Coronado Campground

This is a campground is operated by the City of Bernalillo NM. Campground overlooks the Rio Grande just off the US550. There was a lot of roadwork happening when we were there, so arriving from the I25 is okay, but departing making a left hand turn in our 25 ft motorhome to get back to the I25 was a pain. There is a nearby Santa Ana Star Casino, and a brew pub (Bosque Brewing). It was hot when we were there, so the 30 amp shore power electric hook up was necessary for AC. It was good 120 volt power. The bathrooms are accessed by security code and were very clean. The shower had lots of hot water. Dump station is convenient with good flush water. Dumpsters are easy access. We used this “urban” campground as our base for three nights while we explored Santa Fe and Bandelier Natl Monument. It’s 50 miles one way to Downtown SF, and 86 miles one way to Bandelier, so it is a longer commute. We figured though for the price and amenities it was worth the price of fuel to commute from this campground. BTW... We got the best price for diesel at the Warrior Fuel Station (2.98 per gal). We had two excellent Tex-Mex meals at Los Seis Hermanos on Camino Del Pueblo. Lots of bunny rabbits... There are coyotes in the area too, so I’d keep a close watch on pets. We had excellent cell service and were able to stream YouTube videos.

We stayed here 3 nights in May 2021. The park is at 50 capacity due to Covid-19 restrictions. Our site has 50 amp and water. Dump is available in the park. Lovely level sites with full cover picnic site. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Access to Rio Grande river. There is some road noise from nearby street. Great location to explore Santa Fe or ABQ. Camp wifi is good.

You pay a $10 non-refundable fee to reserve your site via phone, then $25 per day when arriving, with 7th day free. Our site had 30 amp power and water, none of the sites have sewer. There is a dump station though. Conveniently located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque with wonderful views from the campsite. I would definitely stay here again. Bathhouse is small but secure and well-kept and they are building new bathhouse facilities within the next year or so per the host.

We were looking for a place that would allow us to explore both Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Check in was smooth, getting into the campground was easy enough despite the road construction out on the main drag. Keep in mind that it is a dry and dusty place and the wind is pretty fierce sometimes. Each site has a lovely three-sided shelter that helped keep the wind at bay a little and allowed us to store our bikes out of the flying dust. Roadway is asphalt, pad is also, the rest of the site is pretty much dirt. Campground was clean and quiet. We were in space 19 which was right across from the restroom/shower, both of which are clean and well maintained. Shower temperature is just a notch hotter than comfortable. There is a playground if you are traveling with little ones. Sites have water/electric, no sewer. They do advise that you disconnect the water at night so it doesn't freeze, we simply filled our freshwater tank and then didn't have to deal with it. Dump on site. Wifi available, and it's pretty decent most of the day.

Gave us what we wanted, it was an hour drive up to Santa Fe, 20 minutes to the northern trailhead of the Paseo del Bosque bike trail in Albuquerque. Laundry across the highway, although construction made it mildly challenging to access. Groceries and other services nearby. Lots of dining options nearby also.

I think the reviews “quiet and chill” and “nice with some oddities” hit it exactly! For me, the experience here is very site-dependent. It seems like a big part of the mobile/nomad life is knowing yourself and what you need. For me, I like free camping or camping that is low cost and supports a small town or state park. I love to have hookups but don’t need them. My too two priorities are views and quiet. Once I moved to site B I had the best views of my 3-week wander so far. I work and write full time so views are necessary for my soul and inspiration! On noise, the campground itself is very quiet, but road noise can be an issue. Again, somewhat but not entirely site dependent. But, the bottom line for me is you cannot beat this mix of quaint, cute, and clean, with location with views of the Rio Grande and Sandia Mountains, and with wifi included as well as 3-4 bar cell reception, all for an amazingly reasonable fee! Now if they’d move that road... (note the fee I listed is for the 2nd site I got that just had electric, the first one was $25 with water).

Clean, cute, quiet with a spectacular view of the Sandia Mtns & Rio Grande. With 75% capacity restrictions & cooler weather it feels like you've got the place to yourself.
A couple disappointments: the Kiva was closed for Covid and the river was lowish so couldn't get to it. It was a nice place to come off of 9 days boondocking :)

*note they do have NM residents restrictions in place, like state parks, unless you can provide proof of being in-state for two weeks (quarantine)

This quaint campground is full of charm. We got in just before the Governor changed the rules to visitors must quarantine for 14 days so they were closing the campground to out of state campers. The sites are mostly level and each site has a covered picnic table and an artificial grass mat. The site we had had a view of the Rio Grand (not so grand anymore) and is convenient to I 25 so getting around was easy. The bathrooms are clean but need some minor repairs, they also are not air conditioned so pick your shower/bathroom times carefully or it will feel like a sauna. I think we got a special rate because of the pandemic water is on one side of the pad electricity on the other but it was not a problem when we positioned our camper. Overall a great experience

This RV park is owned and operated by the Town of Bernalillo, a community about 15 miles north of Albuquerque (where we live) and is right next to Coronado State Monument, the ruins of an old Pueblo. It is right on the banks of the Rio Grande, but the river is not easily accessible from here. There are some sites that have great river views (A - D), but these sites are very small and have minimal hookups. Most of the sites here are gigantic, with lovely picnic areas. Not just a table, but a table under a fully stuccoed covering. We got a huge rainstorm the night we were there, and we sat in the shelter and watched Mother Nature's show and didn't get a drop on us. It was great. There are lots of mature trees in the area, so you'll get plenty of opportunity for shade as well.

We were in Site 4, one of 6 50amp pull through sites (although the camp host gets Site 1, so there are really only 5 such sites). Electric was easy to reach...water everywhere appears to be on the OTHER side of the site, so I was very glad to have my second hose on hand to reach it. There is no sewer on the sites themselves, but if you're staying there, the easily accessible dump station is included in the price.

The sites are blacktop and at first glance appear level, but when we actually put our levels down, we discovered there was a significant slope. Actually caused our passenger rear tires to be up in the air, which caused us to need to move around the site a little bit. Not a major deal, but I was frankly surprised.

The camp hosts were friendly enough, but they drive around in their golf carts quite frequently, and really seem interested in seeing what you're up to. I was grilling on my little propane grill, and they slowed down and really took a long look at what I was doing. Later, we were sitting outside (right before the rain) and again, a sloooow drive-by. Seemed a little much for a couple of 50-somethings. I'm glad they take safety seriously, but I didn't feel super welcome either.

But we'll go hear again. It's right next to one of the best breweries in the area (Bosque Brewing) and I certainly like being able to walk to the spot. When the monument reopens, we'll be able to make a day of hiking, beer drinking and watching the scenery.