Rio De Las Vacas Campground

4.73

204 reviews

PO Box 130, Cuba, NM, 87013, USA

Featured in:Mountain Camping New Mexico#1 Best Campgrounds New Mexico#1 Tent Camping New Mexico#1 +10 more

Quick Facts

8,271 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season: May 9th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Santa Fe National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,271 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season: May 9th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Santa Fe National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Rio De Las Vacas Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation use fee for the campground sites is $20 per night during peak and first-come, first-served seasons. Reservation fees add $8-$9 depending...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

575-289-3264

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What Campers Say

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 204 reviews

57 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleanspacious

"User reviews for Rio de las Vacas Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its cleanliness, natural beauty, and the dedication of the camp host. The campground is frequently described as peaceful, scenic, and well-maintained."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 130, Cuba, NM, 87013, USA

Rio De Las Vacas Campground

PO Box 130, Cuba, NM, 87013, USA

Driving directionsFrom Cuba, New Mexico, travel 11 miles east of Cuba on New Mexico State Highway 126. The campground is located approximately 11 miles from Cuba where lodging, restaurants, and gas stations are available. It is approximately a one and a half hour drive from Albuquerque.

Accessible via New Mexico State Highway 126, approximately 11 miles east of Cuba. Roads are paved and suitable for most vehicles, though some reviews mentioned challenges for larger rigs due to narrow roads and uphill backing required.

Nearby places

Cuba (11 miles, ~15 minutes), Albuquerque (~1.5 hours)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Cuba (~11 miles), including gas stations, restaurants, and lodging.

Best Time to Camp at Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Experience the dramatic dance of mountain seasons at Rio de las Vacas. Summer transforms the campground into a cool refuge from desert heat, where crisp mountain air and brilliant blue skies create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, the forest comes alive with nature's symphony - watch for migrating birds painting the sky and listen for the haunting bugle of elk echoing through the valleys. Winter occasionally dusts the pines with snow, turning this mountain retreat into a wonderland for those brave enough to embrace the chill.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; cool mountain refuge from lowland heat though monsoons can affect weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 13% in NM

Fall praised for mild weather and elk viewing; reviewers specifically highlight autumn visits.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 4% in NM

Spring visits (May) described as 'perfect' and quiet with wildflowers and mild weather in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is reservable May 9–Sept 14; not positioned as a winter destination.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 9th to September 14th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 9th to September 14th (reservable). First-come, first-served availability extends beyond September 14th.
Current Alerts: Campground closures due to fire, as noted in recent user reviews.

About Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Nestled among towering ponderosa pines in the heart of the Jemez Mountains, Rio de las Vacas Campground offers a tranquil escape where modern amenities meet untouched wilderness. Each thoughtfully designed campsite comes equipped with a paved RV pad, crackling fire ring, sturdy picnic table, and spacious tent pad, creating the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventure. Clean vault toilets and convenient trash facilities ensure comfort without compromising the natural experience, while a friendly campground host is always nearby to help make your stay memorable.

Rio de las Vacas Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, including tent and RV camping. It does not offer cabins, group sites, or luxury camping accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of mountain seasons at Rio de las Vacas. Summer transforms the campground into a cool refuge from desert heat, where crisp mountain air and brilliant blue skies create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, the forest comes alive with nature's symphony - watch for migrating birds painting the sky and listen for the haunting bugle of elk echoing through the valleys. Winter occasionally dusts the pines with snow, turning this mountain retreat into a wonderland for those brave enough to embrace the chill.

ElevationPerched high in the mountains where the air grows thin and pure, this elevated sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from the heat below. The campground's mountain setting delivers naturally cool temperatures and breathtaking vistas that stretch for miles, reminding visitors why altitude makes all the difference in the Land of Enchantment.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle melody of a mountain creek bubbling past wildflower-dotted meadows, where morning mist dances between ancient pines. The campground's stunning setting showcases the best of the Jemez Mountains - from sun-dappled forest clearings to dramatic peaks that frame every sunset. During autumn's grand finale, the forest transforms into nature's amphitheater as bull elk announce their presence with primal calls that send shivers down your spine, while overhead, countless birds journey south in an ancient aerial parade.

Geological RegionRio de las Vacas Campground sits in a geological wonderland where volcanic history meets mountain majesty. Surrounded by the aromatic embrace of ponderosa pine forests and serenaded by its namesake river, the campground serves as your gateway to the pristine San Pedro Parks Wilderness. Here, expansive meadows unfold like nature's carpet between dramatic mountain peaks, creating a landscape that tells the story of millions of years of Earth's artistry in the iconic Jemez Mountains.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights during a single visit.

Groups

No group-specific sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground contains 15 sites, most with paved RV pads and tent pads. Sites are spaced variably, with some offering more privacy than others.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov online, mobile app, and contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable for first-come, first-served sites during off-peak season (September 15th to November 17th). Limited availability noted in reviews and dependent on popularity.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 fee if dates completely differ. Cancellations before arrival date incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of reservation fees and first night's use fee if canceled late (midnight day before arrival).

AccessibilityThe campground has paved roads and relatively flat terrain, which might make it accessible to individuals with mobility challenges; however, no specific accessibility-compliant amenities were noted in the available data.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some large enough to accommodate 26ft RVs and additional vehicles, as noted for site 5.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Some sites, such as 4, 5, and 6, offer more seclusion, while others are noted to be closer together (e.g., sites 9 and 10).

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #3 offers great creek access but less shade during midday. Site #5 is noted for its large pull-in capacity and privacy. Sites #4 and #6 are recommended for spacing.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rio de las Vacas Campground offers a range of outdoor activities that cater to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The natural beauty of the Jemez Mountains and the Rio de las Vacas provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby San Pedro Parks Wilderness features scenic trails suitable for both novice and experienced hikers. The creek running through the campground adds to the charm and offers fishing possibilities, including cutthroat trout.

HikingHiking opportunities are abundant, with access to trails in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness nearby. These trails are known for their minimal grade increases, making them suitable for beginners. Specific trails such as those leading to San Gregorio Lake are highly recommended.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at this campground. Local streams, including the Rio de las Vacas, and the nearby San Gregorio reservoir provide opportunities to catch cutthroat trout.

Wildlife viewingThe area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including elk during the fall, migrating birds, chipmunks, and hummingbirds. User reviews frequently mention the abundance of wildlife and the relaxing natural environment.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal fire hazards noted; visitors should verify fire restrictions. Wildlife interaction (elk, chipmunks) is common.

Active AlertsCampground closures due to fire, as noted in recent user reviews.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted unless seasonal fire restrictions are in place. Each site features a fire ring with a grill.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services in Cuba (~11 miles): Cuba Health Clinic and Cuba Police Department.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available throughout the campground, and reviews confirm they are emptied regularly. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesRio de las Vacas creek runs along the campground, providing soothing sounds and fishing opportunities.

Camp HostCamp hosts are consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. Reviews highlight their efforts in maintaining cleanliness and enforcing campground rules.

Weather at Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Reviews

4.7

204 reviews

Top-Rated

Rio De Las Vacas Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Rio de las Vacas Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its cleanliness, natural beauty, and the dedication of the camp host. The campground is frequently described as peaceful, scenic, and well-maintained.

Review Summaries

Based on 204 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the pristine condition of the campground, the cleanliness of vault toilets, the attentiveness of the camp host, and the serene natural setting. Many reviews highlight the creek's...

Based on 204 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention that certain campsites are too close together, leading to reduced privacy. There is also criticism of the campground's road narrowness, making it challenging for larger RVs to...

Based on 204 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own firewood, as there is little opportunity for foraging. Site 3 is highlighted for creek access, while site 5 is noted for its privacy and spacious layout. Early...

Based on 204 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are particularly appreciated for their mild weather and opportunities to witness wildlife such as elk. Summer provides cooler weather compared to the surrounding area, though monsoons...

Based on 204 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Sweet campground full of wildflowers, legions of chipmunks, and a bubbling little river.' - Medley Wewerka 2. 'Secluded, quiet, beautiful campground about 12 miles off the main highway.' - James...

Based on 204 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 4, 5, and 6 are frequently highlighted as the best options for privacy and spaciousness. Site 3 offers excellent creek access but less shade during midday. Sites 9 and 10 are noted as being...

Based on 204 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews from users with disabilities. However, the paved roads and relatively flat terrain could be beneficial for accessibility.

Based on 204 reviews