Panchuela Campground

Star4.44
18 reviews

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open from May throug...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Santa Fe National Forest site

Official Website
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Panchuela Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee is $5.00 per site per night. Discounts apply for Senior Pass and Access Pass holders.
Standard Site Fee$5.00
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

4.44

Recommended

Based on 18 reviews

62 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryquiet

"User reviews depict Panchuela Campground as a serene and scenic destination, ideal for hiking and reconnecting with nature. Its proximity to trails and wilderness areas is frequently praised, though the lack of privacy and cell service are occasional drawbacks mentioned."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Panchuela Campground

35.8298, -105.6642

Driving directions22 miles north of Pecos via NM 63 and FRs 555 & 305
The campground is accessed via NM 63 and forest roads 555 and 305, which appear passable but involve driving on forest roads. Seasonal closures may occur, and road conditions can vary.
Nearby places
Pecos (22 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies (groceries, fuel) are in Santa Fe, as suggested by reviews. "Gas up/grocery in Santa Fe ... as there’s zero reception while you’re up here."

Best Time to Camp at Panchuela Campground

Perched at 8,300 feet, Panchuela rewards visitors with refreshingly cool summer days that offer sweet relief from lower elevation heat. Early June can surprise campers with dramatic mountain weather, including rain showers and crisp temperatures that demand warm layers. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests transform into a breathtaking canvas of golden aspens, creating magical camping conditions. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, though temperatures can plummet to a brisk 16°F. Throughout the year, this high-altitude haven sees temperatures ranging from winter's icy embrace to summer's pleasant 77°F afternoons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cool summer days at 8,300 ft relieve lowland heat; can get crowded after lunchtime.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall offers stunning golden aspen colors; reviewers highlight fall vistas and colors.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open in May but early season can bring dramatic mountain weather and cold; variable experience.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; open May through end of November.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open from May through the end of November.
  • Current Alerts: Shelters are currently closed for renovations, which are expected to last through summer 2025.

About Panchuela Campground

Tucked away at the gateway to the pristine Pecos Wilderness, Panchuela Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just six walk-in tent sites. This peaceful retreat serves as the perfect launching point for wilderness adventures, where the popular Cave Creek Trail #288 beckons hikers into the backcountry. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with picnic tables and restrooms, visitors should come prepared with their own water supply, as none is available on-site. Here, the simplicity of primitive camping meets the grandeur of New Mexico's high country.
Panchuela Campground is a walk-in, tent-only site catering primarily to primitive camping enthusiasts. It serves as a gateway for hikers and nature lovers accessing the Pecos Wilderness.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Panchuela Campground can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The campground serves as a base for exploring the Pecos Wilderness and accessing trails such as the Cave Creek Trail #288.
HikingHiking is a major attraction, with Cave Creek Trail #288 being accessible directly from the campground. Reviewers describe this trail as a "roughly 5.5-mile hike with little elevation gain" leading to caves, with coordinates provided at approximately 35.85, -105.68958. Another reviewer highlighted a 4.5-mile roundtrip hike as equally rewarding.
Wildlife viewingAbundant wildlife sightings are possible, including deer, elk, songbirds, raptors, and the occasional black bear.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with black bears and exposure to freezing temperatures in winter. Visitors are advised not to drink water from the area, as it is unsafe.
Active AlertsShelters are currently closed for renovations, which are expected to last through summer 2025.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Panchuela Campground

Reviews

4.4
18 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Panchuela Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews depict Panchuela Campground as a serene and scenic destination, ideal for hiking and reconnecting with nature. Its proximity to trails and wilderness areas is frequently praised, though the lack of privacy and cell service are occasional drawbacks mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

"Best family getaway in New Mexico"; "Fantastic scenery"; "Great smaller campground"; "Very quiet in the morning and at dinner time."
Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

"If you are expecting any sort of privacy you will find none"; "Be prepared to have zero reception while you're up here"; "Not very many camp spots, which often leads to no availability."
Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a cart to haul your gear to the walk-in sites; gas up and get groceries in Santa Fe before heading to the campground; explore Cave Creek Trail for caves and spectacular views.
Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall offers stunning golden aspen colors. Summer brings moderate temperatures, but the campground may experience crowding after lunchtime. Reviewers recommend being prepared for rain and cold in...
Show more
Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views are some of the best. Go find the caves!" "Sites 1 and 2 are closest to the water and bathrooms." "Jim the camp host was fantastic, and his dog Baxter was always around to help."
Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 is described as the most isolated, while Site 6 is closest to the Cave Creek Trailhead. Sites 1 and 2 are ideal for small groups and are nearest to the bathrooms and water.
Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

No explicit reviews address accessibility beyond the need to haul gear to sites, which may be challenging for some visitors.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times. No specific reviews elaborate on pet amenities or experiences.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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