Villanueva State Park

Thomas Bradley Meyers

2024-04

What a lovely campground! The location is deep set into an intimate rural community and lovely valley along the river. Many sites are right on the river or up on a bluff with a bit of a view. Most are in small clusters where you might have a direct neighbor or two, but decent privacy from the rest. Amenities, while not top tier, are better than I'd expect for the price. Take time to enjoy the couple short hikes from camp!Playground: While I'm a bit big for playgrounds myself and childless, the equipment was new, made from recycled materials, and looked like something a much younger me would have been stoked about.Restrooms: Totally fine. Overdue for a refresh. But functional with real toilets and a shower.Dog-friendliness: Plenty of dogs around camp and space for them. Some folks not keeping them on leash, so be mindful of that.Picnic area: Day use areas looked great with many right on the river. There's also a large reservation only group shelter that looked nice with a big cooking pit and several tables.

Nikita Garcia

2024-04

I adore this park. Great hike, beautiful views, ample space for each site.

Robert Childs

2023-09

This is a great campground to take kids. Down by the end spots 22 21 and such they have a wonderful playground.There is lots of easy hiking, access to the river (on out adventure it'd rained so the river was a little fast and high for the kids)The camping sites have plenty of space between them.Restrooms: The campsite has flush toilets and a shower.Picnic area: Lots of day use picnic areas

Joshua Shores

2023-07

Great location! The whole family loved it and our dog would not stay out of the water for very long. The only down side was the bathrooms were closed when we went, because everyone was freaking out about COVID. Other than the closure, it was an amazing stay.

Clifford Crise

2023-05

The adventures of Mutt and sidekick continue, we spent the weekend up here with them and had a great time. Spaces 1-6 are located right by the front entrance. If you’re looking for peace and squirt with limited traffic you’ll have to go to spaces 19 and up. The drawbacks to those spaces is there is no electric, they are first come first serve, and cell phone signal does not exist. For electric you’ll have to go to the spaces right by the visitor center, those are reservation only and unfortunately, those are usually booked through the season. Once April comes around though you can go up to the El Cerro campground. There isn’t direct river access, but the views are awesome. Still no electric or water at the sites but well worth it. The majority of the sites are close to the river and you have good access for the trails and fishing. Fishing this time of year is just plain rough. The snow melt is starting, there hasn’t been a hatch yet and the river itself is very silty. The trails that are here are pretty rough and I would highly suggest to bring water, good hiking boots/shoes. There is considerable elevation change through rough terrain, mostly single file. The views, again are worth the trek though. The showers are clean, there is only one though. During the busy season, plan on a wait or time your showers at off peak times. Overall this is an excellent park, rangers are great, they take pride in their park and it shows.

Albert Gaspar

2024-05

It's one of the nicest places to go off season. Get busy by Sumner. People are generally mindful and keep music and generators off.Playground: Old but cleanRestrooms: CleanPicnic area: All camp areas have BBQ pits

MD.L L

2024-04

Our family usually goes to the Park in Villanueva in the past it was really super clean when we went to the restrooms but this time around the restrooms were horrible they were filthy I do not believe they were cleaned the whole week we were there there is a log where maintenance is supposed to sign off it is signed off of but nothing got done I saw the same shampoo bottles in the corner the whole week so I just decided to toss the empty bottles myself we usually would see a ranger drive around to check on people but not once did we see anybody? I also spoke to some of the other Travelers and they said it is impossible to get a reservation and I believe there are locals that are living in some of the electric spots, so no one else is able to get a spot hopefully something changes because this is a beautiful town not many places actually have a river running through that has water.Playground: Nice areaRestrooms: Filthy restrooms

V Koneal

2023-07

This review is about the campground and from the perspective of a RV camper who needs internet during the day to work.I'd like to share some information that may not have been mentioned before about this park—it actually has two campgrounds. One is on the ground level, the MAIN campground with reservable sites by the river. The other one is located on top of the hill called EL CERRO CAMPGROUND, which you can reach by turning left on the road just after the office building. This one is probably newer. While there aren't any hookup sites available up there, you'll find a more open sky and a peaceful atmosphere. There are vault toilets too. I personally had great AT&T reception on the hill, which I didn't have on the ground level, and I was able to set up my Starlink with a clear sky. The cost was $10/night for these dry sites.The campground on the hill tends to be particularly enjoyable in the spring and fall because there are no hookups, but if you're prepared to handle a few hours of hot temperatures during the day, it can still be a viable option in the summer. It's worth noting that these sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, as they didn't mention "reservation sites" like the sites on the ground level. Surprisingly, during my visit, I noticed many vacant spaces, all of which were quite nice. Starlink was easy to set up with no obstructions here.When I visited the park in June, during the summer, it was indeed quite hot during the day. However, the temperatures cooled down to the comfortable 60s at night.On the entrance level of the park, you'll encounter a greater number of trees and a more wooded setting and the river. The "reservation sites" are all here, and you can call or make reservations online many of which offer water and electric hookups. Unfortunately, I had no reception in this area, and the presence of trees hindered the use of Starlink so you better make those reservations before arriving to the park. There is a dump site and water available if needed.The surroundings were stunning, with a couple of trails to explore, and in very hot days you can enjoy swimming in the river. It truly is a beautiful area.

Ingrid Love

2023-05

Took a day trip here and it was so worth it. The river trail was great and saw lots of cows along the river. The park was in great condition and there were a few shady tables to picnic. I'd definitely come back for some camping.

Lynnette Stotz

2022-05

Beautiful park. The sites are large, the restrooms were very clean and the cost was well worth the side-trip up into the valley.The views are spectacular and the hike up the ridge revealed several historical ruins site where conquistadors, Native Americans and other travelers camped in their journeys.The River Trail was short enough for a quick hike before dinner and the stream had plenty of fish. The pure silence, away from all traffic noise, was just what I needed after working in the city.

Sean G. O'Mara Sr.

2021-05

Absolutely Beautiful! This campground was immaculate in my opinion. The sites here are all within 50 to 100 yards from the Pecos river. Pull up a chair, fish the river, and never lose site of your RV/tent. My wife wants to go back as soon as I can get another reservation. The hiking up to the viewpoint was spectacular and the entire trip took us ( near 60 year olds) about 2 hours including many stops to take pictures. If you are not a fan of unplugging, you might want to know that this park sits inside a giant mountainous bowl. There is bare minimal connection to wifi, unless you stand outside the Rangers office/visitor center. And there was ZERO ZERO ZERO cell phone signal. I highly encourage you to download a movie if you need that kind of entertainment in the woods. There is electric hookup for most sites, and the ONLY reason I don't give 5 stars is because there are a limited number (2 that I saw) of water hookups. They are there mainly for campers to share for portable water tanks and such. I could have hooked up to the water, but then I would have to disconnect if someone needed it. We will be going back many times I'm sure. A great place to just get away.

Roger Early

2022-05

This is a great park for camping and hiking. The populated portion of the park is the campground and there are some picnic sites and a nice visitor center. The main draw to this park is camping and hiking. There are no scenic drives. There is a nice small general store where you can get supplies, firewood, and a deli in Villanueva itself. Other services (including gas and laundry) are either in Las Vegas about 40 miles away or Santa Fe about 65 miles away. The Pecos National Historical Park is an excellent place to visit and is about 25 miles away.The campground is excellent and is in very good condition. Most spaces are widely separated. Generators are allowed until 10 p.m. Camping has 30 amp power if needed. Water is iffy depending upon the site. Water is located nearby (site 13's was 100 feet or so away) that you can hook up to, just be sure you have enough hose and a splitter valve so you can join someone else on the same outlet. The park does provide free but weak WiFi. We have Verizon and its signal was adequate. We were here in December and it was very quiet. I understand from the host that the summers are VERY busy. The park does lock its gate at 7:30 p.m.off-season and 9:30 p.m. high season. You cannot get in after the gates close because there is a tire ripper installed to prevent unauthorized entry after the park closes. You can get out however for emergencies etc.Hiking is great, just be sure that climbing stone stairs and a rocky surface are okay with your ability. Watch out for rattlesnakes as the park is the perfect environment for them - as is most of the Southwest.

A Smith

2020-05

Dates of stay: 14-16 Jan 2020. Nice clean and quite park. Nice scenery. About 26 sites on lower section and about 10 more up on El Cerro Loop. I counted 7 sites on the reservation system, but good luck reserving at the campground due to potential signal loss.Would have preferred to stay up on El Cerro due the views of valley, but that section closed (seasonal); although, it would also be a bit more windy up there. Drove in from I-25 via Highway 3 south. Highway 3 is twisty but all paved...with speeds generally under 35 MPH. Once exiting off of I-25, it is 15 miles to the park. Lost cell service about 4 miles off of I-25 (Verizon). Was able to get a slight signal near the campground dump station and restroom facility. Enough of a signal to send a text, a call would not go through. The 1.3 mile Viewpoint Loop trail is very nice (rocky, loose rock, and very steep drop offs). Drink machine near restrooms with price range of $1.50-$2.85 (bills and coins accepted). Fishing was poo, but nice hikes along river. Vault toilets clean, flush toilets clean...men's shower kinda nasty on the bottom, but that may be from a repair (?)...but a hot shower was nice. One shower in men's bathroom and I assume one in the women's. Would definitely return!

Nsara Nop

2022-05

Beautiful little park for casual camping. They have running water, showers and wifi. My biggest complaint is there is not really much to do in the area, just a couple short trails, some of which were inaccessible due to flooding.If you are an experienced camper and or hiker, you might consider elsewhere, but if you are less experienced this may be perfect.

Were Off Our Rockers

2022-05

This state park is tucked in a canyon beside the Pecos River, near the small town of Villanueva, NM. This beautiful park has sites with and without electricity/water. Each site also has firepits. The clean restrooms contain showers for the campers, trash cans. There is wifi at the vistor's center. We had two bars of Verizon signal at our site.

Len Rivera

2020-05

Easy drive from the Albuquerque area for a day hike with incredible views. The hike itself was short, up onto the mesa, but the climb was a good workout. The views at the top of the Trail Loop were spectacular! Will come back to camp and fish in the future.Please be mindful of your speed limit when driving in on NM 3 as you pass through several small towns. Also a good route to come in from I-25 from the north and return to Albuquerque via NM 3 south to I-40.

dano issac

2023-05

Great spot for a family camping trip. Nice views when hiking also, though careful with young kids.Playground: Kids loved itRestrooms: Vault & running water with showers.Dog-friendliness: Leash but dog friendly.

Asher

2019-05

Beautiful campsite to stay at for two nights, with dramatic terrain and camping right by the river. There are several lovely hikes that are short. I did the Loop Trail in the evening and was rewarded with a gorgeous sunset. It was very quiet, although it was April. There is WiFi by the main toilets (hot showers too). I had an amazing stay.

Bobbi Huber

2021-05

The park is well maintained and beautiful.The dump station was open and stench free and we saw maintenance crews both days we were there. It was nice to have space between our RV and the next one. There weren't any obnoxious parties. My family spent lots of time fishing. We also did the short hike at the back of the park

Vickie Piner

2024-04

Campground follows the river. Nice sites, some shared. Great for several campers travelling together. Some elec sites, but mostly boondocking. Water spigots scattered throughout, and you have to go onto someone's campsite to access.Restrooms: One shower, flush toilets, plus pit toilet. Host is really nicePicnic area: Group shelter available

Steve Keator

2023-06

Beautiful secluded part along the Pecos River, located in a historic Gorge at 7,000 ft. Nice and cool in the summerRestrooms: One of the better Campground showers. An actual shower stall so the water doesn't go all over the ground, and a high pressure nozzle to give a good spray. Hot water too!

Mike Pacelli

2020-05

Spectacularly beautiful. Pecos river runs right through park. Upper and lower levels. Lower level next to river.Water and elec sites. Upper level best vistas but no electric. Also you are very deep in Canton. No cell service.Only local general.store with sky high prices and.limitetd selection so.stock.up before headed to park.

Bull Winkle

2023-05

It's an okay place, kinda worth the stopover. Don't think I'd call it real nice, it's basically another NM dirt camping park. It's a hit or miss place. Campers and park employees behavior has always been given alot of leeway .But offers good hiking. 2022 Update, Nothings changed, comfort station windows and screens now have three years worth of dirt and dust on them, the place is a little further run into the ground.(No conservation of any kind at this Park) shelters seemed to have seen a few new boards, a few tent pads or some form of foot traffic control wouldn't hurt. Change in management might bring about a different perspective. Is it still worth a stop over ? If you can overlook the maintenance of the park, it's a real pretty place.

Bonnie Hillmann

2022-05

Wonderful camping experience. Staff great. Cell and internet decent at around office area. Restrooms, electric and water are all good. My understanding is the dump station will be down for a while so plan accordingly.

Susan Garcia

2023-05

Always amazing. However, I was so sad to find cigarette butts everywhere. And after the park closed for the night a group of campers had a big loud party. That's rare for this park and on the campers not park.

Jenni Walker

2021-05

This is a hidden treasure! Set on the banks of the Pecos River and in a little canyon, it's beautiful and lush. Cottonwoods, ancient junipers, we even saw an old grapevine. We were there in mid-May and had a mix of cool days with rain and warm sunshine. Did start to get some bugs...not sure if there are mosquitos as the season progresses. We were delighted to have a spot with electricity (must book online) and the the Park had an open WiFi so we could be in touch with the outside if need be. Our T-mobile had zero connection. The main bathroom had shower and flush toilets and were cleaned daily. Nice group area for events, though I'm not sure I'd really like to be camping during events as there were some day use folks whose music was too loud during the day...the canyon seems to echo. That's really my only complaint, though finally a ranger asked them to turn it down. We didn't check it out but there is a general store a short drive away in the tiny village of Villanueva. Drive through rural New Mexico to get to park with a mix of charming Adobes, some crumbling back into the earth, farms and fields, some nice homes mixed with some broken down trailers. But in general a lovely drive from the North. Good paved road, though bumpy in spots. We had to stop for an escaped donkey, so stay alert! Some nice hikes from park, and there is a secondary campground on bluff above the river amongst the juniper...no electricity up there and little shade for an rv but some great views. Many campsites in both campgrounds had adobe or stone structures with picnic tables, charming and thoughtful. We will definitely return!

Jenny Lloyd-Strovas

2023-05

Great state park! The river is fun to float but there's not a place to safely play in the river. There's always a current and it can get deep in places. We paddled a canoe from the bridge in town and took out at campsite 19. It's surprisingly technical - lots of sharp cutbacks with the current taking you directly into a spikey Russian Olive tree. But it's still fun. If you're floating, only float the state park section. Putting in at the bridge would be dangerous.

Chuck Johnston

2024-03

Very nice place to stay on the Pecos RiverRestrooms: Hot showers 🚿 😍

N123 L456

2023-05

Beautiful gem!!! Easy access for all abilities. You also have the luxury of showers, flushing toilets and sink!

Daniel Straka

2023-05

We’ve stayed here a few times. It’s a bit rustic. Always a pleasant out of the way place to camp. Scenic area with hiking. Stayed here in a 27ft class c motorhome.