Balsam Glade Picnic Site
Balsam Glade Picnic Site is a national forest campground in New Mexico. Hookups: no hookups.
- Type
- National forest campground
- Location
- New Mexico
- Coordinates
- 35.21361, -106.40722
- Hookups
- No hookups
- Activities
- Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
- Phone
- 505-281-3304
Amenities
- Reservable sites
Only amenities a source confirms are listed; an amenity missing here is unknown, not absent.
About Balsam Glade Picnic Site
Overview Balsam Glade Picnic Site was named by an early American settler who mistook the white fir that grows here for balsam fir, as they are similar in appearance. He called this area "Balsam Glade" for so long that the name stuck. From 1935 to 1941 the YMCA operated a summer camp for boys here. One young man who attended the camp as a youth, later became a counselor for boys at the "Y" camp. He was a fun loving fellow and gained the title "Ghost of the Sandia's" for his wild antics, like flying over the campfire on a zip line and scaring the campers. The only evidence of the 'Y' camp are two sets of steps that led thousands of hungry kids into the dining hall and out again to make more memories. Balsam Glade is a great place for you and yours to make your own memories. The surrounding forest and mountains provide a perfect backdrop for photography, flower walks, bird watching, hiking, relaxing and taking in nature and other recreational opportunities. Please note that there is no overnight camping at this picnic site. The sheltered area is a replica of a mid-1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) has a rich history and lasting presence throughout the Sandia's. In their honor, we ask that you take extra care to "leave no trace" when you visit. Recreation The nature trail within this picnic site is well suited for any age, young or old. It is .3 (three tenths) of a mile long, with very little elevation gain. It leads from the re
Cell coverage
No coverage data for this location yet.
Nearby RV services
- Dump station
- Juniper Campground Dump Station · 41 mi
- Water fill
- Santa Fe Public Library · 42 mi
- Propane
- Pioneer Ace Hardware · 6.6 mi
- Low clearances
- None mapped within 10 mi
- Off-road routes
- 31 designated routes (28 mi) within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capulin Spring Picnic Site | National forest campground | 0.6 mi | — | No hookups |
| Nine Mile Picnic Site | National forest campground | 0.9 mi | — | No hookups |
| DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B | National forest campground | 2.9 mi | — | No hookups |
| Cienega Picnic Site | National forest campground | 3.3 mi | — | No hookups |
| Campbell Scout Ranch | Private campground | 3.7 mi | — | — |
| Turquoise Trail Campground | RV park | 5.3 mi | — | — |
Open Balsam Glade Picnic Site in DryRig
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Sources. Recreation.gov (RIDB). Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.