Description

The Tucumcari KOA Journey is a basic, well-maintained campground set on the rolling high-plains of eastern New Mexico. Conveniently located just off Interstate I-40, the campground provides a welcome and restful overnight break from the long drive between Amarillo and Albuquerque. Here you can enjoy a meal at the KOA’s Tucumcari Cafe; fuel-up vehicles and stock-up on supplies in town; cruise a section of Route 66; and see the historic neon lights, retro murals, and other attractions around Tucumcari.

Location

Tucumcari KOA Journey
6299 Quay Rd A L
Tucumcari, NM 88401
koa.com
(575) 461-1841
Latitude: 35.171342 N, Longitude: -103.667600 W, Elevation: 4,091 ft (1,247 m)

Details

We stayed for two-nights at the Tucumcari KOA Journey in late March, 2020. I also visited the campground for one night during a solo return to SoCal in early November, 2015.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Mixed – (Good) Most staff social distancing; closed/limited facilities; closed tent & group sites – self-contained rigs only; (still early in pandemic) guest masks welcome, but not required; cafe open only for take-out or delivery to campsite.

(Bad) Check-in required going into camp store/office – no mask and very unsanitary handling of paperwork by manager (yuck!)

Cost

For two-nights at a 50 amp full hookup gravel pull-thru site, we paid about $44 per night including taxes and Value Kard Rewards Discount. There were no additional fees for pets or an extra vehicle.

Ratings (1-5)

Accessibility – 4/5

The campground is easily accessible from Interstate I-40 via paved streets. Lanes in the park are wide and reasonably well-maintained asphalt or gravel. Most, if not all, RV sites in the park are pull-thru and can accommodate large rigs. The campground facilities have provisions for Universal access.

Facilities/Amenities – 4/5

The park amenities include full hookup 50 or 30 amp RV sites, tent sites, group sites, cabin rentals, restrooms, showers, 24 hr laundry, Wi-Fi, cable TV, propane service, camp store, playground, horseshoes, shuffleboard, basketball court, meeting room, small enclosed pet runs, snack bar/cafe, and seasonal swimming pool. Facilities are clean and reasonably well-maintained.

Conveniently, the campground has the Tucumcari Cafe for dine-in, take-out, or delivery to your campsite. One night we ordered food from the cafe – menu had a fair number of choices – delivered promptly to our site – meal was very good.

Site quality – 4/5

RV sites are full hookup with 50 or 30 amp electric, Wi-Fi, picnic table, firebox/grill, and cable TV. Park sites are pull-thru, level, clean, and many have shade trees. Site surface is gravel or grass. A section of new RV sites have concrete pads and patios.

Scenic Value – 4/5

The campground is open and park-like with many shade trees. The park is located in a rural area outside of town and features vistas of Tucumcari Mountain, rolling grassland, and irrigated fields.

Location/Isolation – 4/5

The campground is adjacent to Interstate I-40 and historic Route 66 highway, so does get some road noise. Sites are spacious and do not feel crowded. The campground feels like a welcome and relaxing oasis after driving long distances on the interstate.

Paws Friendliness – 4/5

The campground is pet friendly, with cleanup stations and two small K9 Kamp enclosed off-leash pet runs. The campground is large enough for a good walk with your pet.

Overall Rating – 4/5

Overall, the Tucumcari KOA Journey is a convenient and relaxing place to stay while passing through the Tucumcari area. We enjoyed our short stay and would visit another time.

Additional info

Internet access

We received a strong 4G Verizon signal at this campground. The campground provided free WiFi.

Water Quality

The water at this campground tested hard.

Nearby Amenities

A limited range of shopping and services are available nearby in Tucumcari. A wider range of shopping and services are available in Amarillo, Texas (111 miles), or Albuquerque, New Mexico (179 miles).

Nearby attractions

Here are a few local attractions and activities:

• • New Mexico Route 66 Museum
  • Tucumcari Railroad Museum
  • Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory
  • Murals of Tucumcari
  • Route 66 Monument
  • Tucumcari Historical Museum
  • Tee Pee Curios
  • Route 66 Townhouse Welcome Center & Gift Shop

Photos