Southwest Treasures Newsletter- Celebrating the diversity, magic, mystery, culture and history of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah!

June 8, 2025

Northwestern RV Parks and Campgrounds in New Mexico

Welcome to a lifestyle that anyone can appreciate and learn to love.

If you enjoy history, nature, and wide-open skies, then RVing in Northwestern New Mexico (Part one) will satisfy your craving for ancient sites and peaceful getaways. These RV parks and campgrounds aren’t just places to park—they’re gateways to exploration and time travel. Now, this isn't a complete list but it will get you started.

​Ruins Road RV Park-Close to Aztec National Monument. Pitch your tent on a thick blanket of bluegrass and sleep like a baby or picnic, fish or relax along the tranquil bank of the Las Animas river.

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​El Morro RV Park and Campground– Set beneath juniper and piñon pine trees, El Morro RV Park offers full-hookup RV sites on spacious gravel pads. Each site includes 30-amp electric, water, and sewer.The campground is 100% pet-friendly and home to free-range chickens, turkeys, and guinea hens—whose eggs supply the on-site café. With its quiet charm and beautiful surroundings, El Morro offers both convenience and character.

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​Bandelier National Monument - Driving to Bandelier is half the experience, as the road takes you through vast landscapes of mountains, mesas, and canyons. The monument spans nearly 50 square miles of wilderness, showcasing ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.Pro tip: Summer is peak season. For a quieter visit, go after September when temperatures cool and crowds thin.

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​Chaco Culture National Historical Park– Don’t let the 20-mile dirt road scare you off—Chaco Canyon is worth every bump.This ancient city is a marvel of engineering and design. The massive ruins at Pueblo Bonito offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans.

⚠️ Avoid visiting in mid-July. Temperatures can soar into the triple digits.

In the evening, enjoy ranger-led night sky programs featuring telescope viewings of the cosmos—an unforgettable experience in one of the darkest skies in the U.S.

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​Heron Lake State Park– Near Tierra Amarilla, NM

Located near the Continental Divide, Heron Lake is a 6,000-acre sanctuary for nature lovers. Camp, hike, fish, or sail in the cool, refreshing mountain air.

My first visit was with a group called WOW: Wild Outdoor Women on Kayaks. Even during a busy 4th of July weekend, the park never felt crowded. There’s plenty of space to spread out and unwind. For more water adventures, El Vado Lake is just a short drive away.

​Living the RV Lifestyle ​

Once seen as a retirement dream, RV life is now a growing trend across all ages. Thanks to remote work and online businesses, more people are choosing freedom over routine—traveling full-time or seasonally with families, pets, or on their own.

Whether you're solo or with your crew, this lifestyle is about simplicity, exploration, and living in the moment.

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Essential Tools for the Road

Even with GPS, seasoned RVers know the value of having the right maps:

• ​New Mexico Atlas and Gazetteer – Ideal for scenic routes, backroads, and topography.
• Mountain Directory for truckers, RV and motorhome drivers– Learn about steep grades, elevation changes, and safe driving routes.

Come Vacation in New Mexico

From ancient ruins to mountain lakes, and starry skies to peaceful forests, New Mexico offers history, beauty, and room to breathe. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a season, Northwestern New Mexico has a special way of drawing you in—and making you want to stay.

Enjoy New Mexico’s State Song, “O Fair New Mexico,” Sung by Busy McCarroll – VIVA!

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Till next time!

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If you're enjoying what you're discovering or want to dive deeper into learning about a specific destination, just let me know—I'd love to help you explore further!