If you’re searching for that perfect mix of chill vibes, forest feels, and high-altitude adventure, let me tell you about our camping experience at Black Canyon Campground in Santa Fe.
Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this spot had everything we needed for an unplugged getaway. Plus, with Santa Fe just a quick drive down the road, we got the best of both worlds – nature and a little artsy city flair.
About Black Canyon Campground
Black Canyon Campground is tucked away at 8,400 feet, surrounded by lush Ponderosa pines and aspens. It’s a first-come, first-served site with 36 campsites, each with picnic tables, fire pits, and easy access to vault toilets.
There’s no electrical or water hookups here, but trust me, the peace and quiet make up for it. Bonus points for the hiking trails that start right from camp, including one that leads to a scenic overlook.
Whether you’re into morning hikes or just chilling by the fire, Black Canyon has those laid-back mountain vibes you’ve been craving.
Our Personal Experience at Black Canyon Campground
Location: Santa Fe, NM
GPS: 35.726, -105.837
Date / Temp: We camped here for five days in late June and the temps were mild to hot. Mid-day we saw highs in the high 80s, but mornings and evenings were beautiful ranging from 60s to 70s.
Amenities: This campground offers no hook ups. However, there are multiple water spigots and vault toilets throughout the grounds. Black Canyon also offers trash receptacles and larger dumpsters. The nearest dump station is located at the adjacent State Park.
Wifi / Cell: There is absolutely no cell service at Black Canyon Campground – not even with our booster. We’ve unfortunately confirmed these results with T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon.
Noise: This is one of the quietest campgrounds we’ve visited in a long time. Generator usage is allowed from 8am-10pm, but we hardly heard any in operation. Also, the sites are very spacious. Even with a totally occupied campground, noise was never an issue.
Grocery / Errands: The heart of Santa Fe is only 8 miles away. This city offers all types of shopping – big box stores, locally owned shops and easy to access Post Offices and other Government Buildings.
Dog Friendly: Black Canyon is dog friendly. The rules are simple – pick up after your pup and keep them on a leash. River loved playing in our spacious site.
Entertainment: We really enjoyed exploring Historic Santa Fe. There is so much culture in this area. Entertainment isn’t in a shortage, but everything is slightly pricey. We walked around, read historic plaques, and kept the shopping minimal.
Health Disclosure: This is a high-altitude campground. We both experienced altitude sickness to a certain level. Mainly with a lack of energy and stomach issues. Even our dog was experiencing it. This issue took a few days to resolve itself.
Black Canyon Campground: Yes, You Should Visit
Our time at Black Canyon Campground was nothing short of epic. Santa Fe’s nearby charm added a little extra flair to our trip, but honestly, we were all about those Black Canyon vibes. If you’re looking for your next camping spot, this gem in Santa Fe National Forest should definitely be on your radar.
Catch you in the wild!
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