Rio De Las Vacas Campground

4.8·46 reviews
·Santa Fe National Forest

Overview

Less than two hours from the city of Albuquerque, Rio de las Vacas Campground offers a cool oasis from the New Mexico heat. Visitors delight in the hiking and fishing opportunities available in the shade of the pine covered Jemez Mountains. A few of the campsites have the creek running along them, providing a soothing atmosphere for campers.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (Majority of the campsites have back in)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 10)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 2)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (All campsites have Shade)

  • Site Access

    (All campsites have Site Acceses)

Natural Features

Hand pump Water - Credits: Forest Service
Rio de las Vacas Campground Site 10 - Credits: Conservation Legacy
Rio de las Vacas Campground Site 15 - Credits: Conservation Legacy
Pines dominate the roadside that runs through the campground. - Credits: Forest Service

The campground is located amid stunning ponderosa pines in close proximity to the Rio de las Vacas. The campground has a beautiful open meadow and scenic views of the surrounding Jemez Mountains. Fall brings migrating birds through the campground and the sounds of elk bugling to impress potential mates.

Recreation

A photo of facility RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND with No Amenities Shown - Credits: John Hennard
Local streams and the San Gregorio reservoir provide fishing opportunities for anglers, and hikers will delight in the many hiking opportunities in the nearby San Pedro Parks Wilderness.

Permitted Equipment

  • tent-N/A

  • rv-Up to 42ft

  • trailer-Up to 42ft

Nearby Attractions

The San Pedro Parks Wilderness, just north of the Rio de las Vacas Campground, offers easy and scenic day hikes. The minimal grade increases of the trails into the San Pedro Parks make this wilderness an ideal backpacking destination for beginners and experienced backpackers alike. Three main trailheads, the San Gregorio, Palomas and Los Pinos, are within driving distance of the campground.

Additional Information