How much does camping cost at Columbine Campground (Nm)?

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

Is Columbine Campground (Nm) first-come first-served or reservation?

Columbine Campground (Nm) 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 Columbine Campground (Nm) before I book?

Yes! Columbine Campground (Nm) has 7 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 Columbine Campground (Nm)?

Columbine Campground (Nm) 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 Columbine Campground (Nm)?

Columbine Campground (Nm) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Columbine Campground (Nm) have?

Columbine Campground (Nm) has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Columbine Campground (Nm)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Columbine Campground (Nm). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Columbine Campground (Nm)?

Columbine Campground (Nm) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Columbine Campground (Nm)?

Popular activities at Columbine Campground (Nm) include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Columbine Campground (Nm)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Columbine Campground (Nm)?

Fire policies at Columbine Campground (Nm): Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit Dontmovefirewood.org. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.66

239 reviews

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Top 14%Summer

Great Hiking

Featured in:Tent Camping New Mexico

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,900 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

May 23 to September ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Mgmt. of America Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,900 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

May 23 to September ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Mgmt. of America Official Website

Get Directions

Columbine Campground (Nm)

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-245-6521camping@rrmofa.com

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Campground Map

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Columbine Campground (Nm)

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Nearby places

Questa (~5 miles), Red River (~8 miles)

Weather at Columbine Campground (Nm)

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 about 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 Columbine Campground (Nm)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of on-site activities: warm (but mild) daytime temperatures, open roads, and fishable water in Columbine Creek and the Red River. Expect daytime highs roughly 60–75°F and cool nights often dropping into the 30s–40s, so layers and a warm sleep system are essential; afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and abundant wildlife viewing are at their peak, and services are available (reservable sites May 23–S Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in US

Peak season (May 23–Sep 11): cool days, great trail access, frequent positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 23 to September 11 (reservable season); September 12 to September 30 (first-come, first-served season); closed from September 30 to May 23.

About Columbine Campground (Nm)

Columbine Campground sits at high elevation in Carson National Forest near Questa, New Mexico, where Columbine Creek flows into the Red River. Recreation Resource Management of America operates this small seasonal campground with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors fish the creek, hike surrounding trails, and watch for wildlife in a peaceful alpine setting with helpful on-site hosts.

Columbine Campground caters to tent and RV campers, with 26 single-family sites and a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options. The sites are spread across two loops, providing a variety of experiences.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of on-site activities: warm (but mild) daytime temperatures, open roads, and fishable water in Columbine Creek and the Red River. Expect daytime highs roughly 60–75°F and cool nights often dropping into the 30s–40s, so layers and a warm sleep system are essential; afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and abundant wildlife viewing are at their peak, and services are available (reservable sites May 23–S Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCanyon walls frame the campground, where Ponderosa Pines, Douglas Firs, and Aspens create varying levels of cover. Columbine Creek runs through the property, joining the Red River nearby. The upper loop offers thick tree cover and creek access. The lower loop near the entrance is more open with broader mountain views but less shade. Highway 38 runs close enough that road noise reaches the front sites, though it fades farther into the canyon.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo formal lodge or cabin accommodations are available at Columbine Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights

Guests Allowed Per Site

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov and via the contact center.

Site SizeThe sites vary in size, accommodating standard camping setups. Some reviews noted specific sites like #12 being unlevel or others being suitable for larger tents.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are generally good, especially in the upper loop where ample tree cover provides seclusion. However, the lower loop sites near the entrance are closer together and more open.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites farther in the canyon loop for reduced highway noise and better shade. Avoid sites near the entrance if seeking privacy and quiet.

Best CampsitesSite 18 gets frequent mentions for seclusion and creek proximity. Sites 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 also sit near the water with good privacy. Site 12 has been noted as unlevel. Upper loop sites generally offer more shade and distance from highway noise than the lower loop.

Need help booking Columbine Campground (Nm)?

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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

Columbine Campground offers a well-rounded camping experience with a variety of amenities designed to enhance visitors' stays. The campground consists of 26 single-family sites, each equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad. Potable water is available, but campers must fill their containers as direct water hookups for RVs and trailers are not allowed. Vault toilets are conveniently located and consistently praised for their cleanliness. The campground provides good privacy and shade in the upper loop, with open views and less shade in the lower loop near the entrance. The creek flowing through the campground adds to its natural charm and provides ambient noise.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Columbine Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, offering direct access to hiking trails, a creek for fishing, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The proximity to natural features like the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness and the Red River enhances the range of activities available.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit Dontmovefirewood.org

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, and user reviews indicate they are well-maintained. Recycling options are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is limited or non-existent depending on the provider. Some reviews mentioned 'Decent 3G signal on Verizon' and 'spotty for AT&T,' while others stated there is no signal available at all.

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

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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

4.7

239 reviews

Top-Rated

Columbine Campground (Nm) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with consistent praise for the natural beauty, clean facilities, and friendly campground hosts. The creek running through the campground and the proximity to hiking trails are standout features.

Review Summaries

Based on 239 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 239 reviews.

Site #18Loved
Site #18 is frequently praised for its seclusion and proximity to the creek, while sites #1-8 are noted for being tighter and less private.
Site #12Mentioned
Site #12 received criticism for being unlevel.

What Campers Love

Highlights include the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the scenic beauty of the creek and surrounding wilderness, and the helpfulness of the campground hosts. Many reviews praise the peaceful...

Based on 239 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from the nearby highway for sites in the lower loop, the lack of showers, and some sites being unlevel or small. A few users mentioned generator noise and the...

Based on 239 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

For a quieter experience, choose sites in the upper loop away from the highway. Site #18 is frequently recommended for its seclusion and proximity to the creek. Bringing warm clothing is advised due...

Based on 239 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive user experiences are most common during the summer months when the campground is fully operational. Cold nights are frequently mentioned, even in summer. The campground is closed during...

Based on 239 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The creek runs right down through the middle of the campground providing beautiful sound.' - A. Kincross 2. 'The vault bathrooms are clean, and only a little smelly.' - Marissa M. 3. 'Campsites...

Based on 239 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and frequently brought to the campground, but no specific pet-related amenities or issues were highlighted in the reviews.

Based on 239 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

Goat Hill Campground sits along the Red River in Carson National Forest at 7,726 feet, offering 11 sites at $6–$60 per night. The campground's proximity to both the river and Highway 38 creates a tradeoff: you'll hear rushing water and passing traffic in equal measure. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables provided.