Comales Campground
4.3612 reviewsState Road 518, New Mexico
Comales Campground
$7.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard campsite fee is $14 per night, discounted to $7 per night for Senior or Access pass holders. Extra vehicles cost $7/night. Day-use parking is $7/day.
About this campground
Escape to Comales Campground, where ten intimate campsites beckon adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Each site comes equipped with its own parking spot, picnic table, and grill, perfect for evening cookouts under star-filled skies. While vault toilets provide necessary amenities, the absence of potable water adds to the rustic charm—so come prepared with your own supply. The campground serves as your gateway to adventure, sitting right at the doorstep of the Comales Canyon trailhead, where the Rio Pueblo whispers tales of ancient waters carving through stone.
Comales Campground offers basic camping accommodations suitable for dispersed camping. It is better suited for tent camping and small trailers due to its limited facilities and size constraints.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Comales Campground may be modest, the land itself speaks volumes through the ancient Rio Pueblo that has shaped these canyons for millennia. This quiet corner of wilderness invites visitors to create their own stories and connections with the timeless landscape.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Comales into a high-altitude haven, where temperatures dance between crisp 30-degree mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons reaching the high 70s—perfect for both cool morning hikes and lazy riverside afternoons. As winter approaches, the campground dons a different personality entirely, with freezing temperatures and blankets of snow creating conditions better suited for day visits than overnight stays. Plan your camping adventure between late spring and early fall to experience Comales at its most welcoming.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,700 feet above sea level, Comales Campground offers a true mountain camping experience. This elevation brings cooler temperatures and thinner air—a refreshing escape from summer heat, though visitors from lower altitudes should take time to acclimate. The high-altitude setting rewards campers with crisp, clean air and spectacular night skies unmarred by low-elevation haze.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has painted Comales Campground with a palette of deep greens and earth tones, where stately spruce trees mingle with hardy junipers to create a fragrant forest canopy. The Rio Pueblo serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, its gentle murmur providing a natural soundtrack to your stay. Lucky campers who snag riverside sites are treated to front-row seats overlooking the water, where morning mist rises to greet the sun and evening light transforms the ripples into liquid gold.
Geological RegionNestled where the Rio Pueblo has patiently carved its path through ancient rock, Comales Campground sits in a geological wonderland. Towering canyon walls rise nearby, their stratified layers telling stories of epochs past. The interplay between water and stone has created this unique ecosystem where spruce and juniper forests thrive in the shelter of the canyon, offering campers a chance to witness the ongoing dialogue between river and rock that has shaped this landscape for countless generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features or accommodations for disabilities are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, but detailed measurements are not provided. The road to certain sites (4, 5, 6, 12, 13) may not be trailer-friendly.
Sites PrivacySome sites are noted to be well-spaced and scenic, with some overlooking the Rio Pueblo. However, traffic noise can be heard throughout the campground.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites overlooking the Rio Pueblo for scenic views. Avoid dead-end sites if using a trailer.
Best CampsitesSite #10 is highly recommended for its cul-de-sac location and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No information provided.
Check-out
No information provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One family unit per site (typically 1 vehicle is allowed).
Groups
No specific information on group sites was provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are organized in loops, some of which are dead-end without turn-arounds. Parking aprons are grass, dirt, and rock.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, weather-dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable online or via phone. Payment via cash or check at the entrance using provided deposit envelopes.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntire campground is first-come, first-served. Payment is made via a self-registration box at the entrance.
Cancellation PolicyCannot cancel as reservations are not accepted.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers basic recreational opportunities, with hiking, fishing, and picnicking being the primary activities. The location near Rio Pueblo enables fishing for stocked rainbow trout. Hiking trails nearby include the Cañon Tio Maes Trail (#5) and Comales Canyon Trail (#22), which support both non-motorized and motorized activities.
Hiking
Hiking trails like the Cañon Tio Maes Trail (#5) and Comales Canyon Trail (#22) are accessible from the campground. These trails support day hiking and mountain biking and connect to a larger network of motorized trails.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available along the Rio Pueblo, with stocked rainbow trout and catch-and-release wild brown trout.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on nearby trails, including the Comales Canyon and Cañon Tio Maes trails.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities were not detailed in the sources.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not supported.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed, but campers must bring their own firewood.
- Quiet hours are No information provided.
Hazards
General hazardsTraffic noise from State Rt. 75 may be heard throughout the campground. The lack of turn-around areas for trailers in some sites poses navigation challenges.
Active alertsVault toilets have been reported as locked during some user visits.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553. Phone: (575) 587-2255.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Trash and recyclingThere are no dumpsters available at the campground, as noted in user reviews. Campers are advised to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Rio Pueblo. Fishing opportunities for stocked Rainbow trout and wild Brown trout (catch and release for Browns).
Common complaintsComplaints include the lack of potable water and dumpsters. Some reviews mentioned locked restrooms.
HostNo campground host information available.
Campground Map
State Road 518, New Mexico
Driving directionsFrom Penasco, NM, take State Rt. 75 east 4.8 miles to 'T' intersection (State Rt. 518). Turn right onto Rt. 518 (unmarked) and go 2.2 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, with maximum trailer length of 22 ft. Some dead-end sites (e.g., sites 4, 5, 6, 12, and 13) lack turn-around areas. The road to the right of the entrance is not trailer-friendly.Nearby places
Peñasco (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies available in Peñasco (groceries and essentials). Recommended to bring firewood and toilet paper as none are provided at the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Comales Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Comales Campground as a simple, scenic campground with well-maintained facilities but minimal amenities. Common themes include its proximity to Rio Pueblo, noise from traffic, and the locked status of restrooms during some visits.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground as 'well-kept' and 'beautiful,' with great proximity to Rio Pueblo for fishing. Some noted the spaciousness of campsites and scenic views.
Based on 12 reviewsCommon Concerns
Negative feedback includes locked restrooms, lack of dumpsters, and proximity to the highway leading to noise. A user noted, 'Really pretty place, just need a dumpster in Comales Campground.'
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water, firewood, and trash bags due to the lack of amenities. Some reviewers recommend bringing additional supplies like toilet paper, as it may not always be...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the locked restrooms may be a seasonal issue, and there are no mentions of fees during certain off-peak times.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Best camping. Comales Campground is well kept overall, there are restrooms.' - Andrew “Drew” Brunner. 2. 'A bit close to the road, but beautiful and spacious. Stream access from some sites.' -...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #10 is specifically mentioned as being part of a cul-de-sac and highly recommended by one user.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility were provided.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences were provided.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025