Big Tesuque Campground

Star4.56
223 reviews
Big Tesuque Campground, NM 475, Santa Fe, NM
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

11,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Santa Fe National Forest site

Official Website
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Big Tesuque Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping at Big Tesuque Campground is completely free of charge.
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

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 223 reviews

204 Google reviews

"User reviews praise Big Tesuque Campground for its free camping, scenic beauty, and proximity to Santa Fe. Many highlight the creekside setting, although some note drawbacks such as limited privacy and maintenance issues with vault toilets during busy periods."

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Campground Map

Big Tesuque Campground, NM 475, Santa Fe, NM

Big Tesuque Campground

Big Tesuque Campground, NM 475, Santa Fe, NM

Driving directionsTwelve 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.
The road leading to the campground is paved but winding. Reviews warn to avoid it during winter due to potential snow and ice.
Nearby places
Santa Fe - 12 miles (approximately 20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Santa Fe, 12 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Big Tesuque Campground

Big Tesuque's high-altitude climate delivers four distinct seasons, each with its own character. Winter blankets the campground in frequent snowfall, creating a pristine wonderland for the hardy few. Spring awakens the forest with mild temperatures perfect for hiking, while fall brings crisp air and the famous golden aspen show. Summer provides the most comfortable camping weather, though savvy visitors know to pack insect repellent as the warming temperatures bring bugs to the creek areas. The elevation ensures that even peak summer days remain pleasantly cool, offering refuge from the desert heat below.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open and pleasant in summer at high elevation, but less of a standout than fall.

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

Fall is peak season for aspen viewing; reviewers and official sources highly recommend autumn visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring has trails but may be soggy or snowy; fewer positive mentions than fall or summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 5% in NM

Winter offers sledding, snowshoeing and nordic skiing, though snow/ice can limit access.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Fall season is especially popular due to aspen viewing.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but seasonal weather conditions like snow and ice may limit accessibility during winter.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were mentioned, though winter conditions may affect usability.

About Big Tesuque Campground

Tucked away along the winding curves of NM 475, Big Tesuque Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude among the aspens. This intimate walk-in campground welcomes tent campers with 10 thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with its own picnic table and grill for memorable outdoor meals. While the campground maintains a rustic charm with vault toilets and no potable water—so pack accordingly—the reward is an unspoiled mountain retreat. Come autumn, these quiet sites transform into front-row seats for one of New Mexico's most spectacular aspen displays, drawing leaf-peepers from across the region.
Big Tesuque Campground is predominantly suited for tent camping, with no accommodations for RVs or trailers. Walk-in sites are the standard offering, and group camping is not specifically mentioned.
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Stay Limit
Some user reviews indicate stays of up to 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Tesuque Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, picnicking, and winter sports such as snowshoeing and Nordic skiing, according to official sources. User reviews frequently highlight hiking trails and the scenic surroundings. "Camping next to the stream made it colder than we anticipated," stated one user reviewing the winter experience. Summer activities largely focus on hiking and creekside relaxation.
HikingDay hikes are available, with trails starting directly from the campground. "The trail is best in the fall when the leaves are red and yellow and orange," shared a user. Trails are described as picturesque and moderately challenging, with one user noting, "Straight up hill about 90% of the trail, follows the creek most of the way."
BikingBiking opportunities exist as NM 475 is designated as the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. Specific biking trails were not described in detail.
Wildlife viewingThe scenic surroundings provide opportunities to view wildlife such as deer and elk, as noted by user reviews. "Saw plenty of deer and elk," shared one camper.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include cold temperatures near the creek, icy roads in winter, and occasional bugs at creek-side sites.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were mentioned, though winter conditions may affect usability.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big Tesuque Campground

Reviews

4.6
223 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Big Tesuque Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise Big Tesuque Campground for its free camping, scenic beauty, and proximity to Santa Fe. Many highlight the creekside setting, although some note drawbacks such as limited privacy and maintenance issues with vault toilets during busy periods.
Review Summaries
Based on 223 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently mention the free camping experience, scenic surroundings with large aspen stands, and convenient access to trails. "Great place for free tent camping," said one user. "Walk-in...
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Based on 223 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include lack of privacy at campsites, occasional vault toilet maintenance issues, and noise from nearby road traffic. One user warned, "Locals drive up and down the road all night."...
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Based on 223 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend visiting during off-peak times for privacy and a quieter experience. "I visited in January and had the entire place to myself," shared one reviewer. Others advise against car camping...
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Based on 223 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is highly recommended for aspen viewing, as noted by multiple reviewers and official sources. Winter activities like snowshoeing are praised by users, but snow can make the trails challenging to...
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Based on 223 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Camping next to the stream made it colder than we anticipated," "The trail is best in the fall when the leaves are red and yellow and orange," "Vault toilet was pretty full and one side was closed,...
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Based on 223 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites mentioned include creekside spots, which offer picturesque views but are colder due to proximity to water. "We got the closest one to the parking lot and stream (#6)," shared one user.
Based on 223 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges were noted due to uphill paths leading to campsites. "Walk in uphill tent sites," mentioned a reviewer.
Based on 223 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed, but leashes are recommended for safety. "Dogs welcome, but should be on leashes for their safety," shared a user.
Based on 223 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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