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.  

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Community favorites near Villanueva State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Villanueva State Park

98%
(1431)

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. We continue to offer camps for children and their parents and grandparents (family camps), as well as welcome adults and other groups to enjoy the vast and wild high desert nature up on this ridge. Register for our nature education activities and resources available for everyone who stays on the property. These topics include sustainability, recycling, composting, water conservation, wildfire prevention, outdoor safety, and nature awareness along with the use of our hiking trails. You can also join an archery class, tomahawk throwing, climbing on the mobile climbing wall, Yoga, Qigong, Climbing Into The Heart of the Mother Tree, Star talks and more... 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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$25
 / night
97%
(254)

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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$35
 / night
100%
(3)

Santa Fe 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). The solar will charge your phone so bring your cord! 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. With enough notice, a portable propane heater can be provided with for an additional charge. Hipcampers are kindly asked to park just outside our gate and embark on a picturesque 3/4 mile hike back to the shelter. The flat hike offers scenic views and adds to the adventure of your stay. PLEASE clean up after your pup.
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$55
 / night
99%
(51)

Mountain View RV/Horse Motels Sites

2 sites · RVs2 acres · Edgewood, NM
Sweet Melody Farm combines our love of music, horses and beautiful spacious landscape of New Mexico. We traveled from Oregon to Pennsylvania and then to New Mexico traveling with our horses and cats. Along the way we stayed at many horse hotels, and wanted to offer weary travelers a place to stop over with their ponies and even without horses. We have 2 Airbnb listings for those needing or wanting to stay with more comfort and space. See our Airbnb links below! Learn more about this land:Sweet Melody Farm has a spectacular view of South Mountain and the stars. Rural residential RV park with full hookups, picnic table and horse shelter. The horse hotel is great for those folks traveling east/west on I-40 that need a safe and secure site to camp in their LQ trailer and rest their horses. The shelter is matted and paddock fenced for safety with 2" x 4" woven wire 4 ft high.100 ft by 100 ft outdoor arena too!We are suited for those that are looking for a base camp to explore the local national forests and eclectic destinations along the Turquoise Trail, Hwy 14. Santa Fe and Albuquerque are easy day trips from here.The map on this site is very old and does not reflect the many improvements and landscaping we have completed since this Google map location. 
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$40
 / night

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.
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