How much does camping cost at Fawn Lakes Campground?

Camping fees at Fawn Lakes 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 Fawn Lakes Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Fawn Lakes 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 Fawn Lakes Campground before I book?

Yes! Fawn Lakes 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 Fawn Lakes Campground?

Fawn Lakes 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 Fawn Lakes Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Fawn Lakes Campground?

Cell phone service at Fawn Lakes Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Fawn Lakes Campground have?

Fawn Lakes Campground has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fawn Lakes Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fawn Lakes 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 Fawn Lakes Campground?

Fawn Lakes 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 Fawn Lakes Campground?

Popular activities at Fawn Lakes Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Fawn Lakes Campground

4.19

180 reviews

Top 13%Summer

C+Report Card

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Camping

Quick Facts

9,803 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,803 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management Official Website

Get Directions

Fawn Lakes Campground

$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.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-245-6521camping@rrmofa.com

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Fawn Lakes Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Fawn Lakes Campground

36.7233, -105.4483

Nearby places

Red River (~3 miles, ~5 minutes drive).

Weather at Fawn Lakes Campground

Best Time to Camp at Fawn Lakes Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Fawn Lakes because high-elevation temperatures stay comfortable (daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to upper-70s °F) while nights are refreshingly cool (often dropping into the 30s–40s), making long hikes, trout fishing, mountain biking, and stargazing very pleasant. Trail networks and the Red River fishing opportunities are at their peak, wildflower displays at higher elevations and abundant wildlife sightings are common, and the campground is fully staffed/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 13% in US

Summer cited as best season: comfortable highs in the 60s–70s, popular with campers and hikers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 23 to September 11 during peak season. First-come, first-served starts September 12 to September 30, and the campground is closed from October to May.

About Fawn Lakes Campground

Fawn Lakes Campground sits in the Carson National Forest high country, operated by Recreation Resource Management with tent, RV, and primitive options for up to 14 days. The campground offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, with the Red River close by for fishing and trail access for hiking. Summer brings comfortable daytime temperatures and cool nights ideal for alpine recreation, though the campground's location near the highway means road noise is a frequent trade-off for the mountain setting.

Fawn Lakes Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and primitive camping. Group camping is not mentioned, and there are no cabin or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Fawn Lakes because high-elevation temperatures stay comfortable (daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to upper-70s °F) while nights are refreshingly cool (often dropping into the 30s–40s), making long hikes, trout fishing, mountain biking, and stargazing very pleasant. Trail networks and the Red River fishing opportunities are at their peak, wildflower displays at higher elevations and abundant wildlife sightings are common, and the campground is fully staffed/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9803 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines dominate the campground, their canopy filtering light across rocky terrain carved by the Red River. The river flows alongside camp, providing constant sound and fishing access. Two small lakes once existed within walking distance but have dried up or turned to wetland in recent seasons. The surrounding Carson National Forest landscape shows layers of geological history through canyon walls and outcroppings, with elevation creating distinct microclimates throughout the drainage.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 14 nights during a visit
14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via phone.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible vault toilets and parking areas. Pathways around the lakes have been damaged and may not be fully accessible.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating tents and RVs up to 36 feet. Specific site sizes are not provided, but larger rigs may face challenges due to tight turns.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some being closer together and others providing more seclusion. Tent sites near the river are considered more private.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesTent sites have their own loop. Sites near the river provide scenic settings but may have traffic noise.

Best CampsitesSite #8 gets consistent recommendations for its river access and seclusion. Tent sites on the loop near the river offer more privacy and natural sound than spots closer to the highway. Larger RVs may struggle with tight turns getting into some sites.

Need help booking Fawn Lakes Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Fawn Lakes Campground is located in Carson National Forest, offering visitors amenities including drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and grills/fire rings at campsites. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host. According to official sources, there are 18 family overnight sites, including three tent-only sites. User reviews highlight clean vault toilets, accessible water spigots, and dumpsters near the camping loop. However, reviews also note that the lakes near the campground are no longer functional due to flood damage.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Fawn Lakes Campground offers a range of activities including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Columbine Trailhead is within 4 miles and provides opportunities for hiking. Fishing access is available along the Red River and near the former Fawn Lakes area, despite the lakes being non-functional. Wildlife sightings include deer, hummingbirds, and blue birds. The campground’s proximity to Red River also provides cultural and recreational options.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided instead.

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.

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

Rate Fawn Lakes Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.2

180 reviews

Satisfactory

Fawn Lakes Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews provide a mixed sentiment about Fawn Lakes Campground. Guests appreciate the clean facilities, friendly hosts, and proximity to the Red River and town of Red River. Complaints include issues with campground hosts, dried-up lakes, and campsite proximity to the road. Overall, the campground maintains positive ratings for the natural beauty and camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 180 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 180 reviews.

Site #8Loved
Site #8 is highly recommended for tent camping due to its proximity to the river and relative privacy.
Site #1Loved
Site #1 also received strong praise for its location and suitability for larger groups.

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, accessible water spigots, proximity to the Red River, friendly camp hosts (in most reviews), and serene camping atmosphere. Wildlife sightings and fishing opportunities also...

Based on 180 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints often center on rude or unprofessional behavior from some hosts, road noise, dried-up lakes, and the proximity of campsites to one another. Some guests reported theft incidents and issues...

Based on 180 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing warm clothes for cold nights, locking up belongings due to potential theft, and preparing for fishing along the Red River rather than relying on the lakes. Sites closer to...

Based on 180 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular for camping due to the campground’s accessibility and proximity to hiking trails and fishing spots. Winter camping is possible but lacks amenities. Fire...

Based on 180 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground host did an excellent job maintaining the area." "Vault toilets were so clean they smelled like a nice hotel!" "The lakes are gone, but tent camping was good and the campground was...

Based on 180 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and parking areas are available. However, pathways around the lakes are damaged and may not be fully accessible.

Based on 180 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews for pet-friendliness. Some guests reported negative experiences with hosts regarding pets, while others enjoyed camping with their furry companions near the river.

Based on 180 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Fawn Lakes Campground

$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.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-245-6521camping@rrmofa.com

Go if

You want high-elevation summer camping with fishing and hiking access and can tolerate road noise.

Skip if

You need a quiet, secluded site away from traffic sounds.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.5

(179)

Elephant Rock Campground

Carson National Forest

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.

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

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.

Cabresto Lake Campground

5 miles northeast of Questa on Forest Road 134 then 2 miles north on Forest Service Road 134A

Cabresto Lake Campground sits at 9,500 feet in Carson National Forest, offering just four semi-dispersed sites above a 15-acre alpine lake near Questa. The small site count means real seclusion, though afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. No fees listed, but expect primitive conditions: vault toilet, no water, and a rough access road that requires high clearance.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.7

(239)

Columbine Campground (Nm)

null

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.

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

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.

$6.00 - $60.00 / night

184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556

Twining Campground sits in an aspen grove at 9,500 feet in Carson National Forest, offering four small tent sites plus informal RV parking nearby. It's a first-come, first-served spot that trades amenities and privacy for immediate access to the Bull of the Woods Trailhead and proximity to Taos Ski Valley.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556

Cuchilla Campground sits along the Rio Hondo in Carson National Forest at 7,800 feet elevation. The campground has just three sites that can fit trailers or RVs up to 22 feet. Picnic tables are provided. Bring your own drinking water.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

4.1

(20)

Cuchillo Del Medio Campground

Carson National Forest

Cuchillo Del Medio sits in a steep-walled canyon along the Rio Hondo in Carson National Forest, 8,058 feet up. The campground has 10 sites for tents, RVs, and primitive camping, all free with a two-week stay limit. No water or garbage service, and about half the sites won't accommodate larger RVs or trailers.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

El Aguaje Campground is a small, semi‑primitive BLM site on a high plateau with panoramic views of the Red River Canyon and the Rio Grande Gorge. The campground has seven gravel sites with large covered pavilions and basic amenities (vault toilets, picnic tables, grills, fire rings) but no potable water at the sites and is relatively remote.

$7.00 - $7.00 / night

Less Visited

4.0

(31)

Lower Hondo Campground

Carson National Forest

Lower Hondo Campground sits along Highway 150 in Carson National Forest at 7,864 feet, where the Rio Hondo runs through a narrow canyon flanked by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This small, first-come campground has three official sites with vault toilets and direct access to the Columbine-Hondo and Wheeler Peak wilderness areas. You can camp next to the river for free, but expect road noise.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Perched on the dramatic rim of the Rio Grande gorge, Big Arsenic Springs offers adventurous campers a front-row seat to one of New Mexico's most spectacular natural amphitheaters. This well-maintained BLM campground keeps things refreshingly simple—vault toilets, spacious sites, and those jaw-dropping canyon views that make you forget you ever needed Wi-Fi. For ultimate solitude, venture past the day-use area where a few especially secluded sites await.

RVs

21.444 km

$3.50 - $7.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.7

(32)

Little Arsenic Springs Campground

Perched on the dramatic rim of the Rio Grande Gorge within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, this intimate BLM campground delivers some of New Mexico's most spectacular canyon views from just five well-spaced sites. Each spot comes equipped with a shade ramada, picnic table, and grill, while vault toilets serve the campground and trails lead adventurous souls down into the gorge itself.

Campgrounds you may also like

Frequently Visited

4.7

(239)

Columbine Campground (Nm)

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

$6.00 - $60.00 / night

Frequently Visited

3.9

(157)

Hopewell Lake Campground

Carson National Forest

Hopewell Lake Campground sits at 9,500 feet in Carson National Forest, operated by Recreation Resource Management of America. The mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites around a 14-acre alpine lake on the Continental Divide Trail. Summer brings reliable access, trout fishing, and spacious sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

$24.00 - $125.00 / night

Less Visited

3.5

(13)

Canjilon Lakes Campground

State Road 115, Building 358, Canjilon, NM 87515

Canjilon Lakes Campground sits at 9,900 feet in Carson National Forest, offering 11 primitive sites tucked into dense spruce forest near three alpine lakes. The tight single-loop layout keeps the experience intimate, with fees running $5-10 per night and summer-only access from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campgrounds

Fawn Lakes Campground

C+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 39% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 108 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A-.Staff & hosts
Grade A-.Bugs & weather
Grade B+.Getting there

Watch-outs

Grade D.Rules & policies
Grade D.Booking
Grade C-.Facilities

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how New Mexico grades overall

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Fawn Lakes Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

About the campground

The elevation is 8,500 ft. The campground stretches out along Red River with waterfront sites. There are two sections. The first section is a loop for both tent and RV campers. The second section, sites 8 through 12, is a spur with sites better suited to tent and slide-in pick-up campers. It is convenient to State Rt. 38 and day trips on the Enchanted Circle and the town of Red River. The sound of the river can be heard throughout the campground. Ponderosa pine dominate the campground with a mixture of fir and spruce. The understory is grass and open which limits privacy between sites to fair. The nearby Fawn Lakes (3 little ponds) offer bank fishing only. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend - weather dependent

Facilities

Hot showers are available, for a fee, at the private River Ranch campground, located just west of Red River on State Rt. 38.

RV information

The parking aprons are gravel. An RV waste station with potable water is available for a fee at the private River Ranch campground on State Rt.38 just west of Red River.

Directions

From Red River, NM, take State Rt. 38 west 2.6 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

National Forest: Carson National Forest
Ranger District: Questa
Elevation: 8500
Rate: $18 per day
Maximum Stay: 14

Explore related camping guides

Fawn Lakes Campground appears in our curated guides. Explore more top-rated campgrounds for the same activities and regions.

Pet-Friendly Camping