The best camping near Villanueva State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Villanueva State Park adventure.

Discover the serene beauty of Villanueva State Park and its riverside retreats.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Villanueva State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Villanueva State Park

El Cerro Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents In Villanueva State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Villanueva State Park

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Agua de Vida

10 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · NM

This charming land has been in the family since my husband was a young boy. The Indian ruins and artifacts fascinated him then and he is still happy to share this history with whoever shows an interest. With all the improvements made by his father and family through the years, you will also learn to have a love for the history and beauty here on this unique 30-acre treasure. You can explore Native American ruins that were inhabited by some 2,000 people between 700-1100 AD. The grounds are wonderful to walk with a little lake which draws elk, deer, hawks, blue herons, etc. Easy to access just 3 minutes off I-25. We are 5 minutes away from the Pecos Natl Monument and 15 minutes away from the Pecos River with plenty of great fishing spots…Visit Santa Fe (20-minute drive) or Las Vegas (30-minute drive) with dozens of restaurants, museums, art galleries, etc. We look forward to your stay!

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Santa Fe Treehouse Camp

61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents156 acres · Santa Fe, NM

This is a non-smoking, no candle facility. The camp was founded 40 years ago as a summer camp for kids. Now we welcome adults, and other groups to enjoy the vast and wild high desert nature up on this ridge. There are beautiful views and access to Shaggy Peak, the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. Wander our land to enjoy various level hiking trails including a 20 minute hike to a creek and waterfall in the forest (some steep spots and creek is intermittent) or climb up Shaggy Peak (seasoned hikers only please). IMPORTANT: We are up 1.3 miles of dirt road (with 5-7+% grade in a few short stretches) and are not near public transportation so you will need your own vehicle! Be aware that the roads can be snowy, icy or muddy and rutted ( 4-wheel or All-trak recommended in certain times of year). We don’t guarantee the road will be plowed. We generally close for the season due to cold weather around Halloween and reopen just before Memorial Day.

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Rancheros De Santa Fe Resort

94 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Santa Fe, NM

Located just minutes away from the heart of historic Santa Fe, Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground is nestled in a serene and tranquil environment surrounded by lush trees and natural beauty. Our RV park offers a range of amenities to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable, including a swimming pool, picnic area, dog park, hiking trail, and more.

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Mesa top camping

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Madrid, NM

Set above the historic town of Madrid N.M. is Waldo Mesa. The location of past mining operations and stunning Vista's.

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Dancing Trees High Desert Hideaway

5 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Eldorado At Santa Fe, NM

Star gazers and solitude seekers rejoice. Your peaceful hideaway with rolling hills, blooming cactus, mountain views, and all the tranquility the high desert is known for awaits. Located just 4 miles off the Turquoise Trail, enjoy 14 acres of private camping and hiking. Convenient and easy driving to both Santa Fe and Madrid, and only 45 minutes to Albuquerque. Wifi near house. You can chill on the casita patio if you need to check email. Otherwise, be prepared to enjoy being off grid for a minute. (Pretty good cell signal throughout property except at bottom of hill and Arroyo.) We offer 3 sites currently as well as a small guest suite.

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RV Ranch

2 sites · RVs15 acres · Moriarty, NM

Open prairie ranch style with 16 sites and mini golf currently have a small railroad going in and extra activities to do for the kids. We are big rig friendly and pet friendly. We provide full hookups including water sewer and electric on all sites. We are slightly off the beaten path but still only about 7 minutes away from Walmart and the quaint town of Edgewood and Moriarty

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Route 66 Skyview Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Moriarty, NM

Welcome to Route 66 Skyview Camp, where the essence of the open road meets the boundless beauty of New Mexico's landscape. Situated just off I-40 in New Mexico, before reaching Albuquerque in the westward direction, our campsite offers a serene retreat from the daily hustle and bustle. Positioned directly along the historic Route 66, our camp boasts two expansive one-acre campsites, tailor-made for #vanlife enthusiasts seeking a connection with nature while immersing themselves in the art of boondocking. Set off on a celestial voyage, tracing the stars like a wandering cowboy beneath the vast expanse of the open sky. We'll even refund up to $5 when you share your picturesque camping photos! Check out our Drone Video of Camp: youtube/@Route66SkyviewCamp Campsite Highlights: Remote ambiance with proximity to numerous attractions Perfect for self-sufficient van-life adventurers or primitive camping enthusiasts Each campsite offers a generous one-acre expanse No electricity or restroom facilities, just pure, untouched nature Attractions and Distances: 15 minutes (or less) from various gas stations, water sources, restaurants, and stores 17 minutes (13.5 miles) to a FREE RV dump station 44 minutes (41.5 miles) from Skate-O-Mania, featured in Netflix's Stranger Things 47 minutes (36.8 miles) to hiking at the Ancestral Pueblo source of salt 52 min (50.3 miles) from the I-40 and I-25 junction in Albuquerque 59 min (55.6 miles) from Petroglyph National Monument 1 hr 9 min (62.6 miles) from the Santa Fe Plaza

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Ridgetop Oasis - Hike In

1 site · Lodging200 acres · Santa Fe, NM

Indulge in captivating sunrises and enchanting sunsets at your own private campsite. Nestled atop a ridgeline, this oasis is a mere 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe and 10 minutes from the village of El Dorado, yet it feels like a secluded haven in the heart of the high desert. Your lodging experience includes an enclosed shelter with windows/sliding door, a cozy bed, solar power for lighting and charging phones, a propane camp stove, and an outhouse equipped with a composting toilet. A one lb Coleman propane bottle is available for $10 (what it costs me). Or you are welcome to bring your own. Please read the following details carefully: This site requires a hike in. No vehicles are permitted beyond the cattle gate. Potable water is available upon request, but we prefer that you BYO. Please let me know what you need in advance of your arrival. This is a primitive shelter. There is no running water nor electricity (aside from a solar light). It's just like camping but with walls and a roof over your head - and the benefit of having no other campers around. You might see an occasional hiker with their dog. If you have a dog, take note. This site is completely fenced in so that your fur baby can safely roam. There is no heating or cooling. The desert can get cold at night. Hipcampers are kindly asked to park just outside our gate and embark on a picturesque 3/4 mile hike back to the shelter. The hike, though flat, offers scenic views and adds to the adventure of your stay.

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San Pablo Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents733 acres · Tecolote, NM

Off the beaten path, and located in the foothills of the the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. LOTS of peace and quiet on this 733 acre ranch! North half of the ranch is rolling pasture land. The South half of the ranch has the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rising 450'. ACTIVITIES: - Hiking - Biking NATURAL FEATURES: - Forest - Wildlife - Intermittent Creek

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Edge Of The Woods Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Pecos, NM

Welcome to our sweet slice of life conveniently located just a few miles from everything you would want to explore! - Famous Glorieta mountain biking trails - Hiking trails - High-quality fishing and adventures at the Pecos River - Pecos Canyon State Park and Pecos National Historic Park - Close to multiple ski resorts - Historic Downtown Santa Fe, just 17 miles away! If you want to have easy access to the city, but still enjoy nature, this is the perfect spot for you. Take some time to rest and relax on our two acre property or stop by for a safe place to sleep on your way to your next adventure. Sleep under the stars, relax in the shade of the pinon trees, play in the grassy, wildflower fields, or cozy up to one of the fire pits on the property. Camp sites have access to water and the covered RV space has electricity and water hookups. Love riding as much as we do? Clean off that New Mexico clay at our bike washing station! We are dog friendly and already love your furry companions, but please keep them leashed. We can provide long cables so your pup can still play outside with you! After a few years of living on the road, we know how hard it can be to find a clean, safe place to stay and how magical it feels when you find just the right spot. Now that we are stationary, we want to share our home with you and give others a chance to enjoy nature and all of the beautiful adventures surrounding us! We live full-time in the house and do have neighbors on our street (dirt road), please let us know if we can do anything to make your stay more comfortable!

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Little Canyon

2 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Santa Fe, NM

The property is part of a large, old land trust and ranch. There is plenty of hiking, some wild animals and birds, and the stars at night are phenomenal. Learn more about this land:We have simple accessible flat camping tent sites that are drive up and walk-in depending on your needs for privacy and access. There is a shaded cottonwood grove or sunnier spots depending on the season. The canyon is in the foothills of the Sangres and there is a seasonal creek that runs through the land. Family friendly! Private disc golf course is on property. We are approximately 5 miles from I-25 exit and 17 miles from center of Santa Fe.

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Las Sabinas Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Ribera, NM

Learn more about this land:Beautiful views of Rowe Mesa, very quiet, hiking on ranch permitted, horses, stargazing, Tellington Training with horses available. Pecos River nearby (not on property) 40 miles from Santa Fe, 20 Miles from Las Vegas and Hot springs.

The best camping near Villanueva State Park guide

Overview

About

Villanueva State Park is a quaint and peaceful spot, along the Pecos River, for those looking to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind. Wake in spacious campgrounds beneath the cottonwood trees before heading out on the trails or saddling up for a horseback ride. Nestled between sandstone bluffs, you’re sure to spot an array of southwestern wildlife and stunning vistas on your trek. Take to the Pecos River for a day of canoeing and fishing and a brew or two. Even if you’re just visiting for the day, Villanueva has picnic shelter (even for large groups) surrounded by the canyon that will guarantee you'll be back for a longer stay!

Notable campgrounds

El Cerro Campground: Offers stunning views from April to October, ideal for those seeking a scenic outdoor stay.
Riverside Campsites: Enjoy the soothing sounds of the Pecos River at these year-round sites, perfect for water enthusiasts.
Equestrian Camping: Campsite 3 is specially designed for visitors with horses, merging nature with equestrian pursuits.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early through Reserve America to secure your preferred spot, especially during peak seasons.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on park alerts for last-minute openings due to cancellations.
Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan in case the park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Villanueva State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for river activities, while winter provides a quiet, stark landscape. Note the park's gate hours change seasonally.

Know before you go

Check the latest park alerts for any closures or restrictions before your visit.
Remember to bring life jackets for all river activities—it's the law.
Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash, and owners should clean up after them.
Prepare for all four seasons; the park's elevation can lead to cooler temperatures.
Local stores and gas stations are a short drive from the park, so plan accordingly.