This is a little further than some, at about a 2hr drive from Albuquerque. But, it's in the Pecos, and there could hardly be a prettier setting for a car-camping campground. Of course, strictly speaking, this is a walk-in campground. The parking lot holds vault toilets and drinking water, but you have to walk in a few hundred feet to get to the camping spots. However, that separation yields a beautiful campground. There is a nice meadow where you can put several tents, and it feels a bit more backcountry than most established campgrounds. Several campsites have adirondack shelters.
Bonus: The trail from here follows Cave Creek, and about 2.5 miles up the trail, the creek flows into a medium-sized cave. Way cool!
USFS Panchuela Campground Webpage
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| Trail from Panchuela on the way to Cave Creek |
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great blog. I've visited several of these spots for fishing or hiking. But I've never camped but my bucket list now includes a solo overnight either up in san pedro or along the rio cebolla above seven springs.
ReplyDeleteHave you encountered any bears. I have carefully studied the bear aware recommendations and planning to have my food stored away from my tent and actually cooking/eating away from my tent.
Thanks for reading. I've never seen bears in San Pedro Parks, or the Pecos, or anywhere for that matter. I have seen evidence of mountain lions close by. Regardless, when I am in the backcountry, I always keep all food away from my tent, and store it overnight a good distance from my campsite, similar to the processes you describe. I don't want any animals to have any reason to come near my campsite.
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