This Magical Waterfall Campground At Jemez Falls In New Mexico Is A Beautiful Retreat

Although New Mexico has quite a few waterfalls, reaching them often involves a lengthy hike. That’s not the case with Jemez Falls, a 70-foot-high waterfall hidden in the Jemez Mountains. The overlook is only a short jaunt away from the road and one of our favorite places to go camping in New Mexico.

The campground makes a perfect base for exploring this spectacular area. This is also one of the few spots in New Mexico where you can camp, admire a waterfall, and then wade in the clear natural pools surrounding it. Talk about a unique place to spend the night!

Use this Jemez Falls Campground map to plot your next camping adventure.

Jemez Falls Campground is situated just off NM-4, which is part of a scenic byway called the Jemez Mountain Trail. It’s between Los Alamos and Jemez Springs (significantly closer to the latter).

Ponderosa pine trees tower over the Jemez Falls Campground, providing shade to the 52 mixed-use sites (which can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length). Each spot is equipped with a grill, fire ring, and picnic table.

After you’ve set up camp, grab your hiking or wading shoes and take the 0.7-mile, out-and-back trail to the falls overlook.

While there are dispersed sites to enjoy free camping in Jemez, the Jemez Falls Campground offers more modern conveniences.

The path meanders through a cool forest and emerges opposite Jemez Falls, providing a great photo op.

The pools at the top of the falls are shallower...

...While those downstream are quite a bit deeper.

If you’re feeling energetic, add a hike to one of the hot springs in the area, such as McCauley Hot Springs.

Its temperature is warm rather than toasty, making it pleasant in the summer as well as the cooler months.

While we don't recommend cliff jumping - it's really dangerous - this clip gives you a glimpse of the beauty surrounding Jemez Falls.

Have you ever enjoyed a little tent camping in New Mexico at the Jemez Falls Campground or visited this waterfall?

The small town of Jemez Springs is nearby and offers a surprising amount of attractions, given its diminutive size. If you continue along the scenic byway in that direction, be sure to pause at Soda Dam and the Gilman Tunnels.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/best-tiny-town-nm/

Another amazing place in New Mexico is the Bisti Badlands - take a look at this beautiful natural area in this video: