RV’ing around New Mexico: My Top 5 Places to RV

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To be honest, I’ve never given much to RVs. But in 2019 my father-in-law bought an RV and my kids have been invited on every trip. Even with the pandemic, we were able to get out and explore the great state of New Mexico. So I thought I’d share a few great spots in New Mexico you could take the RV. Even if you don’t have an RV, I’m still going to share some awesome sightseeing spots that are worth the travel.

5. Santa Fe KOA

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This RV park is located approximately 10 miles outside of Santa Fe. It’s right off the interstate. For being off the interstate it is tucked away in the trees and very peaceful at night. This RV site has full hookups, wifi, tent sites, and some cabins. There was a basketball hoop and a playground for the kids.

The closest day activity we did was visit Pecos National Historic Park. Pecos National Historic Park was a nice park to visit. It has paved and unpaved trails. There were picnic tables to enjoy a nice lunch under the trees. When we went, we hiked the paved trail which was ~1.2 miles. My son, who was four at the time, walked the trail on his own. Along the trail, there are historic markers that guide you through history.

4. Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort

This RV resort was amazing. It’s centered just a mile or two from the entrance to Elephant Butte Lake State Park. The RV resort has paved roads and graveled sites. There is a picnic table at all the sites, and it’s very well kept. The sites have full hookups and pull throughs., but due to COVID we weren’t able to enjoy all its amenities. The kids did get to enjoy their bikes since all the roads were paved.

The closest activity we did that weekend was Elephant Butte Lake. The lake was my son’s favorite. One thing I do advise is be more prepared than we were. We forgot chairs, umbrellas, water shoes, lunch…. I know, I know all the obvious things you bring to the lake. Lastly, Elephant Butte Lake State Park does offer RV and tent camping. However, please check to see if the COVID guidelines have changed.

3. Valley of Fires Recreation Area

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So the Bureau of Land Management maintains and manages this recreation area, but you won’t be disappointed. First, the recreation area is surrounded by a lava flow and the view is gorgeous. Secondly, the area provides both tent and RV camping. Although it doesn’t have full hookups, some spots do have electric and potable water. Picnic shelters, grills, and tables are at every site which is convenient for tent and RV camping. It does have vault bathrooms and showers, but due to COVID these amenities were closed. There is a fee for both day use and camping.

The nice thing about this recreation area is it has an interactive trail through the lava flow. It’s not a very long walk, but will definitely keep the kids entertained. They do allow for off path hiking, but please be advise that it could be dangerous. This is a first come, first serve recreation, but call ahead to double check.

2. Pendaries RV Resort

This RV resort is about an hour and half from Santa Fe, NM and approximately 30 minutes from Las Vegas, NM. This RV resort is nestled among the Ponderosa Pines giving privacy amongst the trees. Each site has a picnic table and plenty of space between sites. This RV park was probably the biggest we went too, with around 50 sites. There is a basketball area and a playground for the kids. Roads through the park are not paved, but packed down with gravel.

There are plenty of hiking trails. For example, there is one that is right next to the RV resort. It is called Turquoise Trail. This was a fairly easy hike, but it does have an ascent. Once to the top there is old mine. The kids enjoyed being on the top and it was a good hike to burn off our breakfast.

1. Angel Fire RV Resort

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This was probably my family’s favorite place to visit during the pandemic. Angel Fire RV Resort has panoramic views of valleys and mountains. It doesn’t matter where you look the views are beautiful. This RV resort has full hookups, a picnic table at each site, and free wifi. Who doesn’t like free wifi? They are a fifth wheel and motorhome resort only. The resort has an amazing clubhouse with a fitness room. There are two separate outside fire pits located outside the clubhouse and guesthouse.

Did I mention there is plenty of things to do with the kids? They have a playground, tetherball, pickle ball and even a nature hike around the resort. They even have a little green area for my golfers to practice some putting. My husband and father-in-law did leave the resort to do some golfing at Angel Fire Resort Golf Course. But most of our time was at the resort. They also had free waffles during our stay.

?Did I miss any of your Top RV/Tent Camping spots?

This list is my personal list of the best RV spots I visited in NM. We did visit other places around the state, but that will have to be for another list. Did your favorite make my list? Let me know where your favorite place to tent/RV camp. I’d like to recommend new places to my father-in-law.