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Santa Fe/Jemez Falls Campground
Overview
Jemez Falls Campground offers a serene escape within the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest. Situated at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet, this destination provides a cool, pine-scented refuge for travelers exploring the Jemez Mountains. It is famously known for its proximity to the highest waterfall in the range, making it a favorite for those who prioritize natural beauty and quiet nights over modern frills.
Location & Surroundings
Tucked away off the scenic Highway 4, the park is surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and rolling mountain terrain. The East Fork of the Jemez River winds nearby, creating a lush corridor for local wildlife and peaceful morning walks. The location is ideal for those wanting to immerse themselves in the Jemez Mountains while staying within a short drive of the historic village of Jemez Springs and its unique geology.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a traditional, rustic camping experience focused on the Great Outdoors. Visitors will find well-spaced sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, though there are no hookups available. The campground features vault toilets and seasonal drinking water access for guests. While the roads are paved, the parking pads are gravel, accommodating various RV sizes, though larger rigs should check length limits before arrival due to the forest terrain.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the trail leading directly to Jemez Falls, where water plunges over dramatic basalt cliffs. Anglers often frequent the nearby river for trout fishing, while hikers can explore the expansive Valles Caldera National Preserve just a short drive up the road. For relaxation, the natural mineral baths in the town of Jemez Springs provide a soothing contrast to a day of mountain exploration and trail hiking.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is a perfect match for self-contained RVers who appreciate a quiet, off-grid atmosphere. It appeals most to hikers, photographers, and families looking to reconnect with nature without the distractions of Wi-Fi or electricity. If you enjoy rustic forest settings and falling asleep to the sound of wind through the pines, this mountainous retreat is exactly what you are looking for.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jack Niedbala
Campgrounds were clean and in great condition, the bathroom was refreshingly really clean. Get the Recreation app prior to arrival. 5 ⭐️s to the host, Ryan, great guy!
C Go
Make sure you have The recreation.gov app before you go out there! There is no Wi-Fi, and it is reservations only. The app will work while you are off-line. Great campground with beautiful ponderosa pine setting. Access to the trails is nearby.
Sassy Cataloger
Beautiful well kept campground. Clean bathrooms and very peaceful. Camp hosts friendly and helpful.
Siddharth Sinha (Sid & Sarah)
Beautiful campground! Large sites! Had to reserve on recreation.gov but price was very fair. There is no shower just vault toilets that don’t flush. No running water at campground. However it’s a gorgeous campground, fully covered with tall pine trees, although we found a spot between the trees to put our tent and left the rain cover off so that we could fall asleep admiring all of the stars which are viewable here, since it’s an international dark sky area (Valles caldera down the road has the designation.) There was enough space to pull in both of our SUV’s and they were not in the way, oh and it’s dog friendly. A picnic table and fire ring and plenty of large rocks and boulders to sit on. Jemez falls hiking trail is at the back of the campground, it’s an added bonus. We will definitely return!
Ava Verdugo
Such a gorgeous place. We didn't get to camp here but we parked here to hike to the falls. It's a super short and pretty hike through ponderosa forest. The trailis mostly wide and flat but gets rocky at the end. The falls are loud but hard to see from the viewing area. We hiked it with 2 toddlers, no problem.