How much does camping cost at Elephant Rock Campground?

Camping fees at Elephant Rock Campground 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 Elephant Rock Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Elephant Rock 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 Elephant Rock Campground before I book?

Yes! Elephant Rock Campground has 6 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 Elephant Rock Campground?

Elephant Rock 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 Elephant Rock Campground?

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

How many campsites does Elephant Rock Campground have?

Elephant Rock Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elephant Rock Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elephant Rock Campground. 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 Elephant Rock Campground?

Elephant Rock Campground 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 Elephant Rock Campground?

Popular activities at Elephant Rock Campground include Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elephant Rock Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elephant Rock Campground?

Fire policies at Elephant Rock Campground: 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.

4.51

179 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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

8,400 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Elephant Rock Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD 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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Plan a trip to Elephant Rock Campground

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Campground Map

Elephant Rock Campground

36.7084, -105.4493

Nearby places

Questa (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Red River (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes), Taos (36 miles, approximately 60 minutes).

Weather at Elephant Rock 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 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 Elephant Rock Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Elephant Rock's trails and fishing spots, with daytime highs typically in the 60s–80°F (15–27°C) and crisp nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C). This is peak season for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing — wildflowers, active trout streams, and abundant elk/deer sightings are common. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends at this small 20-site campground and be prepared for afternoon monsoon storms (lightning risk) in Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: cool days, wildflowers, peak hiking/fishing; campground open and popular.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 23 - September 11 (reservable); September 12 - September 30 (first-come, first-served). The campground is closed from October to May 7.

About Elephant Rock Campground

Elephant Rock Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Carson National Forest near Red River, New Mexico, operated by Recreation Resource Management of America. Small and moderately priced, it offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables for fishing and biking enthusiasts. Reviewers praise clean facilities, spacious sites, and helpful hosts, though highway noise from Route 38 and peak-season crowds can be drawbacks.

Elephant Rock Campground primarily accommodates tent and small RV camping. No cabins or glamping options are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Elephant Rock's trails and fishing spots, with daytime highs typically in the 60s–80°F (15–27°C) and crisp nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C). This is peak season for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing — wildflowers, active trout streams, and abundant elk/deer sightings are common. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends at this small 20-site campground and be prepared for afternoon monsoon storms (lightning risk) in Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines, aspens, firs, and spruces cover the hillside site, with stone terracing integrated into several campsites. The Red River flows nearby, audible from much of the campground. The Sangre de Cristo range frames views to the east and west. At this elevation, you'll see the transition zone where high desert meets alpine forest. Reviewers consistently mention the scenic setting and well-maintained natural feel, though Highway 38 runs close enough that road noise carries into camp.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. The campground is focused on outdoor camping accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

No group sites are explicitly mentioned.

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.

AccessibilityThe Fawn Lakes Trail, located 0.3 miles from the campground, meets accessibility guidelines. Campsites have terraced designs that may accommodate some accessibility needs.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with 'plenty of room to move around,' and suitable for trailers up to 25 feet. Larger rigs may encounter difficulties due to narrow access roads and boulder placements.

PrivacyThe sites are well-spaced, providing privacy. Reviews noted 'not stacked on top of one another' and 'nicely spaced.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and good views, sites 15, 16, and 17 are ideal. Site 12 is spacious and suitable for families.

Best CampsitesSites 6, 15, 16, 17, and 18 get frequent mentions in reviews for their size and views. These sites offer more room to spread out and better positioning on the hillside loop.

Need help booking Elephant Rock Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Elephant Rock Campground offers a variety of essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The facilities include potable water available via spigots scattered around the campground, vault toilets that are frequently cleaned, fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads at each site. "Clean bathrooms," "spacious sites," and "plenty of pine trees" are commonly praised in user reviews. However, there are no shower facilities, and some users noted the absence of water hookups and a dump station. The campground lacks Wi-Fi, and cell phone reception varies, with some users reporting no signal while others had limited reception depending on the provider.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Elephant Rock Campground offers a range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the Red River and Eagle Rock Lake, hiking on nearby Fawn Lakes Trail, and exploring scenic roadside stops. Wildlife viewing is popular, with chipmunks, squirrels, birds, and deer frequently sighted. Biking and other day trips, such as exploring the Enchanted Circle, are also available.

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground is equipped with vault toilets, which are described as well-maintained and clean.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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 & RecyclingNo specific recycling facilities were mentioned. General trash disposal is available, and the campground is described as clean and organized.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is mixed; some users reported no signal, particularly with T-Mobile. However, others had limited service, with one review mentioning 'at least two bars of Verizon extended service.'

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

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

179 reviews

Top-Rated

Elephant Rock Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, scenic beauty, and friendly hosts. However, road noise and occasional overcrowding during peak times are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 179 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 179 reviews.

Site #12Loved
Site #12 is spacious and private but close to the highway, leading to some noise.
Site #11Issues noted
Site #11 offers seclusion and wildlife viewing, but poor drainage during rain.

What Campers Love

Positive experiences include 'clean bathrooms,' 'spacious campsites,' 'friendly camp hosts,' and the availability of potable water and firewood.

Based on 179 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include road noise from the nearby highway, lack of showers, occasional challenges with cell service, and some noise from other campers.

Based on 179 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash or checks for payment, as no cards are accepted. Arrive early for first-come, first-served sites. Larger RVs may struggle with the access roads.

Based on 179 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with campers enjoying cool temperatures and the surrounding natural beauty. Winter camping is possible but less convenient due to limited facilities.

Based on 179 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great campsite in Red River, NM. The camp hosts were excellent. The vault toilets are clean.' (Chris Cordes, 2020) 2. 'Beautiful mountains, fresh air, and 2 lakes with Red River up the road make...

Based on 179 reviews

Accessibility Features

The terraced design of campsites aids accessibility, but narrow roads and steep entries may pose challenges for some visitors.

Based on 179 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and several reviews mention enjoyable experiences with dogs. However, one review noted noise from multiple dogs at a neighboring site.

Based on 179 reviews

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Go if

You want summer alpine camping near Red River with clean facilities and don't mind highway noise.

Skip if

You need solitude during peak season or want to avoid traffic sounds from Route 38.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.4

(87)

Junebug Campground

Carson National Forest

Junebug Campground sits along the Red River in Carson National Forest, a high-elevation alpine setting where tent and RV campers share access to streamside sites and hiking trails. The Forest Service operates this seasonal campground with vault toilets, potable water, and standard amenities including fire rings and picnic tables. Anglers fish for trout steps from their sites, and fall visitors come for aspen color and elk activity during the rut.