is easy at El Vado Lake State Park, set beneath the picturesque mountains of northern New Mexico. Hike the 5.5 mile trail along the Rio Chama from El Vado to Heron Lake where you can spot bald eagles and enjoy the river views. With all these water works, there’s lots of opportunity to fish for trout and salmon or head out on your boat. There’s even boat in camping (as well as beach camping), for those who want to stay out until the sun sinks behind the mountains. Winter time is prime time here too; with ice fishing, snowshoeing and cross country skiing, there isn’t a season at El Vado you won’t enjoy.

Notable campgrounds

  • Developed Campsites: Offering 80 well-equipped sites for a comfortable stay amid nature's splendor.
  • Primitive Beach Camping: For those seeking a more rugged experience, beachside camping is a thrilling option.
  • Boat-in Camping: Accessible only by water, these sites promise a secluded and unique camping adventure.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities to snag a prime site.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding the perfect spot.

When to go

The best time to visit El Vado Lake State Park is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall, when all activities are in full swing. Winter offers a tranquil escape with snowy landscapes for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though some facilities may be limited.

Know before you go

  • Check park alerts for any closures or restrictions before your visit.
  • Always wear a life jacket while boating and be aware of the boating safety regulations.
  • Accessibility varies across the park, so plan according to your needs.
  • Restrooms with water and showers are available for your convenience.
  • Remember to pack out all trash and respect the park's pristine environment.

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