How much does camping cost at Agua Piedra Campground?

Camping fees at Agua Piedra Campground range from $30-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Agua Piedra Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Agua Piedra Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Agua Piedra Campground before I book?

Yes! Agua Piedra Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Agua Piedra Campground?

Agua Piedra Campground is open May 08 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Agua Piedra Campground?

Agua Piedra Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Agua Piedra Campground have?

Agua Piedra Campground has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Agua Piedra Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Agua Piedra Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Agua Piedra Campground?

Agua Piedra Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Agua Piedra Campground?

Popular activities at Agua Piedra Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Agua Piedra Campground

4.38

176 reviews

Top 24%Spring

Featured in:Tent Camping New Mexico

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,100 ft

Price

$30 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,100 ft

Price

$30 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Agua Piedra Campground

$30.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$150.00

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Provider

435-245-6521camping@rrmofa.com

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Campground Map

Agua Piedra Campground

36.1353, -105.5292

Nearby places

Sipapu Ski Resort (3 miles), Vadito (5 miles), Penasco (17 miles), Taos (25 miles), Espanola (45 miles).

Driving directionsFrom Las Vegas, New Mexico, take State Highway 518 approximately 51 miles to the Agua Piedra Campground. From Penasco, New Mexico, travel east on State Route 75 about 5 miles, to an intersection. Turn right, onto State Route 518 (unmarked) and continue about 7 miles to campground entrance. From Taos, head south on NM-68. Turn Left onto NM-518 and stay on it for 23 miles. Agua Piedra Campground will be on your right.

Weather at Agua Piedra Campground

Current alerts(8)

Bears frequent the area: please obey all food storage rules and regulations. Check with your host for details.
Click here for more information on the Carson National Forest.
Extra Vehicles: Cannot be paid for in advance - upon arrival coordinate with the host for payment and where to park.
FIRST COME FIRST SERVE sites must be booked in person. DO NOT call to determine availability, as they are only available on-site.

Best Time to Camp at Agua Piedra Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best mix of warm daytime hiking weather and cool, mosquito-light nights at 8,100 ft (typical highs ~60–80°F / 15–27°C, lows ~30–50°F / 0–10°C). Trails to Serpent Lake, Cordova Canyon, and riverside fishing are at their peak, and the creek/river provide great respite from afternoon heat—though be prepared for monsoon-driven afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. Expect moderate weekend crowds and strong demand for sites once reservations open (6 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 24% in US

Spring/early-summer reviews highlight wildflowers and cool, pleasant temps for camping.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 11. Reservations start June 25 and end September 11. First-come, first-served access occurs before and after the peak season.

About Agua Piedra Campground

Agua Piedra Campground sits at 8,100 feet in Carson National Forest, operated by Recreation Resource Management of America with a strict 14-day stay limit and no-show policy. This high-elevation alpine campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors fish the nearby creek and hike trails to Serpent Lake and Cordova Canyon, enjoying quiet surroundings and well-maintained grounds during the summer season.

Agua Piedra Campground offers diverse camping options including standard non-electric individual sites, larger double sites, and accessible group shelters. Sites vary in privacy and size, accommodating a wide range of campers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best mix of warm daytime hiking weather and cool, mosquito-light nights at 8,100 ft (typical highs ~60–80°F / 15–27°C, lows ~30–50°F / 0–10°C). Trails to Serpent Lake, Cordova Canyon, and riverside fishing are at their peak, and the creek/river provide great respite from afternoon heat—though be prepared for monsoon-driven afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. Expect moderate weekend crowds and strong demand for sites once reservations open (6 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies mountain terrain where Rio Pueblo flows through stands of spruce, fir, and aspen. Agua Piedra Creek adds a second water source. At 8,100 feet, the forest canopy provides shade across most sites, though vegetation density varies by loop. Some campers mention wildflowers near certain sites, particularly around Site 21. The river and creek offer access for fishing and wading.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge or cabin accommodations are explicitly mentioned for Agua Piedra Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights year-round.

Groups

Two group shelters are available by reservation. Shelter "A" accommodates up to 50 people, while shelter "B" accommodates up to 100. Both shelters include accessible vault toilets, tables, and fire rings with grills.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, via their website or mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible group shelters, vault toilets, and flat tent pads in many individual campsites. Group shelter "A" is designed for up to 50 people, while shelter "B" accommodates up to 100.

Site SizeThe campground offers a variety of site sizes ranging from single-family sites to large group shelters accommodating up to 100 people.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across the campground; some sites are moderately spaced apart while others are clustered together. One user noted, "The campsites on the upper loop further east are a bit more private," while others complained about sites "stacked right on top of each other.

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesSome sites are better suited for RVs than tents due to uneven ground (e.g., Site #24). The upper loop and sites on the east provide more privacy. Avoid sites like #26, which lack tent space.

Best CampsitesSite 21 gets praise for creek proximity and wildflower views. Multiple reviewers recommend the upper loop's eastern section for better spacing between sites. Lower loop sites suffer from crowding. One camper complained about sites "stacked right on top of each other." Some sites require climbing stairs, which matters if you're hauling gear.

Need help booking Agua Piedra Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Agua Piedra Campground offers a mix of amenities that cater to both individual campers and group visitors. The campground includes 40 single sites each with a picnic table and fire ring, two double sites equipped with two picnic tables and fire rings, and two accessible group shelters accommodating up to 50 and 100 people, respectively. Vault toilets, drinking water from faucets, and trash removal services are provided across the campground. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. There is a strong emphasis on accessibility with accessible vault toilets and group shelters. "Vault toilets were clean, and restocked regularly," according to multiple user reviews. While potable water is listed as available, several reviewers noted its sulfuric smell, making it advisable to bring personal drinking water.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers diverse recreational activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and streamside relaxation. The Rio Pueblo River provides fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, while hiking trails like Serpent Lake and Cordova Canyon are popular among visitors. Wildlife viewing is also a notable activity, with chipmunks and birds frequently seen. "The meadow at the top of the Indian Lake Trail was amazing," noted one visitor.

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are the only restroom facilities.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

176 reviews

Recommended

Agua Piedra Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Agua Piedra Campground are highly mixed, with many praising the beautiful scenery, clean facilities, and hiking opportunities but noting issues such as rude camp hosts, overcrowded sites, and water quality concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 176 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean vault toilets, stunning views, accessible hiking trails, and well-maintained grounds. "The restrooms were close and clean," and "Cleanest pit toilets I've ever had the...

Based on 176 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints often revolved around rude or unhelpful camp hosts, poor water quality (sulfuric smell), crowded campsites, and occasional noise disturbances. "The camp host was RUDE and not helpful at...

Based on 176 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews include notes like "Avoid #26, there is no place for a tent," and "Site #42 on a slope, not ideal for tent setup." Conversely, "Site #27 was a good site," and "Site #21 was...

Based on 176 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing your own drinking water due to the sulfuric smell, downloading maps before arrival due to lack of cell service, and reserving sites on the upper loop for more privacy. "Bring...

Based on 176 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer reviews emphasize the beauty of wildflowers and cooler temperatures. Late summer reviews highlight occasional noise disturbances, overcrowding, and inconsistent restroom...

Based on 176 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful camp ground a few miles past Sipapu ski basin. Camping by near the stream and hiked 2.5 miles up to Indian lake." "The vault toilets were clean, and restocked regularly." "No hook-ups, but...

Based on 176 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible facilities include accessible group shelters and vault toilets. "Group shelter is private and the fireplace in the cabin is clutch," noted one user.

Based on 176 reviews