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.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
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…
Temporary area, road, and trail closures for Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon post-fire impacts
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Santa Fe National ForestPecos/Las Vegas Ranger District TEMPORARY AREA, ROAD, AND TRAIL CLOSURES FOR HERMITS PEAK AND CALF CANYON POST-FIRE IMPACTSPROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following are…
Campground and Equestrian Area Closure for Field Tract, Panchuela, Jacks Creek Campgrounds
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestPecos-Las Vegas Ranger DistrictCampground and Equestrian Area Closure PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following is prohibitedon the National Forest System (NFS) lands and…
All Offices Closed - April 22, 2026
OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTThe Supervisor’s Office in Santa Fe, NM, and all district offices (Cuba, Jemez, Coyote, Española, Pecos, and Las Vegas) will be closed on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, while our customer service representatives attend annual training. We’ll be back to our regular hours on…
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Order Number: # 03-10-00-26-03U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestEmergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions PROHIBITIONS Pursuant to 16 U.S.C § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on all National Forest System lands (NFS) in the Santa…
Temporary Area Closure for the Tesuque Peak Powerline on the Espanola Ranger District
The area in the vicinity of Tesuque Peak Powerline is temporarily closed for a powerline rebuild and restoration project.
Headquarters Well Area Closure on Española Ranger District
Order Number: 03-10-06-25-17U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestEspanola Ranger DistrictCamping Area Closure at Headquarters WellPROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b) the following is prohibitedon the National Forest…
Jemez Cave Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide natural and cultural resource protection for the Jemez Cave and for public safety and welfare until current damage to natural and cultural resources can be assessed and a long-term management strategy developed.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions Order for the Santa Fe National Forest
The Santa Fe National Forest has the need to limit the stay of the visitors to lessen the opportunity of residency; and to comply with State Law prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21; and to protect general visitors sensitive to public nudity from human…
Special Closure for the Santa Fe Watershed on the Espanola Ranger District
Special Closure Order for the Santa Fe watershed
Santa Fe Watershed Closure Order on the Espanola Ranger District
WHEREAS, bathing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and other forms of human occupancy of the Santa Fe River Watershed in the Santa Fe National Forest, causes pollution of the water flowing therein used by the residents of Santa Fe, New Mexico , for drinking and domestic purposes, to a degree…
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
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