The Best Camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico

The capital of the Land of Enchantment also serves as its outdoor crown jewel. Surrounded by wilderness and National Forest Service land, Santa Fe holds some of the best camping in all of New Mexico.

Both RVs and tents will find suitable campgrounds nearby in a variety of settings, including plenty within nature. Given the high elevation of the southern Rocky Mountains, most of the campsites are seasonal and open only throughout the summer. Although some, such as the Hyde Memorial State Park, have spots open year-round.

If you’re looking to be closer to the “Soul of the Southwest”, there are some more campgrounds by Taos to consider.

Santa Fe’s Top Tent and RV Campgrounds

Pack some spare oxygen when camping around the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Santa Fe actually holds the honor as the highest state capital in the country; followed by Cheyenne, WY, and then Denver, CO. The area to the west, north, and east of Santa Fe holds nearby hot springs, which make a great complement to the following campgrounds.

Here are the best and closest campgrounds to Santa Fe, NM, in order of proximity:

Black Canyon Campground (8 miles)

It takes just a 15-minute drive from the city to get into the Santa Fe National Forest and find yourself in Black Canyon Campground. If you want a home base to camp that allows you to travel into Santa Fe itself often, Black Canyon is a perfect distance. Just far enough away to be removed but close enough that heading into town won’t be a chore. With paved roads, you won’t have to worry about any clearance issues.

• Closest town: Santa Fe, NM (8 mi)
• Specs: 30 standard campsites, six walk-in sites, tent pads
• Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings, lantern posts, picnic area
• Reservations: Yes, at recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231894?tab=campsites
• Address: 704 Hyde Park Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501 (Map)

Hyde Memorial State Park (8 miles)

Fun fact: Hyde Memorial is New Mexico’s first state park. Just outside of Santa Fe, Hyde Memorial State Park is open year-round for campers to appreciate both New Mexico’s abundant sunshine and snowfall. With numerous options for stays, all comfort levels can be accommodated here.

• Closest town: Santa Fe, NM (8 mi)
• Specs: 50 developed campsites, seven 30-amp electric sites, three yurts, one lodge, dump station, open year-round
• Amenities: Pet-friendly, vault toilets, group picnic shelters, playground, hiking trails, water is sporadically available from the office, depending upon the status of the water system.
• Reservations: Yes, at newmexicostateparks.reserveamerica.com/…
• Address: 740 Hyde Park Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501 (Map)

Santa Fe Tree-House Camp (11 miles)

One of the closest options to the city is also one of the most unique on this list. This treehouse camp is actually a 156-acre nature sanctuary looking to promote conservation efforts in the Santa Fe wilderness area.

You’ll get some of the best views available from any spot near New Mexico’s capital city here and have numerous unique stay options. Whether you opt for a treehouse, cottage, or cabin (which was previously the founder’s house), you’re sure to have a memorable experience.

• Closest town: Santa Fe, NM (11 mi)
• Specs: 25 total sites, max of 34 feet for RVs, all sites are pull-in, no hookups, no generators allowed, no fifth wheels or class A’s allowed
• Amenities: Potable water, WiFi, showers, toilets
• Reservations: Yes, at hipcamp.com/en-US/discover/new-mexico/santa-fe-treehouse-camp
• Address: 46 Tree House Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (Map)

Rancheros De Santa Fe Campground (11 miles)

Rancheros De Santa Fe puts you just south of the city and at the entrance to the Pecos Wilderness and Santa Fe National Forest. While big rig friendly, some campers have noted that the road quality can be a bit rough on larger vehicles. Rancheros De Santa Fe is quite hard to beat if you value proximity to the city with the backyard of wilderness.

• Closest town: Santa Fe, NM (11 mi)
• Specs: 100 total sites, full hookups, dump station
• Amenities: Trash, laundry, showers, toilets, potable water, WiFi, picnic tables
• Reservations: Yes, at rancheros.com/rates-reservations-2022/
• Address: 736 Old Las Vegas Hwy, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (Map)

Santa Fe Skies RV Park (12 miles)

Santa Fe Skies offers a place to stay and an experience rolled into one. The campground is known for its interesting outdoor architecture. It’s also a great place to enjoy the Santa Fe night sky. If you’re traveling in a larger RV, Santa Fe Skies is able to accommodate you easily.

• Closest town: Santa Fe, NM (12 mi)
• Specs: 98 sites (55 pull-through, 43 back-in), 98 electric sites, 97 sewer sites, dump station
• Amenities: WiFi, potable water, restrooms, showers, 97 patio sites, laundry
• Reservations: Yes, at secure.santafeskiesrvpark.com
• Address: 14 Browncastle Ranch, Santa Fe, NM 87508 (Map)

Big Tesuque Campground (12 miles)

If you’re looking for a simple way to experience the New Mexico wilderness, Big Tesuque is a no-frills option. These are walk-in sites, so they’re most beneficial for tent campers or those looking for a night outside of the RV. Fall is a busy time at this small campground, so plan accordingly.

• Closest town: Santa Fe, NM
• Specs: 5 sites, 1 group site, no hookups
• Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic table, grill
• Reservations: No
• Address: Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87506 (Map)

Santa Fe KOA (13 miles)

KOA loyalists will be happy to see this on the list. If you appreciate consistency when it comes to knowing what your campground will offer, KOAs are hard to beat. Whether you’re looking to explore Santa Fe or the surrounding wilderness, you’ll be centrally located when you stay at this KOA. With a max pull-through of 65 feet, even the largest of RVs will fit here without any issues.

• Closest town: Santa Fe, NM (13 mi)
• Specs: 64 total sites, full hookups, dump station,
• Amenities: Picnic table, fire rings, WiFi, showers, toilets, pet-friendly, potable water, dog park, propane, and firewood for purchase
• Reservations: Yes, at koa.com/campgrounds/santa-fe
• Address: 934 Old Las Vegas Hwy, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (Map)

Road Runner RV Park (16 miles)

Road Runner is a popular RV stop in the Santa Fe area, so be sure to call ahead for reservations. When you’re here, you’ll get space to yourself, full hookups, and some incredible mountain views. For campers traveling with pets, Road Runner doesn’t offer a dog park, but they do have a dirt path on the grounds you can walk them on.

• Closest town: Santa Fe, NM (16 mi)
• Specs: 60 RV and tent sites available, full hookups, pull-through sites
• Amenities: WiFi, restaurant, RV wash, pet-friendly, RV supplies for sale
• Reservations: Call (505) 455-2626
• Address: 55 Ogo Wii Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87506 (Map)

HIPICO Santa Fe (16 miles)

If you’re looking for a unique stay near Santa Fe, here’s an opportunity to camp at an equestrian center. You’ll have plenty of space to pull your RV in and relax when you get here. If you’re looking for something to do in town, you’re just down the street from Meow Wolf’s Santa Fe location.

• Closest town: Santa Fe, NM (16 mi)
• Specs: Full hookups, two night minimum from August 1 through October 15
• Amenities: Pet-friendly, Wifi, sports field, horseshoes
• Reservations: Yes, at campspot.com/park/the-rv-park-at-hipico-santa-fe
• Address: 100 S Polo Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87507 (Map)

Cochiti Lake Recreation Area (36 miles)

The Cochiti Lake Recreation area has two main campgrounds to choose from: Cochiti Campground and Tetilla Peak. Located within the boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti Indian Reservation, make sure to obey all posted Pueblo regulations when camping here. If you’re looking for lakefront camping near Santa Fe, Cochiti Lake has all the amenities you’ll want.

• Closest town: Cochiti Lake, NM (2 mi)
• Specs: 125 total tent and RV sites, full hookups in some Juniper Loop sites, full hookups in all Buffalo Grove Loop and Cholla Loop sites, all other loops have no electric but offer community water spigots
• Amenities: Showers, grills and fire rings (in Coyote Loop), toilets
• Reservations: Yes, at recreation.gov/camping/gateways/485
• Address: Pueblo de Cochiti, Cochiti Lake, NM 87083 (Map)

Bandelier National Monument (40 miles)

There’s evidence of human life in Bandelier National Monument as far back as 11,000 years ago. If you’ve got your National Park pass, stop by this historical monument to see its petroglyphs and cliff dwellings. If you’re traveling with a furry friend, note that pets aren’t allowed on the trails here (but they are allowed in campgrounds). There are two campgrounds here: Juniper and Ponderosa.

• Closest town: Los Alamos, NM (12 mi)
• Specs: 4 group campgrounds, 50 standard tent and RV sites, seasonal dump station (Juniper), food storage lockers
• Amenities: Potable water (seasonal at Ponderosa)
• Reservations: Yes, for group sites only at nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/camping.htm
• Address: 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544 (Map)

Jack’s Creek Campground (47 miles)

Enjoy the altitude from Jack’s Creek Campground. Perched at 9,000 feet in elevation, this campground in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains offers all the basics of an adventure basecamp. Find shade under the canopy of aspen and pine trees, or head out to explore the rest of the Pecos Wilderness.

• Closest town: Tererro, NM (8 mi)
• Specs: 39 RV and tent sites, no hookups or dump station
• Amenities: Compost and vault toilets, tables, grills, no potable water
• Reservations: No, first-come, first-serve
• Address: Forest Service Road 555, NM-63, Tererro, NM 87573 (Map)

While Santa Fe itself is an artsy destination, the best thing to do is experience its nature, through recreation like camping and hiking. No matter what time of year you visit the capital city, you’re always in for a treat when you’re at 7,200 feet of elevation.

If your travels take you throughout the Land of Enchantment, the local wilderness and national forests hold some of the most surprisingly beautiful camping in the US Southwest.  While adventuring, be sure to include some of New Mexico’s best hot springs in your itinerary, such as Spence Springs in the Santa Fe National Forest.

Choose a year-round location like Hyde Park so winter campers can combine it with a trip to one of New Mexico’s ski resorts.