Campgrounds and RV parks near Chili, NM

Chili is a small unincorporated community and census-designated place in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, sitting along U.S. Route 84 at roughly 5,800 feet in elevation. The 2020 census recorded a population of 541, and the highway that runs through town connects travelers to the Rio Chama corridor, Abiquiu country, and the Española valley, with Santa Fe and Taos both reachable as day trips. Campground options nearby span tribal, national park, and private resort settings. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa RV Park sits about a half-hour south along the Rio Ojo Caliente, Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center lies just up U.S. 84 near Abiquiu, and Juniper Campground - Bandelier National Monument is roughly an hour south on the Pajarito Plateau. Nambe Falls Recreational Area - Nambe Pueblo adds a seasonal lake-and-waterfall option east of Pojoaque. For travelers who want a full-service urban base, The Trailer Ranch RV Resort in Santa Fe offers a 55-and-over option about an hour and a half south.

Reservation systems differ by campground, so travelers should confirm rules before arrival. At Juniper Campground - Bandelier National Monument, Black Bear Loop sites are reservable up to six months in advance on Recreation.gov, while Abert's Squirrel Loop is first-come, first-served with payment at a self-pay kiosk or the visitor center. Group campsites in Loop A are available by reservation only up to 12 months in advance until the day before arrival, subject to availability. Ojo Caliente handles RV reservations through the resort directly, as does Ghost Ranch through its Ranch Headquarters. For Nambe Falls campsite reservations, group sales, and event information, the pueblo directs visitors to call the ranger office. For summer weekends and Balloon Fiesta week in October, book several months out. Cancellations are common on Recreation.gov, so travelers with flexible dates can often pick up last-minute openings.