Black Canyon Campground (Santa Fe National Forest, Nm)
4.23225 reviews704 Hyde Park Rd.
Quick Facts
8,475 ftPrice
$10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
36 campsites
Season
Open season is May 1...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
8,475 ftPrice
$10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
36 campsites
Season
Open season is May 1...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBlack Canyon Campground (Santa Fe National Forest, Nm)
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates during peak season are $10 per night for both Standard Nonelectric and Walk-To sites. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$20.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider505-753-7331
What Campers Say
4.23
Satisfactory
Based on 225 reviews
135 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulspacioushikingsites
"User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful and peaceful setting, spacious sites, and proximity to Santa Fe. However, recurring issues include the lack of potable water, poorly maintained vault toilets, and complaints about the campground host. Some visitors appreciate the quiet and scenic environment, while others are disappointed by the facilities' maintenance."
Fees & Passes at Black Canyon Campground (Santa Fe National Forest, Nm)
$10/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit and up to 14 nights within rolling 60 days.
Cancellation: Changes to a reservation are allowed with a $10 fee for different dates. Cancellations incur a $10 f...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Santa Fe National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Black Canyon Campground (Santa Fe National Forest, Nm)
Summer transforms this mountain haven into a perfect escape, where warm sunshine filters through the canopy by day while evening brings a refreshing mountain chill that has visitors reaching for cozy wraps around the campfire. As one recent guest noted, the evening temperatures are 'absolutely fantastic' for stargazing and storytelling. When winter blankets the landscape in snow, the nearby slopes come alive with Nordic skiers gliding through pristine trails and alpine enthusiasts carving fresh powder on the surrounding peaks.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 1, 2025 - October 18, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season is May 1 to October 18 during peak season. Reservations can be made starting June 24.
- Current Alerts: A temporary water outage is ongoing, requiring visitors to bring their own water.
About Black Canyon Campground (Santa Fe National Forest, Nm)
Nestled in the cool mountain forests above Santa Fe, Black Canyon Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking refuge from the desert heat below. This tranquil retreat features thoughtfully designed single and double-family sites, most wheelchair accessible, tucked among towering pines and aspens. Bordering the scenic Hyde Memorial State Park, the campground showcases recently renovated facilities that blend modern comfort with rustic charm. Please note that campers should bring their own water supply, as the campground currently operates without on-site water services.
Black Canyon Campground offers a variety of camping options, including standard nonelectric sites for RVs and tents and walk-in tent sites.
Historical SignificanceJust a scenic drive from the campground lies Santa Fe, where centuries of Native American, Spanish colonial, and frontier American cultures converge in a vibrant tapestry. This legendary city of adobe architecture houses world-renowned art galleries, fascinating museums, and colorful markets where traditional crafts and contemporary masterpieces share the spotlight. The proximity to such rich cultural heritage makes Black Canyon an ideal basecamp for exploring both natural wonders and human creativity.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this mountain haven into a perfect escape, where warm sunshine filters through the canopy by day while evening brings a refreshing mountain chill that has visitors reaching for cozy wraps around the campfire. As one recent guest noted, the evening temperatures are 'absolutely fantastic' for stargazing and storytelling. When winter blankets the landscape in snow, the nearby slopes come alive with Nordic skiers gliding through pristine trails and alpine enthusiasts carving fresh powder on the surrounding peaks.
ElevationPerched at 8,475 feet above sea level, Black Canyon Campground offers a dramatic change in climate and scenery from the high desert below. This lofty elevation brings crisp, clean air and temperatures that can be 20-30 degrees cooler than the valley floor, creating an alpine oasis where wildflowers bloom in mountain meadows and the air carries the fresh scent of pine resin and mountain breezes.
Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, and quaking aspens creates an ever-changing canvas of light and shadow throughout Black Canyon. Morning sun filters through the forest canopy in golden shafts, while afternoon shade provides natural air conditioning. The diverse forest ecosystem supports abundant wildlife, from chattering squirrels to melodious songbirds. Well-maintained hiking trails wind through the woods, inviting exploration of hidden groves, seasonal wildflower meadows, and scenic overlooks that reveal the stunning complexity of the Santa Fe National Forest.
Geological RegionBlack Canyon Campground sits within the majestic Santa Fe National Forest, a testament to the ancient geological forces that lifted these mountains from prehistoric seas. At 8,475 feet, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the Sangre de Cristo range where diverse ecosystems converge—creating a unique blend of pine-scented coniferous forests interspersed with shimmering aspen groves. This mountainous terrain, carved by millennia of wind, water, and ice, provides a dramatic backdrop for camping adventures and serves as a natural sanctuary far above the sun-baked deserts of the Rio Grande valley.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityMany sites are accessible, and the campground also features paved pathways and accessible vault toilets.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with specific mentions of rock walls, fire pits, and level areas for tents or RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer a good mixture of privacy due to the forested environment, with trees providing separation between sites.
Total Campsites36 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites near vault toilets due to strong odors. Sites #7, 8, and 9 are near noisy host activities. Site #29 is highly recommended for tent camping because of its privacy.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit and up to 14 nights within rolling 60 days.
Groups
No specific group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features loops and sections, with sites separated for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is May 1 to October 18 during peak season. Reservations can be made starting June 24.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but users have reported confusion over the reservation system and walk-up status.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to a reservation are allowed with a $10 fee for different dates. Cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled within one calendar day before check-in.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Black Canyon Campground can enjoy a range of recreational activities. A 1.5-mile hiking trail loops around the campground and offers scenic forest views. The nearby Pecos Wilderness, situated eight miles from the campground, provides more extensive hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking opportunities. In winter, the area is popular for Nordic and alpine skiing.
Hiking
The campground features a 1.5-mile hike that loops around the area, offering an easy and scenic trail for all ages. Additional trails are located nearby, leading into the Pecos Wilderness and offering varied difficulty levels.Biking
The area includes biking trails, with some accessible from the campground. Visitors have noted these trails as suitable for mountain biking.Wildlife viewing
The forested setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, and some users noted frequent sightings of chipmunks.Winter Activities
Winter activities include Nordic and alpine skiing in areas above and below the campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not applicable to this campground due to the lack of water bodies.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings, but firewood must be sourced locally (do not move firewood).
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM
Hazards
General hazardsUsers have reported occasional issues with site accessibility due to generators and the campground host's dog. Vault toilets emit strong odors, creating discomfort near restroom sites.
Active alertsA temporary water outage is ongoing, requiring visitors to bring their own water.
Weather at Black Canyon Campground (Santa Fe National Forest, Nm)
20
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 71%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services include facilities in Santa Fe, 7 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025 - October 18, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but recycling is not offered.
Proximity to water featuresThere are no major water features within the campground. Users need to bring their own water due to the lack of working taps.
Common complaintsCommon concerns include noisy generators, poorly maintained vault toilets, and reported unprofessional behavior by campground hosts.
HostMixed reviews about hosts. Some visitors appreciated specific hosts like Deborah for their helpfulness, while others criticized hosts for noise, unavailability, and rudeness.
Campground Map
704 Hyde Park Rd.
Driving directionsFrom downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, travel north on Washington Avenue to Artist Road (Hyde Park Road/State Route 475) and turn right. Continue for 7 miles to Black Canyon Campground.
The highway leading to the campground is paved, providing reliable access. However, some users have noted that the bushes along the road can scratch vehicles, and the road's edges are in poor condition.Nearby places
Santa Fe (7 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be found in Santa Fe, approximately 7 miles away. Firewood is available at Market Street in Santa Fe, located at 600 N Guadalupe St.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
225 reviews
Black Canyon Campground (Santa Fe National Forest, Nm) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful and peaceful setting, spacious sites, and proximity to Santa Fe. However, recurring issues include the lack of potable water, poorly maintained vault toilets, and complaints about the campground host. Some visitors appreciate the quiet and scenic environment, while others are disappointed by the facilities' maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 225 reviews
What Campers Love
Commonly praised aspects include the scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, spacious campsites, and proximity to hiking trails and Santa Fe. Several reviewers specifically noted the well-designed layout...
Based on 225 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues raised include the lack of basic amenities such as potable water and clean vault toilets. Many users also criticized the campground host for being unprofessional or rude. Noise from generators...
Based on 225 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water as no potable water is available. Avoid sites near the vault toilets to minimize unpleasant odors. If possible, reserve sites further from the host to avoid noise from...
Based on 225 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are popular but often come with complaints about the lack of water and poorly maintained vault toilets. Winter months see fewer visitors due to the cold, but the area becomes a hub for...
Based on 225 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Beautifully designed campground situated in a lovely canyon." "The vault toilets smelled terrible." "No water again this year." "Great spot if you don’t need amenities."
Based on 225 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #29 is commonly rated as one of the best due to its privacy and distance from the road. Sites #7, #8, and #9 received negative feedback due to noise from host activities.
Based on 225 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground features accessible sites and paved pathways, but some reviewers noted that the vault toilets were not cleaned frequently, which could be a barrier for some visitors.
Based on 225 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed, but some visitors noted issues with the host’s dog barking frequently. Pet owners are advised to keep their dogs leashed.
Based on 225 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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