Albuquerque Area Campgrounds

[dewdev]

We are traveling from Maine to Albuquerque with Ollie next December to visit the grandkids. Any suggestions on a nice campground around Albuquerque would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[permit bob]

It would depend on what you're looking for, i.e. dispersed, hookups, private, etc. I lean towards no hook ups.

Also, the timing of your trip. Many USFS campsites, my favorites, close for the season that time of year, so do your homework.

One of my "easy favorites" is Cochiti Lake Campground run by the Corp of Engineers about an hour north of Albuquerque. Used to be open year 'round with some hookups; great showers! Quiet, easy, scenic. But, recent restrictions have made it a bit unpredictable; investigate.

Loma Linda Campground, just south of Jemez Springs, NM, an hour north of ABQ, I believe is open year around. Hot springs close. First Come First Served.

Joe Skeen CG west of ABQ, at the south end of El Malpias Lava Flow is open year 'round. That's about an hour west below Grants, NM. Very cool scenery.

There are KOA's, Casino Campgrounds i.e Isleta, Sandia, Rt. 66, Santa Anna, if you prefer that form of camping/parking. I have never stayed at any of those, but they are close.

One surprising unit is Coranado State Park in the town of Bernalillo, NM nothing fancy, but they do have hookups, State Park, relatively quiet, and only 15 mins. north of ABQ. usually packed for Balloon Fiesta. Open year 'round and conveninet.

Lot to see in NM.

All the best, E

[Mike and Carol]

2 hours ago, permit bob said:

One of my "easy favorites" is Cochiti Lake Campground run by the Corp of Engineers about an hour north of Albuquerque. Used to be open year 'round with some hookups; great showers! Quiet, easy, scenic. But, recent restrictions have made it a bit unpredictable; investigate.

We’ve stayed at Cochiti Lake COE, too.  We tried to go back a year or two ago but it was closed due to the NM COVID shutdown.  It looks like it is open now.  Nice campground.  We’ve stayed at Kirtland AFB too, but you have to be military or retired.  Mike

[Overland]

Cochiti is a kind of co-op deal between the COE and the Cochiti Pueblo, and I understand it can be a contentious relationship at times.  They enjoy the benefits of having the lake and the small neighboring community there, but the dam and lake itself has been an environmental pita.  

Anyways, the area is under Pueblo control when it comes to COVID, and they've all been pretty strict about it as have the other Pueblos.  I think even Chaco as been closed due to access.  

[dewdev]

Thanks Bob and Mike.

Since we will be at the CG for 2 months, full hooks ups are desired.

I think the wife wants to stay closer to Albuquerque as she will be going to the Son's home daily. What do you all think about the CG's close to ABQ?

Also are  these CG's safe?

[routlaw]

While I've spent lots of time in NM I am not familiar with any of the CG's mentioned above other than the state park in Bernalillo. As stated its small, quiet and a bit tight but the worst part is getting in and out of the damn thing. Access is on a very busy highway often with some construction going on. More trouble than its worth unless its for just a night or two. Sounds like you need a full hook up site closer into ABQ. Best of luck.