Comales Campground

Star4.37
28 reviews
State Road 518, New Mexico

Quick Facts

7,700 ft

Price

$7 - $14/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Camino Real Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions
Comales Campground
$7.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsite fee is $14 per night, discounted to $7 per night for Senior or Access pass holders. Extra vehicles cost $7/night. Day-use parking...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
(575) 587-2255
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 28 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspacioussites

"User reviews describe Comales Campground as a simple, scenic campground with well-maintained facilities but minimal amenities. Common themes include its proximity to Rio Pueblo, noise from traffic, and the locked status of restrooms during some visits."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

State Road 518, New Mexico

Comales Campground

State Road 518, New Mexico

Driving directionsFrom Penasco, NM, take State Rt. 75 east 4.8 miles to 'T' intersection (State Rt. 518). Turn right onto Rt. 518 (unmarked) and go 2.2 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, with maximum trailer length of 22 ft. Some dead-end sites (e.g., sites 4, 5, 6, 12, and 13) lack turn-around areas. The road to the right of the entrance is not trailer-friendly.
Nearby places
Peñasco (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies available in Peñasco (groceries and essentials). Recommended to bring firewood and toilet paper as none are provided at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Comales Campground

Summer transforms Comales into a high-altitude haven, where temperatures dance between crisp 30-degree mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons reaching the high 70s—perfect for both cool morning hikes and lazy riverside afternoons. As winter approaches, the campground dons a different personality entirely, with freezing temperatures and blankets of snow creating conditions better suited for day visits than overnight stays. Plan your camping adventure between late spring and early fall to experience Comales at its most welcoming.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open Memorial Day–Labor Day; crisp mornings and warm afternoons (high 70s) ideal for hiking/fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes after Labor Day; fall use generally not supported.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Open begins Memorial Day weekend (late spring); spring largely outside operating season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter; no winter services or activities noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, weather-dependent.
  • Current Alerts: Vault toilets have been reported as locked during some user visits.

About Comales Campground

Escape to Comales Campground, where ten intimate campsites beckon adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Each site comes equipped with its own parking spot, picnic table, and grill, perfect for evening cookouts under star-filled skies. While vault toilets provide necessary amenities, the absence of potable water adds to the rustic charm—so come prepared with your own supply. The campground serves as your gateway to adventure, sitting right at the doorstep of the Comales Canyon trailhead, where the Rio Pueblo whispers tales of ancient waters carving through stone.
Comales Campground offers basic camping accommodations suitable for dispersed camping. It is better suited for tent camping and small trailers due to its limited facilities and size constraints.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No information provided.
Check-out
No information provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers basic recreational opportunities, with hiking, fishing, and picnicking being the primary activities. The location near Rio Pueblo enables fishing for stocked rainbow trout. Hiking trails nearby include the Cañon Tio Maes Trail (#5) and Comales Canyon Trail (#22), which support both non-motorized and motorized activities.
HikingHiking trails like the Cañon Tio Maes Trail (#5) and Comales Canyon Trail (#22) are accessible from the campground. These trails support day hiking and mountain biking and connect to a larger network of motorized trails.
FishingFishing opportunities are available along the Rio Pueblo, with stocked rainbow trout and catch-and-release wild brown trout.
BikingMountain biking is permitted on nearby trails, including the Comales Canyon and Cañon Tio Maes trails.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTraffic noise from State Rt. 75 may be heard throughout the campground. The lack of turn-around areas for trailers in some sites poses navigation challenges.
Active AlertsVault toilets have been reported as locked during some user visits.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Comales Campground

Reviews

4.4
28 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Comales Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Comales Campground as a simple, scenic campground with well-maintained facilities but minimal amenities. Common themes include its proximity to Rio Pueblo, noise from traffic, and the locked status of restrooms during some visits.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground as 'well-kept' and 'beautiful,' with great proximity to Rio Pueblo for fishing. Some noted the spaciousness of campsites and scenic views.
Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes locked restrooms, lack of dumpsters, and proximity to the highway leading to noise. A user noted, 'Really pretty place, just need a dumpster in Comales Campground.'
Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water, firewood, and trash bags due to the lack of amenities. Some reviewers recommend bringing additional supplies like toilet paper, as it may not always be...
Show more
Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the locked restrooms may be a seasonal issue, and there are no mentions of fees during certain off-peak times.
Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Best camping. Comales Campground is well kept overall, there are restrooms.' - Andrew “Drew” Brunner. 2. 'A bit close to the road, but beautiful and spacious. Stream access from some sites.' -...
Show more
Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #10 is specifically mentioned as being part of a cul-de-sac and highly recommended by one user.
Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility were provided.
Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences were provided.
Based on 28 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Comales Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in New Mexico

Campgrounds
Carson National Forest
Comales Campground