Aspen Basin Campground

Star4.34
34 reviews
Adjacent to Santa Fe Ski Basin, NM 475, Santa Fe, New Mexico
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Quick Facts

10,262 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Santa Fe National Forest site

Official Website
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Aspen Basin Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This campground is free as per multiple user reviews, including comments such as 'Free camping and still one of the best spots I have ever stayed at.'
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

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What Campers Say

4.34

Recommended

Based on 34 reviews

31 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"User reviews predominantly praise the campground for its scenic surroundings, peaceful atmosphere, and the unique experience of camping at the base of the Santa Fe Ski Basin. Several users emphasize its suitability for primitive camping and highlight the clean facilities and starry night skies."

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Campground Map

Adjacent to Santa Fe Ski Basin, NM 475, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Aspen Basin Campground

Adjacent to Santa Fe Ski Basin, NM 475, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Driving directionsFifteen miles from downtown Santa Fe on NM 475. Take Bishop's Lodge Road to Artist Road, which will turn into NM 475, also known as Hyde Park Road.
Paved roads all the way to the campground, as noted by user reviews stating, 'Paved roads all the way to the campground.' Road conditions are good enough for RVs and trailers.
Nearby places
Santa Fe (15 miles), Espanola (approx. 45 miles), Albuquerque (approx. 70 miles)
Nearby supplies
Santa Fe offers the nearest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, approximately 15 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Aspen Basin Campground

Experience the dramatic dance of seasons at this mountain retreat, where summer afternoons bring refreshing coolness that feels worlds away from the desert heat below. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of snow and ice, with temperatures that demand proper cold-weather gear and preparation. The thin mountain air and rapidly changing conditions create an ever-shifting atmosphere that keeps visitors connected to nature's rhythms.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cool summer days, peak season for hiking and camping; reviewers note pleasant summer conditions.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in NM

Peak season for aspen viewing; multiple reviews highlight 'amazing views in the fall.'

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder season with variable conditions; snowmelt and cold nights noted by reviewers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year‑round but winter access limited by snow; skiing nearby is a winter draw.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer and Fall due to busy activity for Aspen viewing.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground is open year-round, with winter access limited due to snow.

About Aspen Basin Campground

Nestled at the gateway to the Pecos Wilderness, Aspen Basin Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where the parking lot of Santa Fe Ski Basin transforms into your launching point for high-altitude adventures. This primitive camping haven attracts those seeking solitude and simplicity, providing direct access to some of New Mexico's most pristine wilderness terrain.
Aspen Basin Campground is a primitive camping area with accommodations mainly for tents and RVs. The campground lacks modern amenities such as water and electricity hookups, emphasizing its role as a staging ground for backcountry explorations.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
First-come-first-serve.
Check-out
First-come-first-serve.
Stay Limit
Based on user review, one visitor stayed for 14 days. No official stay limit provided.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Aspen Basin Campground is primarily a gateway for outdoor activities due to its proximity to the Santa Fe Ski Basin and trailheads leading into the Pecos Wilderness. Common activities include hiking, stargazing, and backpacking. The scenic views and climate make it a desirable spot for those looking to unplug.
HikingNumerous hiking opportunities are accessible directly from the campground, with trails leading to destinations such as Lake Peak, Santa Fe Baldy, and Lake Catherine. One user described it as a 'perfect base camp to summit Lake Peak.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCold temperatures even in the summer, as noted by reviewers ('Very cold even when very hot down in Santa Fe'), plus wildlife potentially attracted due to picnic tables and fire rings.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Aspen Basin Campground

Reviews

4.3
34 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Aspen Basin Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews predominantly praise the campground for its scenic surroundings, peaceful atmosphere, and the unique experience of camping at the base of the Santa Fe Ski Basin. Several users emphasize its suitability for primitive camping and highlight the clean facilities and starry night skies.
Review Summaries
Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the scenic environment, 'absolutely beautiful surroundings,' 'great overlooks on the drive up,' and the peacefulness of the area. The campground's proximity to trailheads and...
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Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints center on the lack of potable water, limited cell phone service, and the basic nature of the amenities. Some reviewers described the campground as 'basically just a parking lot,'...
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Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own water and sanitizers, as there is no potable water on-site. Warm clothing is advised due to the site's high elevation, which results in cold temperatures even...
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Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in summer and during the fall aspen viewing season. Several reviews mention the colder climate compared to Santa Fe, with temperatures dropping to the 30s at night. In...
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Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Excellent "primitive" campground. You can park pretty close and carry your gear.' 2. 'Each "site" has a picnic table and fire ring.' 3. 'The view of the stars is undescribable.' 4. 'Cute little...
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Based on 34 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users frequently mention the outer ring of the campground as offering more secluded and shaded spots.
Based on 34 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews from users with disabilities were provided.
Based on 34 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews or policies were not directly addressed in the source materials.
Based on 34 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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