Vista Linda Campground in the Jemez Mountains in New Mexico
One of our goals, if ever we stay “at home” long enough to enjoy a weekend getaway with friends, is to discover new places to visit in New Mexico. We had that chance recently when we joined two other couples and camped at Vista Linda Campground near the town of Jemez Springs. We enjoyed a four-day campout with unseasonably good February weather, and got to explore a new-to-us part of our enchanting state.
Vista Linda Campground is managed by the United States Forest Service. The cost is only $10 per night, and Interagency Senior Pass holders (Lifetime and Annual) receive a 50% discount on single unit campsite fee. The campground consists of 12 non-reservable sites. The sites are first-come first-served so we headed up on a Thursday to get have a better chance at sites being available. Luckily, there were three available sites in a row, so we were all pretty close together. Although, really, with 12 sites, none were too far from another.
The spaces are good size, and each site has a fire pit, picnic table, and BBQ grill. Several of the sites have covers over the picnic tables. The sites feel very private with a lot of native vegetation in place to separate campers from their neighbors. We chose a site with a covered table, while friends picked a site just above the river.
Vista Linda Campground has camp sites that accommodate tents, motorhomes, and trailers up to 40 feet. One site has pull through capability. Amenities include drinking water, paved access, and vault toilets in two locations. The drinking water does not have hose attachments, so don’t plan to fill up at the campground. No hook-ups or dump stations are available.
Camping at Vista Linda Campground
The campground is located in the scenic San Diego Canyon, with spectacular red rock canyon and mesa views. The campground is open year-round. Come prepared for warm days and cool nights during the summer months and cold winter temperatures. The Jemez River, adjacent to the campground, offers excellent fishing opportunities (valid State fishing license required) and wildlife viewing. Our camp friends told us they have seen a bear here, but we didn’t have that particular experience.
While at the campground, we were inspired by the stunning red rock mountains on either side of us. Also, we could listen to the Jemez River babbling downstream from several of the campsites. There is a short blacktop walking path from the camp loop down to the river. Part of the path has been washed out.
There is a site with hookups for a camp host; however, no host was staying at the campground when we were there.
Touristy things we did
We went to the village of Jemez Springs two times. Once we ate calzones at the Jemez Mountain Brewhouse. They told us they have finished their permitting process and will begin brewing their own beer soon. That’s just one more reason to return! For the time being, they serve beers from popular New Mexico breweries and have a good selection along with a nice pizza and appetizer menu.
We also had a couple of beers as well as burgers at Los Ojos Restaurant and Saloon and boy were they terrific! They claim to serve Cowpokes, City Folks, Hikers, Bikers, Drifters, and Debutantes. Now, how can you go wrong with a list like that?
We also visited the Walatowa Visitor Center on the north end of Jemez Pueblo. We did a little souvenir shopping, had a yummy coffee, and checked out the interesting displays in the museum. The Walatowa History Museum is free to visitors. We enjoyed a Hemish (Jemez) cultural journey and learned about the native history and how the Towa culture and traditions continue to guide their people.
We carpooled with others in our group to the Gilman Tunnels. In season, the road is open to vehicles. However, during winter the road is closed and access is only by foot. Well, perhaps by bicycle but we decided to take a walk. The road was once a railway used in the 1920s and 1930 by the Santa Fe Northwestern Railway to transport logs from the Jemez Mountains. When the railway closed, the tunnels were converted into what is now known as Forest Road 376. It was about a mile and a half to the second tunnel and back. If you go, you may recognize the area from movies, including 3:10 to Yuma.
What we didn’t do, but should have
We learned that there is a guided hike available on the Red Rock trail from the Walatowa Visitor Center. We weren’t prepared for a walk that day, but plan to return some day soon and experience that. And probably have another one of those creamy coffee drinks!
The village of Jemez Springs includes a few opportunities to enjoy the hot springs. One options for soaking is Jemez Hot Springs with four therapeutic mineral water pools of varying temperatures between 98 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with built-in seating. There is also the Jemez Springs Bath House which is a non-profit, owned and operated by the Village of Jemez Springs. Proceeds from the Bath House go back into the Village. They offer cool or hot mineral soaks and healing massages by licensed therapists in private treatment rooms. Next time will remember to pack our swimsuits and towels!
Just north of the village of Jemez Springs is the Jemez Historic Site. This Historic Landmark is said to be one of the most beautiful sites in the southwest and includes the stone remnants of a 700-year-old village and the San José de los Jémez church dating to 1621/1622. The name of the village, Gisewa, comes from the area’s natural hot springs. This site is closed Monday and Tuesday, and features self-guided tours of Gisewa Pueblo and San Jose Mission via smart device using a QR code.
Something else we didn’t do, but you could
Several road-side areas offer parking and access to the Lower Jemez River for fishing. Fishing is also allowed at the campground.
Should you go there?
This campground is literally in a post card of beautiful red rock formations, a babbling stream and incredible surroundings. It is well maintained (although we’re not sure by whom since there wasn’t a camp host at the time).
