Rio De Las Vacas Campground
Open for the 2026 season, operating May through November. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Fire restrictions may be in effect; contact Cuba Ranger Station at 575-829-3264 for current conditions.
Flash Flood Warning issued September 18 at 7:26PM MDT until September 18 at 8:15PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
At 726 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1.5 and 2.75 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Fenton Lake State Park. Highway 126 near the Rio de Las Vacas Campground.
Flood Advisory issued September 18 at 6:15PM MDT until September 18 at 8:15PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Arroyo and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Central Sandoval County in north central New Mexico... East Central McKinley County in west central New Mexico... * WHEN...Until 815 PM MDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 614 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This will cause arroyo and small stream flooding. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Cuba, Torreon Navajo Mission and Torreon. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…
About
Rio de las Vacas Campground sits at approximately 8,000 feet elevation in the pine-covered Jemez Mountains of Santa Fe National Forest, about 12 miles east of Cuba, New Mexico on Highway 126. The Rio de las Vacas stream runs along the campground's eastern boundary, with several sites offering creekside access for fishing and a soothing atmosphere. The open meadow setting provides scenic views of the surrounding mountains, and fall brings migrating birds and elk bugling. The 15 standard nonelectric sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with most featuring paved driveways and RV pads. Site capacities vary significantly: some are tent-only with 18-foot vehicle limits, while others accept RVs and trailers up to 42 feet. All sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads. Vault toilets and hand-pump potable water are available, though water cannot be connected to RVs. The San Pedro Parks Wilderness lies just north and offers easy day hikes with gentle grades ideal for beginners. Three trailheads (San Gregorio, Palomas, and Los Pinos) are within driving distance. San Gregorio Reservoir provides additional fishing opportunities nearby.
Directions
From Cuba, NM, travel 12 miles east on New Mexico State Highway 126. The campground is approximately one mile past Clear Creek Campground, about 90 minutes from Albuquerque.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 42ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 42ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 829-3264 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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