
Rio de las Vacas Campground
Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico
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As of October 2026, Rio de las Vacas Campground is a campground in Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico with 15 campsites. Rio de las Vacas Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Rio de las Vacas Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Rio de las Vacas Campground is located at 35.9967° N, 106.8075° W.
- people allowed on each site
- 5
Rio de las Vacas Campground reservations and next available dates
October 2026
Campsites at Rio de las Vacas Campground
- Standard 15
What an RV fits
- 27 ft1 site
- 32 ft2 sites
- 37 ft4 sites
- 42 ft2 sites
Amenities
- restrooms
At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Paved road.
Things to do: fishing, hiking, wildlife, photography.
All sites at Rio de las Vacas Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps | Max RV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Standard | 5 | - |
| 002 | Standard | 5 | - |
| 003 | Standard | 5 | - |
| 004 | Standard | 5 | - |
| 005 | Standard | 5 | 42 ft |
| 006 | Standard | 5 | 27 ft |
| 007 | Standard | 5 | 37 ft |
| 008 | Standard | 5 | 42 ft |
| 009 | Standard | 5 | 32 ft |
| 010 | Standard | 5 | 37 ft |
| 011 | Standard | 5 | 32 ft |
| 012 | Standard | 5 | 37 ft |
| 013 | Standard | 5 | - |
| 014 | Standard | 5 | - |
| 015 | Standard | 5 | 37 ft |
About Rio de las Vacas Campground
Overview
Less than two hours from the city of Albuquerque, Rio de las Vacas Campground offers a cool oasis from the New Mexico heat. Visitors delight in the hiking and fishing opportunities available in the shade of the pine covered Jemez Mountains. A few of the campsites have the creek running along them, providing a soothing atmosphere for campers.
Recreation
Local streams and the San Gregorio reservoir provide fishing opportunities for anglers, and hikers will delight in the many hiking opportunities in the nearby San Pedro Parks Wilderness.
Facilities
There are 15 campsites on the campground. Most of the campsites at Rio De Las Vacas come with a paved RV pad, fire rings, picnic table, and tent pads. The campground itself has paved roads, trash bins, vault toilets and a host on site.
Natural Features
The campground is located amid stunning ponderosa pines in close proximity to the Rio de las Vacas. The campground has a beautiful open meadow and scenic views of the surrounding Jemez Mountains. Fall brings migrating birds through the campground and the sounds of elk bugling to impress potential mates.
Nearby Attractions
The San Pedro Parks Wilderness, just north of the Rio de las Vacas Campground, offers easy and scenic day hikes. The minimal grade increases of the trails into the San Pedro Parks make this wilderness an ideal backpacking destination for beginners and experienced backpackers alike. Three main trailheads, the San Gregorio, Palomas and Los Pinos, are within driving distance of the campground.
Rules and notices at Rio de las Vacas Campground
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Rio de las Vacas Campground on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
Online reservations are payment for two vehicles MAXIMUM; that includes the tow vehicle or RV and one additional vehicle.
ATVs and OHVs are not allowed in the campground. Visitors should be aware of the Santa Fe National Forest's Travel Management Regulations which detail what roads and trails are open to motorized use. Copies of Travel Management maps are available at district offices as well as on the Santa Fe National Forest's website.
Fire restrictions may be in effect. If you are unsure please contact the Cuba Ranger Station at 575-829-3264.
Check out is at 11:00 AM, Check in time is 1:00 PM.
Before making a reservation, check the driveway details section to ensure your vehicle equipment will fit on the selected site.
Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
Rio de las Vacas Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Rio de las Vacas Campground?
Rio de las Vacas Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at Rio de las Vacas Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Rio de las Vacas Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Rio de las Vacas Campground have?
Rio de las Vacas Campground has 15 campsites.
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