Dog-friendly bell tents near Albuquerque
Explore rugged landscapes and visit historic pueblos near New Mexico’s largest city.
- Albuquerque
Popular camping styles for Albuquerque
Dog-friendly bell tents near Albuquerque guide
Overview
Situated along the famous Route 66, Albuquerque is New Mexico's closest thing to a big city. While it doesn't get nearly as many visitors as nearby Santa Fe, there's still plenty to do and experience, from checking out ancient art at Petroglyph National Monument to taking a tram ride up to the crest of the Sandia Mountains. Camping near Albuquerque also gives those who choose to explore its many wild places a plethora of environments and landscapes—the central location smack in the heart of New Mexico makes it a great jumping-off point to nearby Cibola National Forest and the Rio Grande. Rustic tent sites and RV campsites can be found in every direction, many within a short drive of the city center.
Where to go
Central New Mexico
The area immediately surrounding Albuquerque, known as the Central Region, offers everything from historic pueblos to wild expanses of untouched nature. Don’t miss the chance to hike through Cibola National Forest, just east of the city, or head up to the nearby town of Jemez Springs to soak in healing thermal waters.
The North-Central Region
A short drive north from Albuquerque, New Mexico's North Central Region is characterized by mountainous landscapes, Native American pueblos, and charming communities. Architecture fans will find plenty of interest in Santa Fe and Taos (including the spectacular Taos Pueblo), while hikers won't want to miss the chance to explore Bandelier National Monument and Santa Fe National Forest.
Southwest New Mexico
South of Albuquerque, the Southwest region offers a mix of Old West towns and vast stretches of rugged landscapes. You can take biologist-led tours or hike independently in the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge or soak your cares away in one of the many hot springs near the town of Truth or Consequences.
When to go
The best times of year to visit Albuquerque are in spring or fall, when daytime temperatures are warm, with highs in the 70s or 80s. Summers can be excruciatingly hot, with highs in the 90s from June through August, while winters get quite cold, with subfreezing nighttime temperatures. For an extra special experience, consider coming in October, when hundreds of hot air balloons fill the sky in honor of the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
