Twining Campground
4.0711 reviews184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556
Twining Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are explicitly listed for Twining Campground. It appears to be a free campground.
About this campground
Nestled within a serene aspen grove at 9,500 feet, Twining Campground offers an intimate tent-only escape for those seeking solitude in the high country. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for adventurers heading to the Bull of the Woods Trailhead, while the nearby Taos Ski Valley resort village provides a taste of mountain culture just minutes away. With its dispersed camping sites tucked between whispering aspens, this small campground delivers an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing convenience.
Twining Campground is a small, primitive facility catering primarily to tent campers. Additional dispersed camping sites are located nearby, and RVs can park in an adjacent lot.
Historical SignificanceThis mountain landscape holds deep roots in Native American heritage, with ancient peoples having traversed these high passes for centuries before European settlement. The proximity to Taos Ski Valley adds another layer to the area's story—what began as a dream of Swiss-German immigrant Ernie Blake in 1955 has evolved into one of the Southwest's premier mountain destinations. Today, the campground serves as a bridge between the region's indigenous past and its modern recreational identity, offering visitors a chance to connect with both histories.
Weather and SeasonsThe high-altitude climate here tells a story of dramatic seasonal transformation. Winter blankets the campground in deep snow, with temperatures plunging well below freezing—a time when only the hardiest souls venture forth. As spring arrives, the landscape awakens with crisp, dry days perfect for early-season hiking. But autumn steals the show, when the surrounding aspen grove erupts in a symphony of gold and amber, creating one of New Mexico's most spectacular natural displays. Summer brings warm days and cool nights, with afternoon thunderstorms that roll through the peaks like clockwork.
ElevationPerched at 9,500 feet above sea level, Twining Campground sits in that sweet spot where the air is thin enough to remind you of your altitude, yet not so high as to leave you gasping. This elevation makes it an ideal staging ground for mountaineers planning to tackle higher peaks, allowing for crucial acclimatization before ambitious summit attempts. The crisp mountain air and cooler temperatures provide welcome relief from the desert heat below, creating a natural air-conditioned retreat during summer months.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's setting reads like a scene from a landscape painter's dream. Towering aspens create a natural cathedral overhead, their leaves dancing in the mountain breeze and casting dappled shadows across your tent. A crystal-clear stream babbles nearby, providing both a soothing soundtrack and a reliable water source for filtering. Beyond the grove, dramatic peaks pierce the sky, their rugged profiles changing color with each passing hour. During autumn, the entire forest transforms into a golden wonderland, while summer brings carpets of wildflowers to the surrounding meadows.
Geological RegionTwining Campground lies within the magnificent Columbine-Hondo Wilderness, a pristine corner of the Carson National Forest where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning beauty. This high-altitude ecosystem represents millions of years of mountain building, where volcanic activity and erosion have created the dramatic peaks and valleys that define the region today. The aspen groves that shelter the campground grow in areas once cleared by fire or avalanche, representing nature's endless cycle of renewal in these rugged mountains. The surrounding wilderness encompasses diverse life zones, from montane forests to alpine tundra, creating a rich tapestry of habitats.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground’s steep trail from the parking lot to the campsites could pose accessibility challenges. Reviews also note that the sites are not well-marked, which may create additional difficulties.
Sites SizeThe four tent sites are small and located in a scenic aspen grove. RV campers can park in nearby paved spots at the adjacent parking lot, but these are noted to lack privacy.
Sites PrivacySites are described as close together and lacking privacy, with one review stating 'stacked up against each other with no real privacy.'
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closest to the stream may provide more shade and privacy, but accessing these requires carrying gear up a steep incline.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not provided, but the limited tent sites in the aspen grove are regarded as the most desirable.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No designated group camping areas are noted.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed layout with approximately 3-4 tent sites scattered in an aspen grove.
Open and Closed SeasonSpring - Fall
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations cannot be made.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability. Campground is small and described as having only 3-4 official tent sites.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations cannot be made.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Activities you can enjoy
Twining Campground offers easy access to a variety of recreational activities, primarily centered around hiking and fishing. The nearby Wheeler Peak Trail and others provide opportunities for scenic adventures, while the Rio Hondo offers fishing options.
Hiking
The campground is just a few hundred feet from the Bull of the Woods Trailhead, which leads to Wheeler Peak and connects with other trails like Long Canyon, Gold Hill, and Lost Lake. Nearby trails include Williams Lake Trail and canyon trails like Gavilan, Italianos, Manzanita, and Yerba. User reviews emphasize the convenience of hiking access, with one camper stating, 'The trail leads to the eponymous peak.'Fishing
The Rio Hondo, located near the campground, is popular for fishing. Stream access is available both upstream and downstream, though campers should be aware of private property in some areas.Wildlife viewing
The surrounding aspen groves and wilderness provide opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly during the fall leaf-peeping season.Winter Activities
The campground is open in winter, but bathrooms are locked, and the parking area is often full during skiing season.Water Sports
No mentions of non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are included.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire policies are not detailed, but grills are provided at some sites.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include high-altitude exposure, wildlife encounters, and seasonal snow and cold temperatures.
Active alertsDuring winter, bathrooms are locked, and parking lots are often full due to skiing season.
Weather forecast
47
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Questa Ranger District: 184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556; Phone: (575) 586-0520
Good to know
Peak season datesLate September - October, noted for peak fall foliage.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are explicitly mentioned. Campers should plan to pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresNear the Rio Hondo stream, with access available upstream along trails or downstream along Highway 150.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews highlight a lack of signage, privacy, and amenities, making navigation and comfort challenging for some campers.
Hostnull
Campground Map
184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556
Driving directionsTake Highway 150 to its terminus at the Twining Road.
The campground is accessible via Highway 150 and Twining Road. During winter, road access is affected as bathrooms are locked and parking lots are often full due to skiing season.Nearby places
Taos Ski Valley (0 miles), Questa (approximately 15 miles), Taos (approximately 20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Taos Ski Valley village, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials
larger options in Taos (20 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Twining Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the convenience of the campground's location for hiking, as well as its lack of amenities and privacy. Some users found it difficult to locate the sites due to poor signage.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Convenient access to trails, particularly the Bull of the Woods Trailhead. Several users appreciate the scenic aspen grove setting and the proximity to Taos Ski Valley amenities.
Based on 11 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of amenities (no water or restrooms), poor signage, steep access trail from parking lot, sites close together with little privacy, and construction noise during the day.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring all necessary water and supplies due to lack of amenities. Plan to arrive early to secure a site, as it is first-come-first-served. Avoid arriving after dark as the sites are hard to locate....
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Fall is popular for 'leaf peeping' in the aspen groves. Winter presents challenges due to locked bathrooms and full parking areas. Summer reviews frequently mention the convenience of escaping the...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'It's literally between condos and a parking lot and there are no amenities.' - T C. 2. 'The tent walk-in area is a great option in the summer months to beat the heat with a small stream nearby.'...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific complaints include difficulty finding the official four sites and the proximity to the busy parking lot. One user notes, 'The board says four official campsites, but we could only find...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The steep trail from the parking lot to the campsites and the lack of clear signage were highlighted as potential challenges for users with disabilities.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews regarding pets were found.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025