Rio DE Las Vacas Campground
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.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will implement forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions at 8 a.m. Friday, April 22, to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. The fire restrictions are in place until Dec. 31, 2022, unless rescinded earlier.
Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following activities on the SFNF:
• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of vegetation and flammable material.
• Blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• Using an explosive of any kind. (Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on national forests.)
• Operating any equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, including chainsaws, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Driving off designated roads. Visitors may park in areas cleared of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway, or in designated parking areas.
Visitors may use stoves, grills and lanterns fueled by propane or other liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels that meet manufacturer’s safety specifications.
Learn more by visiting the SFNF website to view the fire restriction details.
The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will implement a forest-wide closure order at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022, prohibiting public access across the entire 1.6-million-acre forest due to active wildfires and extreme fire danger. The closure order will remain in effect until July 18, 2022, unless it is rescinded earlier. Fire information will continue to be posted on Inciweb, the SFNF Facebook and Twitter, SFNF website, and New Mexico Fire Information website. https://www.fs.usda.gov/santafe/.
Need to Know
- 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.
Online reservations are payment for one vehicle. Additional vehicles will need to pay $10 per night at the campground.
- Fire restrictions may be in effect. If you are unsure please contact the Cuba Ranger Station at 575-829-3264.
Check out is at 12 noon.
Before making a reservation, check the driveway details section to ensure your vehicle equipment will fit on the selected 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.
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.
Contact Information
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PO Box 130 Cuba NM 87013
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 575-289-3264
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 003, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop RIO DE LAS VACAS CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
