Rio De Las Vacas Campground

PO Box 130
Cuba, NM 87013

Notice

Please help protect our forest resources by not cutting, chopping, or using axes or hatchets on live trees. Damaging the bark and the living layers underneath harms the tree’s ability to move water and nutrients. Even small cuts can open the tree to insects, disease, and decay. Larger wounds can disrupt the tree’s vascular system entirely, causing it to weaken and eventually die.

We also ask that you do not hammer nails or screws into live trees. Penetrating the bark creates direct pathways for pests and infections, injures the tree’s internal tissues, and can lead to long-term decline or death.

Your cooperation helps keep our recreation areas healthy, safe, and beautiful for everyone. Thank you for doing your part to protect our trees.

Jul 29, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027

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.

Camp site features

Across 15 camp sites:

Picnic table: all 15 sites
Pets allowed: all 15 sites
Longest rig: 42 ft
Largest party: 5 people

Directions

From Cuba, New Mexico, travel 11 miles east of Cuba on New Mexico State Highway 126. The campground is located approximately 11 miles from Cuba where lodging, restaurants, and gas stations are available. The campground is approximately a one and a half hour drive from Albuquerque.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

115 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Maryann T