Good place to go camping in July? (Albuquerque, Santa Fe: live, design)

[rhyanenrose]

Hi, does anyone know of a good place to go camping in July, that is not too far away from Albuquerque? We've already camped at Jemez Springs, but would like to go somewhere different. And we'd like to go somewhere dog friendly and stay within a 2 hour distance from Albuquerque. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Thanks in advance!

Amy

[Matt518]

Bluewater lake? It's a few hours away just west of Grants. There's also the Cedro Peak area, just off South 14 outside Albuquerque, but I think they have designated camping areas. If you want more desert type, there's alot of area west of Rio Rancho (may be alot of OHV traffic, depending on where you are). Plenty of areas around Santa Fe too.

[Poncho_NM]

Jemez campground is about the nicest near ABQ.

Fenton Lake is nice:
Fenton

Cochiti Lake, a lot of boating and a swimming area. The swimming area is free access. It is pretty barren with almost no shade, at least on the SW portion I have been to.
Cochiti Lake
Cochiti Lake New Mexico


I have been to those places a few times over the years, just for the day, never camped.





Rich

[lobo]

Monzano Mountains State Park is close by and has decent camping.
Manzano

[bandelier]

We've camped at Cochiti Lake before. We drove up a few weeks prior to our trip and picked a site. They are dog friendly, too. We enjoyed it.

[Poncho_NM]

Like Lobo said, Monzano Mountains State Park. It is not that far, maybe an hour drive from ABQ (probably less, I just drive slow). Have been through the area, just never looked at the campground...

[jaxart]

There are several other good tent camping and RV sites in the Manzanos:

1. Capilla Peak Campground
2. Fourth Of July Campground
3. Manzano Mountains State Park Campground
4. New Canyon Campground
5. Red Canyon Campground
6. Tajique Campground

[Buzz123]

Chaco Canyon: Chaco Culture National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

[lalahartma]

National Parks are not especially dog friendly. Chaco is better than some tho!

Chaco Culture National Historical Park - Pets (U.S. National Park Service)

[rhyanenrose]

Thank you all for the replies and great suggestions! I think we are leaning toward the Manzano Mtns. Eventually we will go to Chaco Canyon and we still want to head down to Carlsbad Caverns. We've lived here nearly 5 years now, just have not had much time to explore the state. Looking forward to a nice camping getaway.