Bert Clancy Campground

For New Mexico residents who cherish the raw, unfiltered beauty of our state's wild places, Bert Clancy Campground offers a unique and distinctly rustic experience. Nestled along the banks of the famed Pecos River in the Santa Fe National Forest near Tererro, this campground is a go-to for those seeking a "bare bones" escape, a true connection with nature that prioritizes the stunning setting over elaborate amenities. It’s a place where the soothing sounds of the river are your constant companion and the majestic trees of the Pecos Canyon provide a verdant canopy.

As locals, we often seek out those hidden gems, places that feel untouched and offer an authentic taste of New Mexico's wilderness. Bert Clancy Campground fits this description perfectly. It’s particularly renowned among our state's avid anglers, who flock to its riverbanks for the world-class trout fishing opportunities that the Pecos River is famous for. While it offers a very basic camping experience, its unparalleled natural setting and proximity to premier fishing make it a beloved spot for many within our community.

It's important for New Mexicans considering Bert Clancy to understand its unique character. This isn't a manicured resort; it's a primitive campground where the emphasis is on the natural environment. While reviews sometimes highlight aspects that require a rugged spirit – such as uneven sites or basic facilities – these are often seen as part of the appeal for those who truly want to rough it and appreciate the simpler joys of outdoor life. It's a place to pitch your tent directly under the stars, listen to the river flow, and embrace the untamed beauty of our mountains.

The Pecos Canyon area is rich with outdoor opportunities, and Bert Clancy Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Santa Fe National Forest. We understand that finding reliable, factual information is key to planning a successful trip, especially to more rustic locations. So, for those of us in New Mexico who are ready for an unadulterated outdoor adventure along a beautiful river, let's explore what Bert Clancy Campground truly offers.

Bert Clancy Campground is situated along NM-63, near Tererro, NM 87573, USA. This places it directly within the scenic Pecos Canyon, a renowned area within the Santa Fe National Forest. For New Mexico residents, its location offers a relatively accessible mountain escape.

The campground is about an hour's drive east of Santa Fe and approximately two hours from Albuquerque. The journey along NM-63 is picturesque, winding through the beautiful Pecos River Valley. While the campground is in a natural, forested setting, it's notable that the sites are "right next to the road," as one reviewer mentioned. This means ease of access directly off the paved state highway, which is convenient for pulling in vehicles, including RVs and trailers (though site leveling may be a consideration).

Its proximity to the Pecos River is a significant highlight, as the campground is literally set "right along the river." This provides immediate access for fishing, wading, or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of the water. While the "bare bones" nature of the campground suggests a more remote feel, its location on a state highway ensures it's not entirely isolated, offering a balance between wilderness immersion and reasonable accessibility for local travelers.

Visitors should be aware that while the road provides easy access, it also means some road noise might be present, particularly during busier times. However, for many New Mexicans, the stunning riverside setting and prime fishing opportunities more than compensate for this. Its direct location on a major route through the canyon makes it a convenient stop for a camping trip focused on the Pecos River experience.

• Bare Bones Camping Experience: Bert Clancy Campground offers a very basic, primitive camping experience, focusing on the natural environment rather than extensive amenities.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets, which are non-flush facilities. It has been noted by visitors that the women's toilet may not lock, which is a consideration for privacy.
• No Running Water: There is no running water available at the campground. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
• Fire Pits: Each site typically includes a fire pit, though it's crucial for campers to be aware of and adhere to any current fire restrictions, which may prohibit campfires at certain times due to dry conditions.
• No Picnic Tables at Sites: Based on customer reviews, individual campsites may not be equipped with picnic tables, meaning campers should plan for their own surface for eating or preparing food.
• No Clear Tent Pads: Sites are natural and may not have designated, level tent pads, requiring campers to scout for suitable, level ground to pitch their tents.
• First-Come, First-Serve Access: The campground primarily operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips without the need for advance reservations.
• No Site Leveling: Campers should be prepared for uneven ground at campsites, as sites are not typically leveled.

• Prime Riverside Setting: The campground's most significant feature is its location directly along the Pecos River, offering immediate access to the water and beautiful riverside views.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Bert Clancy is a highly popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, particularly for trout fishing in the renowned Pecos River.
• Beautiful Natural Surroundings: Despite its "bare bones" nature, the campground is set in a picturesque environment with tall trees and a stunning natural backdrop, as noted by its "beautiful setting."
• Rustic and Primitive Experience: For those who prefer a less developed, more rugged camping experience, the campground provides an authentic wilderness feel.
• First-Come, First-Serve Convenience: The first-come, first-serve system makes it easy for spontaneous trips, especially for locals who can head out without extensive planning.
• Proximity to NM-63: Being right off a state highway provides easy vehicle access, although it also means sites are close to the road.
• Opportunity for Outdoor Activities: Beyond fishing, the surrounding Santa Fe National Forest offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural environment.
• Natural Seating: The presence of "large rocks and boulders to sit on" adds to the rustic charm and provides natural seating options.

Address: NM-63, Tererro, NM 87573, USA

As a primitive, first-come, first-serve campground, Bert Clancy typically does not have a direct, dedicated phone number for the campground itself. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding conditions, fire restrictions, or any alerts, New Mexico locals are advised to contact the managing agency for this area, which is the Santa Fe National Forest or its relevant district offices (e.g., Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District).

General Santa Fe National Forest Contact Information:

Phone: (505) 438-5300 (This is a general information line for the Santa Fe National Forest, where inquiries about specific campgrounds like Bert Clancy can often be directed).

It's always recommended to check the official Santa Fe National Forest website or call their main line before visiting for the latest conditions, especially concerning fire restrictions and any potential closures.

For many New Mexico residents, Bert Clancy Campground offers a distinct and appealing kind of outdoor experience that truly embodies the spirit of our rugged and beautiful state. While reviews clearly indicate its "bare bones" nature – with vault toilets, no running water, and a lack of traditional amenities like picnic tables or level tent pads – these very characteristics can be a draw for locals who seek a more primitive and authentic camping adventure. We, as New Mexicans, often appreciate places that allow us to shed the conveniences of modern life and fully immerse ourselves in nature.

The primary reason for Bert Clancy's suitability for locals lies in its unparalleled natural setting right on the Pecos River. This makes it a prime destination for our state's passionate anglers, who know and love the Pecos for its world-class trout fishing. Being able to set up camp mere steps from the river, with the soothing sounds of flowing water as a constant backdrop, is an experience deeply cherished by those of us who live here. The "beautiful setting right along the river," despite its proximity to the road, is a significant draw.

The first-come, first-serve availability also appeals to the spontaneous nature of many New Mexico outdoor enthusiasts, allowing for last-minute trips when the mood strikes to escape to the mountains. While some aspects, such as the reported trash and the concerning issue with the stray dog, are important considerations and reflect a need for greater visitor responsibility, they highlight the importance of "Leave No Trace" principles, which many New Mexicans are committed to practicing to preserve our shared natural resources.

In conclusion, Bert Clancy Campground is for the New Mexican camper who values direct access to prime fishing waters, a rustic and less-developed setting, and the pure, unadulterated beauty of the Pecos Canyon. It's a place that asks you to be prepared, to embrace simplicity, and to respect the environment, in return offering a truly memorable and quintessentially New Mexico outdoor experience that's both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Bert Clancy Campground

NM-63, Tererro, NM 87573, USA