The best waterside campgrounds near Albuquerque, New Mexico

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.

89% (538) • 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Albuquerque

Santa Fe National Forest

1. Santa Fe National Forest

94%

(42)

National forest 74mi from Albuquerque · 444 sites

Santa Fe National Forest isn’t just a cool spot in New Mexico, it’s a place that painters, poets, photographers and adventurers have waxed poetic about since...well, forever. It’s easy to see why, with over 1.6 million acres and over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. Whether it’s an autumn day trekking under trees blazing gold, or taking turns down the slopes at Santa Fe Ski Basin, the forest is a year round wonderland! Spring and Summer offer thrilling whitewater rafting down the Rio Grande, trout fishing, hunting, and nights under the stars. It’s easy to set up camp here too in one of the forests many campgrounds, and if you plan on staying away, be sure visit the town of Santa Fe, one of the most artistic and beautiful towns in America. This trip is bound to have you channeling your inner artist in no time!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

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.

89% (538) • 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Albuquerque

Santa Fe National Forest

1. Santa Fe National Forest

94%

(42)

National forest 74mi from Albuquerque · 444 sites

Santa Fe National Forest isn’t just a cool spot in New Mexico, it’s a place that painters, poets, photographers and adventurers have waxed poetic about since...well, forever. It’s easy to see why, with over 1.6 million acres and over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. Whether it’s an autumn day trekking under trees blazing gold, or taking turns down the slopes at Santa Fe Ski Basin, the forest is a year round wonderland! Spring and Summer offer thrilling whitewater rafting down the Rio Grande, trout fishing, hunting, and nights under the stars. It’s easy to set up camp here too in one of the forests many campgrounds, and if you plan on staying away, be sure visit the town of Santa Fe, one of the most artistic and beautiful towns in America. This trip is bound to have you channeling your inner artist in no time!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Albuquerque guide

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.