Rio Rancho, the third largest city in the Land of Enchantment, is one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. The city's origins date back to the Spanish colonists in the 1700s. Once New Mexico came under U.S. control, the town grew thanks to the many cattle and sheep ranches, which gave it its name.
Today, Rio Rancho is a surging metropolitan area with a population of over 100,000. It has a growing wine and craft brewing scene with the Casa Rondena Winery, Acequia Vineyards, and Turtle Mountain Brewing Company rising in prominence.
Like much of New Mexico, Rio Rancho is steeped in Native American and colonial history. Your visit must include a stop at the nearby Petroglyph National Monument, which preserves hundreds of prehistoric artifacts and artworks of the region's historical inhabitants. There are miles of hiking trails that weave through the park and pass stunning rock carvings. The Coronado Historic Site outside downtown Rio Rancho is home to a 14th-century Tewa Indian pueblo and the site of the famous conquistador's 1540 encampment.
Hyde Memorial State Park, 67 miles northeast of Rio Rancho, is the oldest state park in New Mexico. It has 4.2 miles of hiking trails, volleyball courts, and bird-watching sites. There are seven campsites with 30-amp electric hookups and a dump station.
Villanueva State Park, just over 100 miles east of Rio Rancho, sits in the canyon along the Pecos River. The park welcomes canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. There are 2.9 miles of hiking trails, 12 electric campsites, and an RV dump station.
Heron Lake State Park, near the Colorado border, is a secluded oasis at 7,167 feet above sea level. Wildlife watchers can spot mountain lions, black bears, elk, deer, marmots, bald eagles, and osprey. The lake is a no-wake zone, making it perfect for sailboats, kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes. There are 7 miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Every October, this festival hosts over 500 hot air balloons for a nine-day event that includes aerial shows, live music, food, carnival games, and local arts and crafts.
The New Mexico State Fair - Held just outside downtown Albuquerque at the 236-acre fairgrounds, this fair is a September tradition. The 10-day event features national touring acts, a rodeo, an agricultural expo, carnival rides and games, and the signature cheeseburger competition.
Gathering of Nations Pow Wow - This April event honors indigenous culture by celebrating Native American traditions and rituals. The event opens with the grand entry song and procession before continuing with the Indian Trader's Market, the Horse and Rider Parade, live Native American music, and the crowning of Miss Indian World.
Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures - Head to nearby Bernalillo for guided canoe and kayak trips on the Rio Grande, with a focus on the ecology and history of the region. You can rent paddling equipment there if you prefer a solo adventure at your own pace.
Star Heights Recreation Center - This center in Rio Rancho hosts weekly geocaching treks across the area's parks, trails, and meadows. It also holds classes for novice geocachers.
The Willow Creek Bosque Trail - This 1.8-mile loop skirts the Rio Grande, offering wildlife and bird-viewing opportunities outside downtown Rio Rancho.
You'll easily find the perfect RV campground to suit your needs in Central New Mexico. Balloon View RV Park near I-25 in Albuquerque has full-hookup sites. The facility boasts a pool and updated exercise, shower, and laundry facilities.
The Albuquerque Central KOA, just off I-40, accommodates RVs up to 80 feet and offers full-hookup sites. There is a general store, laundromat, and dog-washing station on the premises. El Rancho RV Park sits on a wooded property that provides ample shade and quiet. The campground offers back-in sites with full hookups, cable, and Wi-Fi.
Renting an RV from RVshare allows you to explore and experience all that Rio Rancho, New Mexico, has to offer at your own pace and schedule. Rio Rancho, New Mexico, is filled with diverse cultures and scenic landscapes. It is a perfect destination for RV campers who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the Southwest. The population of Rio Rancho is approximately 100,000 people, and it offers plenty of activities for visitors. Petroglyph National Monument: Located just a few miles from Rio Rancho, Petroglyph National Monument offers visitors an opportunity to see thousands of ancient rock carvings that date back over 400 years. You can hike on one of four trails in the monument while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Casa Rondeña Winery: If you're a wine enthusiast, Casa Rondeña Winery is worth visiting. The winery is situated on over 4 acres of land and has won numerous awards for its wines. Visitors can tour the vineyard and production facilities as well as sample some of their award-winning wines. Coronado Historic Site: This historic site is located in Bernalillo, just a short drive from Rio Rancho. It commemorated the visit of Francisco Vásquez de Coronado in 1540 when he was searching for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about this vital part of New Mexico's history. Take your time exploring these destinations and discovering new ones along the way - you never know what hidden gems you might find.
Petrified Forest National Park is a unique and stunning national park in Arizona, approximately 230 miles from Rio Rancho. The park is famous for its petrified wood, with trees that lived over 200 million years ago. You can also explore the Painted Desert Inn, Crystal Forest, and Blue Mesa. While there are no RV hookups at the campsites, dump stations are available for your convenience. Mesa Verde National Park offers an unforgettable experience to visitors with its well-preserved ancient cliff dwellings. Located in Montezuma County, Colorado, about 81 miles from Rio Rancho, the park includes Cliff Palace, Spruce Tree House, and Balcony House. Morefield Campground is the only campground inside the park with hookups for RVs, and reservations are recommended. White Sands National Park is a natural wonder known for its vast dunes of white sand made of gypsum crystals. Located in New Mexico, around 228 miles from Rio Rancho, it offers various trails such as Interdune Boardwalk, Dune Life Nature Trail, and Playa Trail. The park's Lake Lucero area is open seasonally and offers ranger-led tours to experience the fascinating formation of the dunes. There are no hookups available at the park's campsites, but you can find nearby private campgrounds that offer amenities like showers and electricity.
Villanueva State Park is a hidden gem located in San Miguel County, NM, just a short drive from Rio Rancho. Established in 1967, this park is perfect for RVers looking to escape city life's hustle and bustle. The park offers primitive camping sites; none of them have electric, sewer, or water hookups. However, there are restrooms available for use. RV travelers should also note that the campsites are first-come, first-served. Hyde Memorial State Park is a must-visit destination for any nature lover traveling in an RV. Located in Santa Fe County and established in 1938, this park boasts beautiful vistas and hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. The park has campsites with electrical hookups available for RVs up to 40 feet long; reservations are recommended as these sites fill up fast during peak season. Heron Lake State Park is perfect for RV travelers who love water sports or fishing. Situated in Rio Arriba County, this park offers excellent opportunities for boating and fishing on the Heron Reservoir. Several campsites with electrical and water hookups are available; there are also primitive camping options available for those who prefer no amenities. Whether you're looking to enjoy stunning vistas or explore new outdoor activities, these state parks near Rio Rancho, New Mexico, offer something unique and exciting for everyone.
If you're eager to delve into the captivating history and natural wonders of New Mexico, Rio Rancho provides proximity to several remarkable national sites and monuments. Just 17 miles away lies the Petroglyph National Monument, a treasure trove of over 25,000 petroglyphs adorning Albuquerque's West Mesa. Embarking on the Rinconada Canyon Trail or visiting the Petroglyph National Monument Visitor Center allows visitors to immerse themselves in the area's rich history.Another notable landmark in the vicinity is the Bandelier National Monument. Dating back to 1200, this national reserve showcases ancient cave dwellings and scenic hiking trails that offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.The Hyde Memorial State Park in Santa Fe County is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this park offers an array of activities such as tubing, hiking, and camping, inviting visitors to explore the area's natural beauty.The vicinity of Rio Rancho in New Mexico holds an abundance of national sites and monuments that promise an unforgettable journey through history and nature.
Balloon View RV Park is an excellent option for RVers looking for an affordable place to stay near Rio Rancho, NM. With 27 sites, full hookups, and amenities like a pool and hot tub, you can enjoy your stay. Coronado Village Mobile Home & RV Resort offers full hookups, back-in/pull-through sites, showers, cell reception and Wi-Fi. This pet-friendly resort is perfect for families or those planning a long-term stay there. Albuquerque North KOA is a great choice if you're looking for a simple, no-frills RV park near Rio Rancho. This park offers clean showers, pet-friendly policies, and reliable cell reception. El Rancho RV Park has 66 sites with full hookups and amenities like cable TV and Wi-Fi. It's an excellent option for military families as they offer discounts on rates. They have a range of daily/weekly/monthly rates available.
When it's time to empty your tanks, you'll find several dump stations in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.Giant Service Station, Speedway Service Station, and Flying J Travel Plaza all offer dumping for both black and gray water. These stations also provide fresh water and a hose for flushing tanks. Additionally, each station has a trash bin for waste disposal.RVshare has compiled a list of dump stations that are near the most popular landmarks and attractions.
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 Rio Rancho, 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 Rio Rancho?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
