On top of offering several options for outdoor activities in its scenic landscape—ranging from warm deserts to cool mountains and everything in between—Santa Fe has plenty for campers to explore and experience.

Looking for ideas about what local attractions and activities to try on your next camping trip? We have lots of ideas to help you get started!

First, be sure to check out the Palace of Governors, the oldest government building in the United States.

Second, Santa Fe is the third-largest art market in the United States, so be sure to explore the art scene while you’re in the city. You’ll find over 200 galleries and 11 museums scattered around town. Local favorites include the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the International Folk Art Museum.

Finally, don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine during your visit! Santa Fe is made up of a unique blend of cultures, and it’s reflected in the myriad of restaurants, cafes, bars, food trucks and other eateries you’ll find throughout the city. Mexican food is a staple, and you’ll have the opportunity to try some delicious and authentic dishes and recipes.

Visiting This Summer? Here’s What the Summer Months Have to Offer!

JUNE

  • Currents New Mexico Festival: A celebration of New Mexico’s contemporary art scene.
  • The Rodeo de Santa Fe: A city tradition since 1949 that features customary rodeo events.

JULY

  • Santa Fe Opera: The six-week summer season has a lineup of iconic performances.
  • International Folk Art Market: This is the world’s largest art market of its kind.
  • Spanish Market Weekend: Check out the Traditional Spanish Market and the Contemporary Hispanic Market, featuring fine artists and artisans.

AUGUST

  • Santa Fe Indian Market: This nationally known event takes over downtown Santa Fe on the weekend of August with a renowned art market and gallery shows.

Get Out and Explore

Whether you prefer indoor activities like luxurious spa days or getting out into nature and exploring the wilderness, Santa Fe has something for everyone. Check out the lists below to start building out your to-do list for your next camping trip!

Luxurious Spas and Relaxing Resorts

  • El Monte Sagrado Resort and Spa: This hotel and spa is only a few minutes’ walk from the historic Taos plaza.
  • The Spa at Hotel Santa Fe: This is the capital city’s only Native-owned spa and hotel.
  • The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado: This spa is located just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe’s famous shops and galleries.
  • La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa: Located in downtown Santa Fe, this spa has special treatments molded by the hotel’s history.

New Mexico National Forests

  • Carson National Forest: This national forest is home to Wheeler Peak and sits near Taos, an artsy city that draws thousands of campers each year.
  • Cibola National Forest: Cibola National Forest is made up of several disparate parts of the state and has a varying landscape. It includes the Apache Kid Wilderness and Manzano Mountain Wilderness, as well as scrubby forests, red rock cliffs, and grasslands.
  • Gila National Forest: With the designation of oldest wilderness area, this national forest is home to juniper forests and a variety of unique creatures, such as the roadrunner and Gila monster.
  • Lincoln National Forest: This national forest is the birthplace of the original Smokey the Bear, a black bear cub who escaped a forest fire by climbing a tree with his singed paws. He was rescued and quickly became the face of fire safety for campers.
  • Santa Fe National Forest: This national forest surrounds Santa Fe, as the name implies. It offers smaller campgrounds and dispersed camping with fantastic views. Go exploring, and you might find hot springs, the Valles Caldera National Monument and the Bandelier National Monument.

Nature’s Spas: Natural Hot Springs

  • Battleship Rock and McCauley Hot Springs: These 99°F hot springs are located in a high mountain meadow near the Battleship Rock in Jemez Springs.
  • Black Rock Hot Springs: This group of small hot springs is located along the canyon of the Rio Grande.
  • Bubbles Hot Springs: These hot springs are located west of Arroyo Hondo and are constantly shaded by a steep cliff.
  • House Log Canyon Hot Springs: This hot spring is located northwest of Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and is found only when the Gila river is low.
  • Lightfeather Hot Springs: This collection of hot springs sits alongside the Middlefork of the Gila River. The best time to visit the springs is during the late summer or early fall.
  • Manby Hot Springs: Located northwest of Taos, Manby Hot Springs has two hot pools located in the ruins of an old stagecoach stop.
  • Montezuma Hot Springs: Though the springs were originally used by the historic Montezuma Castle Resort, they are now accessible to the public.
  • San Francisco Hot Springs: These springs are located on the San Francisco River.
  • Turkey Creek Hot Springs: These hot springs are hidden in the Gila Wilderness of the Mogollón Mountains, which keeps most casual visitors away.

Book Your Stay at Los Suenos De Santa Fe RV Park and Campground

While you can’t go wrong visiting any part of northern New Mexico on your next RV or camping adventure, we highly recommend visiting Santa Fe and exploring its vibrant mix of cultures, art, cuisine, and landmarks.

Los Suenos de Santa Fe RV Park and Campground is conveniently located near a variety of popular hiking trails and other outdoor activities and scenic landmarks just waiting to be explored.

It’s important to plan ahead—don’t wait until the last minute to book your stay and discover your chosen campground doesn’t have space for you. Start putting together your trip itinerary, plan your routes, and reserve a spot at the campground that’s going to put you closest to the activities, events, and landmarks you most want to see on your trip to Santa Fe.

We look forward to seeing you at Los Suenos de Santa Fe RV Park and Campground on your next camping trip!