Villanueva

Star4.41
143 reviews
PO BOX 40, Villanueva, New Mexico, 87583, United States

Quick Facts

5,896 ft

Price

$10 - $14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

El Cerro Campground ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi
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Villanueva
$10.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for Villanueva State Park range between $10 and $14 per night depending on amenities and campsite type. Dry sites at El Cerro Campground cost...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$14.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 143 reviews

550 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwaterhookups

Some mention

noise

"The reviews for Villanueva State Park are overwhelmingly positive, with users appreciating the park's scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and variety of activities. However, some concerns are raised about noise levels during peak times, occasional maintenance issues, and limited cell service."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 40, Villanueva, New Mexico, 87583, United States

Villanueva

PO BOX 40, Villanueva, New Mexico, 87583, United States

Driving directionsStarting at I-40, go north via State Rd 3, 21 miles to the small village of Villanueva, turn right and travel east 1.5 miles to Villanueva State Park. Starting at I-25, go south via State Rd 3, 15 miles to Villanueva State Park.
Road access is entirely paved but includes twisty and curvy segments. Speeds generally under 35 MPH are expected. Seasonal gate closures restrict access during off-hours, particularly 7:30 p.m. in the offseason and 9:30 p.m. during high season.
Nearby places
Santa Fe: 60 miles north, approximately 1 hour travel time. Las Vegas, NM: 30 miles south, approximately 40 minutes travel time.
Nearby supplies
Villanueva features a small general store offering supplies, firewood, and a deli. Additional services such as gas and laundry are available in Las Vegas (40 miles away) or Santa Fe (65 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Villanueva

Experience four distinct seasons in this high desert canyon paradise. Summer days warm to a pleasant 75°F-90°F, perfect for river activities and evening stargazing. Spring and fall paint the canyon in comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking and exploration. Winter transforms the landscape with crisp air and temperatures that can dip below freezing, creating frost-kissed mornings. During warmer months, the riverside ecosystem comes alive, including mosquitoes near the water—bring your bug spray for comfortable evenings by the campfire.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm 75–90°F ideal for river activities and stargazing; but busiest season with noise and crowds.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 13% in NM

Spring/fall noted for pleasant camping weather and painted canyon colors; off-season serenity highlighted.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal opening in April; pleasant temperatures and good wildlife viewing, though snowmelt can affect river.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

El Cerro opens in April; winter has limited services and snowmelt affects river conditions and fishing.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season begins in summer (June).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: El Cerro Campground operates seasonally and opens in April for campers.
  • Current Alerts: Construction noise and limited amenities reported in May 2024.

About Villanueva

Nestled deep within a dramatic canyon along the winding Pecos River, Villanueva State Park offers an enchanting escape where towering canyon walls embrace tranquil riverside camping. Choose from convenient hookup sites tucked into the lower canyon or venture to El Cerro Campground's first-come, first-served sites, where panoramic views reward those who seek elevated perspectives above the canyon rim.
Villanueva State Park accommodates a variety of camping preferences, offering both primitive and developed camping options. Sites include those with electric and water hookups, as well as first-come, first-serve primitive sites.
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Best Campsites

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Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Villanueva State Park provides a mix of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration. Visitors enjoy the park's scenic trails and the Pecos River for fishing. The park is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
HikingSeveral hiking trails are available, including the River Trail and Viewpoint Loop Trail. Trails range from easy to challenging, with some involving steep climbs and rocky terrain. The trails offer scenic views, historical ruins, and wildlife sightings. Users recommend sturdy footwear and bringing water.
FishingFishing is allowed in the Pecos River, but conditions vary with the season. Some users noted silty water and poor fish activity during snowmelt periods.
SwimmingThe Pecos River provides opportunities for wading and swimming. However, users caution about strong currents in certain sections, making it unsuitable for young children and those unfamiliar with river swimming.
BoatingBoating activities, such as canoeing and kayaking, are popular on the Pecos River. However, the river's strong currents and technical sections require caution and skill.
Wildlife viewingBirdwatching is a popular activity, with abundant bird species and other wildlife such as bullfrogs. Visitors recommend quiet observation for the best experience.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park offers interpretive programs and access to historical ruins and cultural sites, including areas where travelers like conquistadors and Native Americans once camped.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes are common during warmer months. Hiking trails are rocky and steep; caution is advised.
Active AlertsConstruction noise and limited amenities reported in May 2024.

Weather at Villanueva

Reviews

4.4
143 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Villanueva is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The reviews for Villanueva State Park are overwhelmingly positive, with users appreciating the park's scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and variety of activities. However, some concerns are raised about noise levels during peak times, occasional maintenance issues, and limited cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 143 reviews

What Campers Love

Users love the park's scenic trails, river access, and peaceful environment. The availability of electric and water hookups for RVs and the clean restroom facilities are frequently praised.
Based on 143 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include occasional noise from other campers and nearby events, limited cell service, maintenance issues with restrooms and showers, and the reservation system causing unused reserved spots.
Based on 143 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting during off-peak times for a quieter experience. Bringing extra hoses and a splitter for water access is advisable. Exploring the trails and nearby cultural sites is highly...
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Based on 143 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention high temperatures and busy conditions. Off-season reviews highlight the park's serenity and favorable camping weather.
Based on 143 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is a hidden treasure! Set on the banks of the Pecos River and in a little canyon, it's beautiful and lush." - Jenni Walker. "Wonderful place to go camping. It was very quiet, we were there the...
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Based on 143 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites like #19 are noted for their river access and spaciousness. Sites 1-6 near the entrance are highlighted for convenience, while sites 19 and up offer more peace and quiet.
Based on 143 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible toilets are available, but detailed reviews on the overall accessibility experience are lacking.
Based on 143 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and users found the park suitable for camping trips with dogs. Trails and river areas are pet-friendly.
Based on 143 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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