RV Rental Rio Rancho, NM

Explore Rio Rancho, New Mexico in an RVshare RV Rental

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.

Best State Parks Near Rio Rancho, New Mexico

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.

Events Near Rio Rancho, New Mexico

• 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.

RVshare’s Top Picks for POI Activities Near Rio Rancho, New Mexico

• 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.

Popular Nearby RV Parks and Campgrounds

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.