Camping near Santa Fe

New Mexico’s capital city, Santa Fe, has no shortage of selling points. It’s the highest-elevation state capital in the US, boasts some of the purest air in the world, and enjoys 320-plus days of sunshine per year. The city is a treasure trove of history and culture, but we think the opportunities for nearby adventure are even more appealing. Santa Fe houses hundreds of miles of trails, nearby lakes and rivers, countless campsites, and millions of acres of undisturbed parks and nature reserves. Hikers, paddlers, and anyone who loves getting into nature all owe themselves a visit to the scenic region.

Santa Fe National Forest spans a whopping 1.6 million acres of densely forested hills, ancient volcanic rock formations, dramatic gorges and valleys, and some of the wildest territory in the U.S. today. The park offers year-round hiking across its dozens of trails, each of which takes you on a different route through the forest’s changing elevations. Other activities include bicycling, fishing, hunting, boating, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. Afterward, campers are a stone’s throw from a variety of tent camping sites near Santa Fe National Forest, as well as some great Santa Fe RV sites with full hookups onsite.

Despite being in an arid desert climate, Santa Fe experiences four distinct seasons each year, from hot, dry summers (average high of 86°F in July) to chilly winters (average high of 42°F in January), with mild spring and fall seasons in between. For campers interested in hiking Santa Fe’s many parks and trails, the warmer months tend to be the best time, although crowds may be larger at smaller, popular locations. For those visiting in the height of summer, be aware of shade and water when doing longer hikes and activities. To avoid heat stroke and dehydration, pack excess water, wear appropriate clothing to prevent sunstroke, and use sunscreen.