Santa Fe is a great destination for RVing in the great southwest.
There are many things for all ages to do in the area. There are a few campgrounds to accommodate you very close to Santa Fe itself and some in areas just outside Santa Fe.
Wal-Mart does also offer opportunities for all motor homes to park in their parking lot close to Cerrillos Rd in Santa Fe overnight at no charge.
The only thing you must be aware of in Santa Fe is that this is a seasonal area for camping. In most cases the campgrounds are closed from November thru March. I will get specific with the dates with each campground description.
The opportunities for things to do in Santa Fe are endless when it comes to outdoor activities.
There are many places to horseback ride. Some of the stables are family owned and have been showing visitors the beautiful terrain and historical vistas for many years.
There is one resort in town - Bishop’s Lodge that has their own stables and offers horseback riding in the beautiful foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Water Rafting, Canoeing and Kayaking are other sports that are available in the area. Although the recent years have not brought as much rain as we would like, the rides are still offered in the Rio Grande in the Taos area which is only an hour and a half from Santa Fe. Known World Guides offers the service including the van trip to the river and a gourmet lunch. They offer a full day trip, and multi day trips plus opportunities for you to create your own adventure.
Mountain Biking is also a great sport to try with Known World Guides as your guide. Some of the best trails in the southwest can be found in the area. Hiking is available in numerous parks and other public areas and is another excellent way to enjoy New Mexico.
Fly Fishing is also available here and is more like a tranquil experience in New Mexico where you can learn the “Zen” of Fishing.
Jeep Off- Roading is fun for the whole family and can be found in Santa Fe with some tour operators who love to show off the little known trails and rides.
When it comes to the not so outdoorsy adventures, shopping and gallery visiting on Canyon Road is a fun way to spend a day. Medicine Man Gallery is right at the beginning of the famous road and has works from Maria Martinez and Maynard Dixon as well as other local artisans.
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and Museum Hill are excellent opportunities to see, learn about and purchase Santa Fe history. The Children’s Museum in town has ever changing hands -on displays that kids will adore.
O’Keeffe Café, Santa Fe Bar and Grill, Bishop’s Lodge Restaurant and Blue Heron At Sunrise Springs Resort are excellent restaurants to taste the Santa Fe style food.
Some other local standards that always please for lunch and breakfast are Santa Fe Baking Company and Harry’s Roadhouse Grill.
About 2 hours north of Santa Fe is Ojo Caliente which is a mineral springs spa and offers hiking and pueblo ruins. This spa is very affordable and is open year round.
These local campgrounds accommodate RV camping including the Class A:
Santa Fe KOA
Open March 1 – November 1
This campground is less than 10 miles from Santa Fe. They have Maximum Length Pull Through - 90 feet and 50 Amp Service Available.
At Santa Fe KOA they offer LP Gas, Modem Data port (no charge) and a Snack Bar. There is a playground, Basketball, Horseshoes, a game room and a free movie and book library.
http://www.koakampgrounds.com/where/NM/31159.htm
Santa Fe Skies RV Park
Open Year Round
The park has 98 extra large sites, most are pull-throughs to accommodate the largest motor coaches and travel trailer rigs. All sites are equipped with both 30 and 50 amp. Electrical outlets and have water and sewer hookups. Instant telephone lines are available at some sites upon request for daily use. It is a "modem friendly" park. They are also "pet friendly" to animals and their owners. There is a large kite flying area and kites are also available to buy. A large full service laundry room is available.
http://www.santafeskiesrvpark.com/index.html
Rancheros De Santa Fe
Open March 15 – October 31
Quiet, wooded camping only minutes from Old Town Santa Fe at Rancheros de Santa Fe is considered by some to be Santa Fe's most scenic campground.
Rancheros de Santa Fe is in a scenic natural setting. Located on historic Route 66 (pre 1937), only minutes from the famous Santa Fe Plaza, Rancheros de Santa Fe offers a beautiful destination for your visit.
The campground is nestled among 22 acres of pinon pine and juniper. There are open and wooded full hook-up sites for large RV's, trailers, and vans. If you're a tent camper, you'll love the secluded tent sites with soft, dry pads for your tent. New, rustic camping cabins set among the trees are also available. They have a Large heated outdoor pool (summer months) big playground, hiking trail, nightly movies (mid-May to September) and a recreation room. The staff at Rancheros de Santa Fe prides itself on making your stay enjoyable by providing clean restrooms with hot showers, a Laundromat, public phones Wireless high-speed internet, a modem station for e-mail downloading Snacks, sundries, and Santa Fe style gift store, Cable TV (Full hook-ups only) BIG RIG friendly with 50-amp service at selected sites, Propane, and an enclosed dog run.
www.rancheros.com/main.html
The Trailer Ranch RV Park
Open Year Round
The Trailer Ranch RV Park is located in the heart of Santa Fe, NM. They offer full RV hookups, clean restrooms and showers, a laundry facility, an activity center, library, cable TV and city bus services to nearby plaza and shopping. A seasonal pool is also available.
The Trailer Ranch RV Park has 50 full hook up sites with free cable TV. They have 30&50 amp back-in sites, pull-thrus with 30 amp, and premium sites with 30/50 amp service.
http://www.trailerranch.com
Los Campos RV Resort
Open year Round
This RV Park is 4.5 miles from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. They feature full hook-ups with free cable TV. 30 or 50 amp spaces, back-in or a pull-thru are all available. A heated swimming pool, a pleasant pet walking area and a covered pavilion for meetings and get-togethers are also here for the visitors to enjoy.
http://hometown.aol.com/loscampossf/
In the surrounding areas of Espanola, Chimayo, and The Turquoise Trail there are other RV campgrounds as well. These areas are 30 minutes to an hour and a half from the Santa Fe area and so I mention them instead of go into detail about them. You can go to the site listed here to find listings and phone numbers of other campgrounds, but no more detail than that.
http://www.southpoint.com/databases/nmcamp.htm
Taking your RV on an adventure to exciting Santa Fe will be a RV trip to remember.
Enjoy your trip to the Land of Enchantment and the City Different!
Eileen Richardson
