How much does camping cost at Rio De Las Vacas Campground?

Camping fees at Rio De Las Vacas Campground are $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rio De Las Vacas Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Rio De Las Vacas Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Rio De Las Vacas Campground before I book?

Yes! Rio De Las Vacas Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Rio De Las Vacas Campground?

Rio De Las Vacas Campground is open May 08 to November 20. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Rio De Las Vacas Campground?

Rio De Las Vacas Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Rio De Las Vacas Campground have?

Rio De Las Vacas Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Rio De Las Vacas Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Rio De Las Vacas Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Rio De Las Vacas Campground?

Rio De Las Vacas Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Rio De Las Vacas Campground?

Popular activities at Rio De Las Vacas Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rio De Las Vacas Campground

4.69

204 reviews

PO Box 130, Cuba, NM, 87013, USA

Top 8% in NMFall

AReport Card

Scenic Views

Featured in:Mountain Camping New Mexico#1 Best Campgrounds New Mexico#1 Tent Camping New Mexico#1 +11 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

Book on Santa Fe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on Santa Fe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Rio De Las Vacas Campground

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

575-289-3264

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Campground Map

PO Box 130, Cuba, NM, 87013, USA

Rio De Las Vacas Campground

PO Box 130, Cuba, NM, 87013, USA

Nearby places

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

Weather at Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Best Time to Camp at Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp, clear days and spectacular mountain color at high elevation (daytime highs commonly 50–70°F, nights often dropping into the 20s–30s), making hiking, wildlife viewing and photography especially rewarding. Trails are less buggy and crowds thin after the summer reservation window closes, so you get quieter access to the San Pedro Parks Wilderness and prime fishing as streams cool. Expect cool nights and potential early snow later in the season, so pack layers and plan for first- Peak months: September, October, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in NM

Fall called best season for brilliant aspen color, elk rut, and thinner crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to November 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 9th to September 14th (reservable). First-come, first-served availability extends beyond September 14th.

About Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Rio De Las Vacas Campground sits at high elevation in Santa Fe National Forest, 30 minutes from Cuba, where a mountain creek runs through a small cluster of tent and RV sites. Managed by the Forest Service, the campground serves as a trailhead for the San Pedro Parks Wilderness and offers fishing access along the creek. Fall brings brilliant aspen color and thinner crowds after the summer reservation season closes.

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 SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp, clear days and spectacular mountain color at high elevation (daytime highs commonly 50–70°F, nights often dropping into the 20s–30s), making hiking, wildlife viewing and photography especially rewarding. Trails are less buggy and crowds thin after the summer reservation window closes, so you get quieter access to the San Pedro Parks Wilderness and prime fishing as streams cool. Expect cool nights and potential early snow later in the season, so pack layers and plan for first- Peak months: September, October, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8271 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested drainage where the Rio de las Vacas flows through meadows surrounded by ponderosa pine. Volcanic geology shapes the surrounding Jemez Mountains, visible from camp. Wildlife is abundant. During fall, bull elk bugle through the area as part of the rut, and migrating birds pass overhead. The creek runs year-round and provides ambient sound at most sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis campground exclusively offers tent and RV camping and does not have any hotel-style lodging or cabins available.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

Best CampsitesSites 4, 5, and 6 get consistent mentions for privacy and space. Site 5 handles 26-foot RVs plus extra vehicles. Site 3 offers direct creek access. Site 11 also receives praise. Sites 9 and 10 sit close together and lack privacy.

Need help booking Rio De Las Vacas Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Rio de las Vacas Campground offers a range of amenities designed for a comfortable camping experience. There are 15 campsites that come equipped with paved RV pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads. The campground also features paved roads, trash bins, vault toilets, and an on-site host who is highly praised for their maintenance and attentiveness. Potable water is available via a pump near specific campsites such as sites 7 and 8. Campers have noted the impeccably clean restrooms and the general cleanliness of the entire campground.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Rio De Las Vacas Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Serves as a trailhead for the San Pedro Parks Wilderness; abundant hiking access mentioned.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Abundant wildlife; bull elk bugle in fall during the rut and migrating birds noted.

Water Sports2.0/5

Small mountain creek through camp; kayaking not described as supported or common.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (8,271 ft), remote forest setting implies dark skies and good stargazing potential.

Photography4.0/5Frequent mentions of scenic beauty, aspens, elk and mountain views make it highly photogenic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. However, the vault toilets are consistently praised for their cleanliness and maintenance. According to user reviews, these are some of the cleanest vault toilets found in U.S. Forest Campgrounds.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

Cell CoverageSeveral user reviews mention the complete lack of cell phone service at the campground, making it an ideal spot for those looking to unplug. For example, James Smith stated, 'No cell service, but reconnected coming back down towards the highway (US 50).' Verizon and other providers reportedly do not have coverage in this area.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

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

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

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

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many reviews mention positive experiences bringing dogs. However, one user noted the lack of enforcement of the leash rule.

Based on 204 reviews

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Rio De Las Vacas Campground

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

575-289-3264

Go if

You want a quiet base camp for wilderness hiking and fishing without summer crowds.

Skip if

You have a large RV or need widely spaced sites for guaranteed privacy.

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Clear Creek Campground (Nm)

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Clear Creek Campground sits at 8,600 feet in Santa Fe National Forest near Cuba, New Mexico, offering high-elevation alpine camping with access to hiking and fishing. Operated by the Forest Service, this small seasonal campground features spacious, private sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness and the helpful camp hosts who maintain a quiet, serene atmosphere.

Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Best Time to Camp at Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Planning Tips

About Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

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Amenities available

RV details

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Ask Camp Sage about Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Best Time to Camp at Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Rio De Las Vacas Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Rio De Las Vacas Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews