Camping options abound in New Mexico if you are looking to do some relaxation and recreation. Be it a primitive backcountry camping site in a state park or a KOA that offers pools, showers, and even Internet access (for those who just have to stay connected), New Mexico has something to offer to any camper who chooses it as their destination. So pack up your camping equipment and let’s camp New Mexico style!
A must go-to destination is Cibola National Forest. Try out the camping sites in Water Canyon, which is a small area, but is a favorite of birders, hikers, and mountain bikers. Red Canyon also has many camping sites which allow you to stay near ponderosa pines. There are also pit toilets and fire pits. If you want to go horseback riding, there are also horse camp sites here.
Big Tesuque, in Sante Fe National Forest, is a walk-in campground that is open all year. Located between two streams, the site is open only for camping tents, not RVs, because of the rough road that must be taken to arrive at the site. There are fire pits and picnic tables, but the only water source available is stream water. It is therefore a good idea to have your own water supply, or a portable filtration device among your camping equipment. Camp sites here include Black Canyon, Cowles, Iron Gate, and Jack’s Creek.
If you have enough time in your camping schedule, pencil in a day or two in Bandelier National Monument. Try Juniper Campground, which is a spacious and large area near the monument’s canyons, mesas, and ancient Pueblo housing. Come early in the day as sites are first-come, first served. Although there are fire pits, firewood gathering is illegal, so make sure you bring something to make fire with. In any case, regardless of the camping site you stay in, just make sure your camping equipment is complete, so that you will not be caught without an essential item.
Follow the Turquoise Trail in Santa Fe. This scenic trail is actually a highway that connects Santa Fe and Albuquerque. This is a perfect trip to take with friends. Turquoise Trail starts from the South in Tijeras and the Cibola National Forest, heads up north through Cedar Crest, Sandia Park, Edgewood, Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos (where the movie “Young Guns” was filmed), then ends in the San Marcos/Lone Butte Area. Spectacular scenery await you as you pass through ancient mining towns. Have lunch at the Mine Shaft Tavern in Madrid, which was built in 1944.
Plan ahead. This does not only mean getting your camping equipment ready though. You can plan ahead by making reservations in any of the many camping sites in New Mexico’s state parks. There are lots of opportunities to engage in recreation and relaxation in these sites, like sightseeing, fishing, swimming, water-skiing, hiking, and boating. So pitch your camping tents in these places and just enjoy yourself!
There are countless more camping site options in New Mexico than what is presented here. For more information, call the New Mexico Tourism Department at 1-800-733-6396, ext 643 and start planning your camping escapade, New Mexico style.
For more tips and information about camping equipment, please visit: http://www.summitcampinggear.com.
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