Founded in 1610, Santa Fe has the distinction of being the oldest capital city in the United States. The area originally belonged to indigenous Pueblo peoples before the population was colonized by Spain. The U.S. later annexed the region. When New Mexico became a state in 1912, Santa Fe became its capital.
Now, this city of around 84,000 is known as a haven for artists and writers as well as outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts four seasons and 300 days of sunshine. Nearby Hyde Memorial State Park offers hiking trails through beautiful pine forests. In the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Ski Santa Fe has world-class ski facilities.
Since the late 1800s, artists of all kinds have flocked to Santa Fe. From Georgia O'Keefe to George R. R. Martin, artists and writers have found inspiration in the magical landscape, the weather, and the mix of ancient cultures. In 2005, UNESCO designated New Mexico as one of its international Creative Cities – the first in the United States.
While exploring in your rental RV, you can enjoy more than 250 art galleries. During the summer months, you'll find multiple art markets and festivals where hundreds of artists exhibit their works. As you enjoy the creative culture of Santa Fe, be sure to visit some examples of its historic architecture, such as the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. This iconic landmark dates back to the late 1800s. Learn more about Santa Fe and its rich history by visiting the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the Georgia O'Keefe Museum, and the Museum of International Folk Art.
• The Burning of Zozobra – This is an annual event unique to Santa Fe. To commemorate the end of summer, Santa Fe burns a 50-foot wooden effigy stuffed with shredded paper. Fireworks and other celebrations accompany the event, which is meant to vanquish darkness and gloom.
• The Annual Santa Fe Indian Market – For more than 100 years, this event has given Native American artists a chance to shine. Each summer, there are exhibits, auctions, special ceremonies, and shows.
• International Balloon Fiesta. For nine days, hot air balloons launch into the air in October in Albuquerque. There are special contests, displays, and a fireworks show to close out the event.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is about 170 miles north of Santa Fe in Colorado. In addition to having North America's tallest dunes, this national park includes acres of forests, grasslands, tundra, and wetlands. Its pristine setting means it was designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it perfect for stargazing. During the day, go sand sledding, horseback riding, or hiking. There are campgrounds both within and outside the park.
To get to White Sands National Park, you'll head south for about 230 miles. It's worth the trek. You'll find 275 square miles of glittering white gypsum dunes - the largest dune field on Earth. You can drive to the heart of the dune field on Dunes Drive, which begins at the park's visitor center. There are five trails for hiking or biking. If camping is your thing, the park offers backcountry camping opportunities. Check the park for information before planning your trip, though; at times, the campgrounds are closed.
Mesa Verde National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site about 250 miles from Santa Fe. This Southwest Colorado park features hundreds of preserved cliff dwellings to explore. On 52,000 acres, it includes thousands of ancient Pueblo archaeological sites. There's a primitive campground in the park if you'd like to stay on the premises. You'll also find more RV parks and campgrounds within a few miles of Mesa Verde.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park is unmatched for its scenery and wildlife. It sits at 8,000 feet in elevation with year-round fishing and boating, miles of trails to hike, and on-site camping. It's a bird watcher's paradise just 100 miles north of Santa Fe.
Nestled in the mountains near Santa Fe, Hyde Memorial State Park lets you hike on well-maintained trails with spectacular wilderness views. There are multiple campsites, some with electric hookups, and a dump station. During the winter, the park offers cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing.
At Villanueva State Park, you can camp, fish, and hike in a canyon between distinctive sandstone bluffs. Take your kayak, raft, or canoe out on the Pecos River, but be careful. The river's icy, clear water is anything but placid. It can challenge even experienced boaters. This park sits about 50 miles from Santa Fe.
The Palace of the Governors is one of the iconic landmarks in Santa Fe. Built in the 1600s by Spanish colonizers, this adobe structure in the Santa Fe Historic District is a National Historic Landmark. It's now connected to the New Mexico History Museum. When visiting, check out the local vendors who sell their crafts in the plaza.
Bandelier National Monument sits on 33,000 acres near the Jemez Mountains. At 50 miles from Santa Fe, it's an easy day trip to explore ancient ruins, cave dwellings, pictographs, and petroglyphs. In addition to the historical and cultural sites, Bandelier is home to more than 50 types of mammals.
Georgia O'Keeffe's Home and Studio is a National Historic Landmark located about 50 miles north of Santa Fe. The traditional adobe structure was where the legendary artist Georgia O'Keeffe created some of her most famous works. In Santa Fe proper, you can visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum to see a comprehensive collection of her art.
The Rancheros De Santa Fe Campground provides RV renters with 125 RV-friendly sites, some with full hookups. The free internet, dog run, and gift store make it a good choice for those who want a full-service campground.
Taos Valley RV Park and Campground is about 60 miles north of Santa Fe. However, it has more than 60 sites that will accommodate RVs of all sizes, including big rigs.
Santa Fe Skies RV Park offers mail and package pickup for RVers who intend to stay awhile. All 98 sites have power and water hookups. There's free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a dump station.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Santa Fe, NM, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Santa Fe?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Santa Fe from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Santa Fe?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
