Looking for the best campgrounds in Albuquerque? Don’t miss this epic Albuquerque camping guide, plus practical tips you need to know before you pitch up.
By now, you’ve probably gathered that I’m a huge fan of Albuquerque. The Land of Enchantment has its fair share of magical places and experiences that you simply cannot miss out on.
From the fascinating air balloon festivals to striking adobe buildings and its strong culinary ties to Native American culture — your senses are in for a treat.
But what if I told you that ABQ offers some of the best camping in the Southwest? Don’t believe me? Then grab your camping gear and find out for yourself.
Tip: Not much of a camper? Check out these brilliant Albuquerque hotels.
Best Spots for Camping in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque Central KOA
Sandia Mountains
- Open dates: Year-round
- Types of camping available: Tent and RV sites
- Amenities: Picnic tables, hot tub, pool, convenience store, restrooms, firepit
Sitting near the foothills of the Sandia Mountains is a developed Albuquerque Central KOA campground that is ideal for families and groups. It’s also excellent for anyone who enjoys modern amenities while camping.
Some of their unique amenities include a dog washing station, bike rentals, mini golf, WiFi and even cable TV. Who said camping had to be primitive?
This campground is excellent if you’re a light traveller, as there’s an on-site convenience store selling things like firewood. Oh, and ending your day in a relaxing hot tub or rejuvenating sauna after all the activities in and around the park sounds like a pretty good deal to me.
Up to six people can book a tent site, and there are several RV hookups of 50 max amp.
Isleta Lakes & RV Park
Southeast Albuquerque
- Open dates: Year-round
- Number of sites: 50
- Types of camping available: RV camping with 30/50 amp hookups
- Amenities: Pool, hot tub, showers, pet-friendly, WiFi
- Cost: $38-$223
How does pitching your tent on the banks of a lake sound? Like a camper’s paradise, am I right? Isleta Lakes & RV Park allows you to peacefully camp with lakefront views granting you endless swimming and fishing opportunities.
This park allows you to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. The campground offers year-round, full-service RV camping ideal for couples and families.
And, when hunger strikes (or boredom hits), you’re minutes away from world-class fine dining and entertainment courtesy of the Isleta Resort and Casino.
You can book the ultimate long-term staycation ranging between $38 and $223. Find out more about the booking information and price right here.
American RV Resort
Southwestern Albuquerque
- Open dates: Year-round
- Types of camping available: RV camping
- Amenities: Laundry facilities, WiFi, bath houses, store, pool, hot tub, dog park and playground
Ready for a fun vacation filled with games and sightseeing opportunities? Thought so. At American RV Resort, you can enjoy this and more.
This Albuquerque RV camping location is strictly for RVs (duh), which explains all the fantastic amenities like full hookups, showers, laundry facilities and more. Ideal for families with kids and dogs, you’ll have access to playgrounds, a pool, a hot tub and a clubhouse.
Better yet, you’ll wake up to a complimentary continental breakfast every morning, ensuring you are ready for the day ahead.
It’s one of the best RV parks in the Burque for its central location during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and Sandia Mountains trails. Other nearby attractions include the Petroglyph National Monument, Old Town and Albuquerque BioPark Zoo and Aquarium.
Enchanted Trail Campground
Northwest Albuquerque
- Open dates: Year-round
- Number of sites: 135
- Types of camping available: Tents and RV sites
- Amenities: Pet-friendly, pool, shower, hot tub, WiFi
- Cost: $30-$390
The Enchanted Trail Campground is popular for its gorgeous scenery and ethereal sunsets. This campground provides a laid-back atmosphere with excellent amenities, including a hot tub, a pool and showers.
Offering daily, weekly and monthly rates ranging from $30 to $390, this would be an ideal spot for long-term camping adventures. Groups and families will get the most out of this campground thanks to spacious sites, a games room, laundry facilities and an events pavilion.
From here, you can quickly head to bustling downtown Albuquerque to explore trendy shops, restaurants and quirky cafés. What more could you possibly ask for?
High Desert RV Park
Southwest Albuquerque
- Open dates: Year-round
- Number of sites: 76
- Types of camping available: RV camping
- Amenities: Pet areas, laundry facilities, private/semi-private restrooms and showers, WiFi, picnic tables
- Cost: $ 39.95 + tax for pull-through hookup with 30 amp and $ 43.95 + tax for pull-through hookup with 50 amp
Located just west of Albuquerque, you’ll find a scenic camping spot in a gated community worth your attention if you need to escape your busy life.
Tranquil, deserted and absolutely stunning natural scenery, you can’t go wrong with this one. Let’s not forget all the fantastic amenities High Desert RV Park provides.
These include spotless bathrooms and showers, a recreation room filled with games, two pool tables, a pinball machine, a TV and a kitchen. So, this would be an excellent option for families and large groups, but couples shouldn’t stay away either as this site is intimate and easy-going.
Note: Long-term stays, such as monthly and weekly rentals, aren’t always available, and prices can change without notice.
Best Spots for Camping Near Albuquerque
Albuquerque North KOA
Bernalillo
- Open dates: Year-round
- Types of camping available: Tent and RV sites with 50-amp service
- Amenities: Pool, WiFi, showers, cable TV, horseshoes, propane
If you’re after a modern campground but still want to feel like nature surrounds you, visit Albuquerque North KOA. This place will keep the entire family busy with thrilling trails, games, a pool and a playground.
It’s not for those seeking absolute quiet and secluded conditions. Instead, it’s ideal if you still want a taste of civilization. You can even hop on the nearby express train to Albuquerque, Belen and Santa Fe.
This campground boasts an outdoor café and a gift shop, and pets are welcome to join in on the fun.
But why stop here? Some exciting things to see and do while camping in Bernalillo include visiting El Zócalo, an events centre featuring archaeological sites, breathtaking vistas and restaurants. Then, the Sandia Lakes Recreation Area offers fishing and other water activities.
Turquoise Trail Campground
Cedar Crest
- Open dates: Year-round
- Types of camping available: Tent and RV sites
- Amenities: Bathrooms, showers, WiFi, picnic tables, fire rings, playground, pet-friendly
- Cost: Tents sites: $23.49, RV Sites: $36.95-$43.95 (depending on the amp max and type).
You’ll find the gorgeous Turquoise Trail Campground just 15 minutes from the city, enveloped by lush greenery and stunning scenery. Of all the nearby Albuquerque campgrounds, this is probably the best for an isolated and quiet stay without giving up on your creature comforts.
Ideal for solo travellers, couples and even groups, this campground features full hookup sites with water, electricity and sewer services. Gather around the charcoal grills and picnic tables for cosy chats under the stars.
Zia RV Park Campground
Moriarty
- Open dates: Year-round
- Types of camping available: RV camping
- Amenities: Pet-friendly, showers, restrooms, pull-through sites, dump station, water, and electricity.
- Cost: RV full hookup sites: $43 per night RV W/E (water and electricity only) hook up sites: $33 per night
Located 40 minutes from ABQ is the scenic and rustic Zia RV Park Campground. The campground sits on the iconic Route 66 Highway with grass plains, breathtaking sunsets and views as far as the eye can see.
Totally secluded, it’s a breath of fresh air from otherwise busy cities, and you can even spot some wildlife or cattle. Covering basic amenities such as water, showers and restrooms, you’ll have more of an authentic camping experience here, unlike the majority of RV parks in the region.
Weekly and monthly rates are also an option ranging from $198 to $500 depending on the RV hookup, and there are additional fees, including a $5 pet fee and a $5 additional guest fee.
Villanueva State Park Campground
Villanueva
- Open dates: Year-round
- Number of sites: 25
- Types of camping available: Tent and RV camping
- Amenities: Pet-friendly, toilets, showers, picnic areas, bathhouse, dump station
- Cost: $10 for camping in peak season (1st of Jan – 31st of Dec, 2023)
Enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing and birdwatching at the charming Villanueva State Park Campground nestled between large cottonwood trees. This is one of the best campgrounds near Albuquerque, as it’s well-maintained and sits in an idyllic spot in a canyon right next to the Pecos River.
It’s an hour and a half drive from Duke City, allowing you an uninterrupted moment of nature’s sweet sounds. And to embrace nature even more, you’ll have access to beautiful trails to view picturesque wildflowers.
There’s even a playground, making it suitable for families with children. However, there’s only one group site, so try to reserve it well in advance (up to six months).
Coronado Campground
Bernalillo
- Open dates: Year-round
- Number of sites: 27
- Types of camping available: Tent and RV sites (electric 30/20/15 amp)
- Amenities: Restrooms, firepits, laundry, showers, pet-friendly, picnic tables
- Cost: Tent area: $8-$60 (depending on the number of cars, amenities, site type, etc.), RV area: $30-$40 (depending on amp amount and amenities)
Nestled along the Rio Grande is the quaint Coronado Campground featuring striking Sandia Mountains vistas. This campground is only a 27-minute drive from Downtown, so you can enjoy a day break into Albuquerque and the return to peace and quiet.
This developed campground is excellent for couples and solo campers. You can reserve the main camping area for up to 14 nights for RVs exclusively. Then for tent camping, you can secure a site in the north, remote area for a maximum of seven nights.
Light up a fire, toast some s’mores and gaze up at the star-filled skies — it’s that serene here. Explore the adjacent Coronado historic site consisting of Native American artefacts and ruins (within walking distance from the campgrounds, by the way).
Practical Tips for Booking Albuquerque Camping Sites
- Look out for the booking period of each campsite and try to reserve it in advance. If you want my advice, consider booking a campsite for at least three days so you can venture into the city for some exciting activities in Albuquerque.
- Always carry a full water bottle to stay hydrated in this high-altitude city. On that note, layer on the high SPF sunblock to protect yourself from the scorching sun.
- Protect yourself from insect bites with anti-insect sleepwear and insect repellent.
