Borrego Mesa Campground

Star0
3 reviews
Borrego Mesa Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

No fees are mentioned. Based on authoritative sources, this campground may be free.
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About this campground

Tucked away in the rugged landscape of New Mexico, Borrego Mesa Campground offers a rare escape into true wilderness solitude. This primitive, off-the-beaten-path gem remains refreshingly undiscovered, drawing adventurous souls seeking peace far from crowded campgrounds. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables and firepits, while small corrals accommodate equestrian explorers bringing one or two horses along for the journey. Local families often gather here for scenic picnics, while backpackers and horsepackers use it as a launching point for epic adventures into the Pecos Wilderness. Be prepared for a truly rustic experience—the vaulted toilets are currently welded shut and non-functional, and you'll need to bring all your water as none is available on-site. No dump stations means careful planning is essential for RV travelers.
Borrego Mesa Campground offers primitive camping with spaces for RVs, trailers, and tents. The campground is less developed than most and is described as secluded.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsThe mountain climate here transforms dramatically with the seasons, beginning with crisp, cold conditions that gradually give way to those perfect camping days every outdoor enthusiast dreams about. When the skies clear and temperatures moderate, the campground becomes an ideal basecamp for exploration, offering comfortable days for hiking and cool nights perfect for gathering around the campfire under star-filled skies.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the sensory wonderland of the Pecos Wilderness, where towering pines perfume the crystal-clear mountain air and create a natural cathedral overhead. Previous visitors can't stop raving about the breathtaking vistas and spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant oranges and purples each evening. The rustic mountain landscape surrounds you with its raw, untamed beauty, offering panoramic views that make every moment feel like a postcard come to life. The campground's location provides intimate access to this pristine ecosystem, where the only sounds are wind through the pines and the occasional call of mountain wildlife.
Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Pecos Wilderness area, the campground sits amid a dramatic tapestry of forested mountain landscapes that showcase New Mexico's geological diversity. Your adventure begins right at the adjacent Rio Medio Trailhead, gateway to endless exploration through pine-scented forests and across scenic mountain terrain. This remarkable location places you at the heart of one of the Southwest's most cherished wilderness areas, where ancient geological forces have carved a playground of peaks, valleys, and hidden mountain meadows waiting to be discovered.

Campsite details

Sites SizeSites are described as uneven and poorly planned. The campground provides ample space for RVs and trailers, but accessibility may be challenging due to the road conditions.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details on privacy between campsites are provided.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is adjacent to several trailheads leading into the Pecos Wilderness, making it suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking. These activities are highly dependent on preparation due to the primitive nature of the site.
Hiking
Hiking is accessible via several trailheads at Borrego Mesa leading into the Pecos Wilderness. Specific trail details, such as difficulty or length, are not provided.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
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  • Quiet hours are null

Hazards

General hazardsChallenges include uneven and rutted campsites, rough access roads, and sporadic logging activity. There is a lack of potable water and unusable public toilets.
Active alertsnull

Weather forecast

72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 29%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 7.7 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Mainly clear
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Temperature Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

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Good to know

Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available but are reported to be overflowing, suggesting infrequent emptying.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaintsCommon complaints include poorly-maintained roads and campsites, welded-shut vaulted toilets, overflowing trash receptacles, and sporadic logging activity near the campground.
HostNo campground host available.

Campground Map

Driving directionsTwenty miles east of Española NM. To get to Borrego Mesa, take State Road 503 out of Pojoaque through Nambe and Cundiyo. Just past the turn off to the west to Santa Cruz Lake you will see the junction with Forest Road 306. Turn right on FR 306. Just after nine miles turn right on Forest Road 435 into the Borrego Mesa campground.
The campground is accessed via Forest Road 306 and then Forest Road 435. Roads are described as long, rough, and forest service road conditions. Users have noted significant challenges for large RVs or trailers such as uneven and rutted roads. It is recommended to have a vehicle with good ground clearance, and off-road tires are preferred.
Nearby places
Nambe (~20 miles), Española (~20 miles), Pojoaque (~20 miles), Cundiyo (~9 miles).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Borrego Mesa Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic location and seclusion of the campground but raise significant concerns about poorly maintained facilities and road access. The uneven campsites, lack of functional vault toilets, and overflowing trash receptacles are recurring complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the beautiful, remote location with scenic views and sunsets. The site is noted for being relaxing and less crowded.
Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Significant complaints include the vault toilet being welded shut, overflowing trash receptacles, poorly planned and uneven campsites, and the rough nine-mile road leading to the campground. Visitors...
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Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors strongly recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including potable water and a black tank tote or portable toilet. It's advised to plan for rough road conditions, especially with larger...
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Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews. Most complaints about road conditions and facilities are likely year-round issues.
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very beautiful location despite the horribly-neglected campground with uneven, rutted, and poorly-planned campspots." - C G Ackert. "Good place for camping. Scenic view from the mountain. Clear air...
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Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific information about individual sites is provided; however, one user mentioned moving to a more spacious clearing about half a mile from the campground due to logging-related disruptions.
Based on 3 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

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