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Turquoise Trail Campground & RV Park
Overview
Turquoise Trail Campground & RV Park offers a peaceful retreat located at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet in the beautiful Sandia Mountains. This park serves as a cool, wooded mountain escape for travelers looking to experience the natural beauty of New Mexico without the intense heat of the lower desert floor. Visitors can expect a quiet, rustic atmosphere defined by mature pine and juniper trees that provide ample shade and a sense of privacy. It is an ideal stop for those navigating the historic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, providing a comfortable home base with a distinct high-country charm.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Cedar Crest, the park is perfectly positioned for travelers who want to explore both nature and culture. While it feels worlds away from the city, it is only a short 20-minute drive from the vibrant energy of Albuquerque. The surrounding landscape is dominated by the Sandia Mountains, offering crisp air and rugged terrain right outside your door. The property sits directly along State Highway 14, a route famous for its winding roads and scenic vistas that connect the bustling valley to the artistic mountain villages further north.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is designed to accommodate a variety of camping styles while prioritizing a natural setting. Many of the full hookup RV sites are carved into the hillside, offering a more traditional camping feel than modern paved resorts. Key features include:
- Spacious pull-thru and back-in sites with 30 and 50-amp electrical service.
- Clean, climate-controlled bathhouses and convenient on-site laundry facilities.
- A secluded tent camping area and cozy cabin rentals for non-RV guests.
- Pet-friendly walking areas and basic high-speed internet access for staying connected.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is never far away when staying in Cedar Crest. A short drive brings you to the Sandia Peak Tramway, where you can ride to the mountain summit for breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley. Just down the road, the whimsical Tinkertown Museum offers a fascinating look at hand-carved folk art. For those who enjoy day trips, the artistic enclave of Madrid is a popular destination for galleries and dining, while the historic plaza in Santa Fe is easily accessible for a full day of exploration.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is the perfect fit for the nature-loving RVer who prefers the sound of wind through the pines over the noise of city traffic. It is particularly well-suited for travelers seeking a rustic mountain experience rather than a manicured luxury resort. If you enjoy hiking, scenic drives, and cooler mountain temperatures, this park provides the tranquility you need. It is also an excellent choice for retirees and couples looking for a serene home base while they tour the cultural highlights of Central New Mexico.
Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Rentals
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Discounts
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
jessica Aycock
We were removed from the waitlist for long term stay due to our kids being in school and not being allowed to use the address for school registration due to "owner liability".... I was not even planning on using the address, as selecting 'RV Living' on the school paperwork lets you use an alternate mailing address. They didn't even call to discuss the reason we were removed from the wait list, didn't give us an opportunity to explain that. We found out by calling for a status. We were nothing but respectful and nice and I guess because we have 2 kids we are not allowed to stay.. Discriminating park, don't stay if you have kids, they don't like them.
Shannon Martino
A Tranquil High Desert Escape in the Sandia Mountains The Turquoise Trail Campground is truly a gem, offering the perfect blend of high-desert tranquility and convenient access to Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Nestled at 7,000 feet in the cool, pinon- and cedar-covered forests of the Sandia Mountains, this spot immediately makes you feel "7,000' Above Stress Level," just as they advertise. What stands out most is the atmosphere. The campground is quiet, well-maintained, and features charming, clearly separated areas for RVs (many with full hookups) and tent campers. The tent sites, tucked away in their own wooded loops, provide a peaceful, secluded experience with dedicated access to clean restrooms and hot showers. The staff here are incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming, quaint atmosphere. Every site comes with a picnic table, making those evening cookouts under the vast New Mexico night sky a memorable experience. Beyond the campsite itself, the location is unbeatable. You are right on the historic Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway, with world-class hiking and riding trails practically at your doorstep. Plus, it’s only a quick 15-minute drive down the mountain to Albuquerque for any supplies or city exploration you need, while Santa Fe is just a beautiful 50-minute scenic drive away. For travelers seeking a peaceful, well-serviced base camp for exploring central New Mexico's mountains and culture, Turquoise Trail Campground is highly recommended. It’s an authentic and refreshing escape.
Deborah Brown
Google maps brought us over the river and through the woods to this place. The surrounding area is beautiful but for us it was difficult to get here. The staff was nice and welcoming. The camp sites are small and close so there is zero privacy unless you keep all the blinds closed in your camper. The wifi didn’t work well so no t.v. for us either. Also, no firepit unless you rent them, but we knew that up front. Add in, they charged three times the original cost so we feel like we were price gouged due to the Balloon Fiesta. We don't feel like the price supports the layout and space of this park.
MLight Silver
This is our second time camping here, and I wouldn't hesitate to come back. It's conveniently located outside Albuquerque and about an hour from Santa Fe. Even though it's right off the highway you can't tell. It's very relaxing and has beautiful views, with well maintained showers and bathrooms. Rustic as you would expect from camp bathrooms, but clean and stocked. I felt safe walking to them at 4 am (by necessity), as there is enough lighting and fellow campers were respectful and friendly. Yes, showers are timed but the 7 minutes really is enough for a basic shower.
LAURA RUSHING
Stayed in RV park but there is tent camping available and a couple of rustic cabins too. The dish wash area was a plus for us. Didn't use the tokens for the 7 minute timed shower but would have if we had stayed longer. Women's area was pretty spacious and clean. They have a cell phone charging station that would be convenient if you were tent camping. The area is lovely although they got 4 inches of hail a few days before we stayed (mid July) so always check weather. It was a quiet campground even tho there are a lot of full time park dwellers. We were just testing out our new camper to see what all we might need/forgot. All in all, nice stay!