Top Camping Spots Near El Vado, NM: Explore Nature’s Best in New Mexico
El Vado, NM, is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by stunning landscapes that include the serene waters of El Vado Lake and the rugged terrain of the Carson National Forest. For RV campers, the El Vado Lake State Park offers well-maintained sites equipped with amenities, allowing families to enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking amidst the picturesque mountain scenery. Tent camping options abound at the nearby Heron Lake State Park, where spacious sites and stunning lake views provide the perfect backdrop for a tranquil getaway. For those seeking a more rugged experience, dispersed camping in the Carson National Forest offers a chance to immerse oneself in nature, with countless off-the-beaten-path locations for setting up camp under the stars. The diverse geography ranging from lush forests to expansive valleys makes any camping trip in this region memorable. Whether you prefer the convenience of RV parks or the solitude of primitive sites, El Vado, NM, caters to all types of campers looking to reconnect with nature.
Pinion Beach Campground is part of El Vado Lake State Park in New Mexico (2 hrs 11 min northwest of Santa Fe, NM) with an elevation of 6,952 feet. There are a total of 7 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of November. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 40 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $15.00 per night. Some amenities include restroom. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
Grassy Point Campground is part of El Vado Lake State Park in New Mexico (2 hrs 8 min northwest of Santa Fe, NM) with an elevation of 6,952 feet. There are a total of 10 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to the beginning of December. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 6 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $30.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, boat ramp, restroom, ramada, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Elk Run Campground is part of El Vado Lake State Park in New Mexico (2 hrs 8 min northwest of Santa Fe, NM) with an elevation of 6,952 feet. There are a total of 2 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the beginning of December. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $20.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, boat ramp, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
Heron Lake Campground is part of Heron Lake State Park in New Mexico (1 hr 57 min northwest of Santa Fe, NM) with an elevation of 7,162 feet. There are a total of 181 campsites. The campground is open all year. 177 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 15 and 65 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 4 sites have full hookups (electric, water and sewer). 49 sites have electric and water hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $90.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, boat ramp, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
Hopewell Lake Campground is located in the Tres Piedras Ranger District, Carson National Forest (1 hr 54 min north of Santa Fe, NM) with an elevation of 9,773 feet. There are a total of 33 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of September. 29 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 18 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $24.00 to $125.00. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Riana - Abiquiu Lake Campground in Rio Arriba County is located 1 hr 10 min northwest of Santa Fe, NM with an elevation of 6,386 feet. There are a total of 57 campsites including 15 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid April to mid October. 42 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 80 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 16 sites have electric and water hookups. 1 site has water hookups. Fees range from $8.00 to $80.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Blanco River Group is located in the Pagosa Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (2 hrs 17 min east of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 7,258 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of September. Prices start at $100.00 per night. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Rio De Las Vacas Campground is located in the Cuba Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest (1 hr 19 min north of Rio Rancho, NM) with an elevation of 8,249 feet. There are a total of 15 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid November. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $10.00 per night. Activities include fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Aspen Glade Campground is located in the Conejos Peak Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest (2 hrs 18 min north of Santa Fe, NM) with an elevation of 8,483 feet. There are a total of 32 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of May to the end of August. 30 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 90 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $29.00 to $58.00. Activities include fishing.
Clear Creek Campground is located in the Cuba Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest (1 hr 18 min north of Rio Rancho, NM) with an elevation of 8,470 feet. There are a total of 12 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid November. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 23 and 47 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $10.00 per night. Activities include fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Elk Creek Campground is located in the Conejos Peak Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest (2 hrs 29 min north of Santa Fe, NM) with an elevation of 8,690 feet. There are a total of 38 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of May to the end of August. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. 1 site has electric hookups. Fees range from $29.00 to $58.00. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Mogote Campground is located in the Conejos Peak Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest (2 hrs 17 min north of Santa Fe, NM) with an elevation of 8,427 feet. There are a total of 43 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of May to the end of August. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $29.00 to $160.00.
Navajo Campground is part of Navajo State Park in Colorado (1 hr 22 min east of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 6,209 feet. There are a total of 143 campsites including 3 cabins. The campground is open all year. 113 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 80 feet. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 39 sites have full hookups (electric, water and sewer). 43 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $14.00 to $120.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, dump station, boat ramp, restroom. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, water skiing, floating sports.
San Antonio Campground is located in the Jemez Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest (1 hr 24 min west of Santa Fe, NM) with an elevation of 7,753 feet. There are a total of 30 campsites including 13 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid November. 15 sites can accommodate RVs between 28 and 300 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 6 sites have electric and water hookups. Fees range from $10.00 to $150.00. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Fenton Lake Campground is part of Fenton Lake State Park in New Mexico (1 hr 23 min north of Rio Rancho, NM) with an elevation of 7,664 feet. There are a total of 33 campsites including 1 tent-only site. The campground is open all year. 31 sites can accommodate RVs between 15 and 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 5 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $10.00 to $25.00. Some amenities include playground, restroom. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Sims Mesa Campground is part of Navajo Lake State Park in New Mexico (1 hr 24 min east of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 6,069 feet. There are a total of 36 campsites. The campground is open all year. 33 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 18 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $90.00. Some amenities include dump station, boat ramp, marina, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
Lake Fork (Del Norte) Campground is located in the Conejos Peak Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest (3 hrs 39 min east of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 10,803 feet. There are a total of 19 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of May to the end of August. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 70 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $19.00 per night. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Pine Main Campground is part of Navajo Lake State Park in New Mexico (56 min east of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 6,069 feet. There are a total of 96 campsites. The campground is open all year. 89 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 55 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 6 sites have full hookups (electric, water and sewer). 49 sites have electric and water hookups. 1 site has water hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $90.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, marina, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
Jemez Falls Campground is located in the Jemez Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest (1 hr 19 min west of Santa Fe, NM) with an elevation of 7,946 feet. There are a total of 50 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid November. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 18 and 47 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $10.00 per night. Some amenities include restroom, amphitheater. Activities include hiking trails.
Platoro Cabin 2 is located in the Conejos Peak Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest (3 hrs 55 min east of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 9,829 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of June to mid September. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Platoro Cabin 1 is located in the Conejos Peak Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest (3 hrs 55 min east of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 9,829 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of June to mid September. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Crusher Hole Campground is part of Navajo Lake State Park in New Mexico (47 min east of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 5,694 feet. There are a total of 20 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 24 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $15.00 per night. Some amenities include boat ramp, restroom. Activities include fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Cottonwood Campground is part of Navajo Lake State Park in New Mexico (51 min east of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 6,069 feet. There are a total of 47 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 43 sites have electric and water hookups. 4 sites have water hookups. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include fishing, floating sports.
East Fork Campground is located in the Pagosa Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (2 hrs 11 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 7,778 feet. There are a total of 17 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 22 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $24.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Elwood Cabin is located in the Conejos Peak Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest (3 hrs 15 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 11,532 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $50.00 per night. Some amenities include firewood. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Ponderosa Campground in Los Alamos County is located 52 min northwest of Santa Fe, NM with an elevation of 7,585 feet. There are a total of 2 campsites. The campground is open all year. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $35.00 per night. Activities include hiking trails.
West Fork Campground is located in the Pagosa Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (2 hrs 18 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 7,871 feet. There are a total of 15 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 26 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $24.00 per night. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Juniper Campground is part of Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico (54 min northwest of Santa Fe, NM) with an elevation of 6,676 feet. There are a total of 2 campsites. The campground is open all year. 1 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 55 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $35.00 per night. Some amenities include dump station, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
Paliza Campground is located in the Jemez Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest (53 min north of Rio Rancho, NM) with an elevation of 6,828 feet. There are a total of 12 campsites including 6 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid September. 6 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 22 and 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $8.00 to $50.00. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Fitton Guard Station Cabin is located in the Divide Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest (4 hrs 12 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 10,572 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of June to the end of October. Prices start at $25.00 per night. Activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking trails.
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