How much does camping cost at Santa Barbara Campground?

Camping fees at Santa Barbara Campground range from $30-$80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Santa Barbara Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Campground before I book?

Yes! Santa Barbara Campground 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 Santa Barbara Campground?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Santa Barbara Campground?

Fire policies at Santa Barbara 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.

How many campsites does Santa Barbara Campground have?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Campground?

Santa Barbara Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Santa Barbara Campground?

Popular activities at Santa Barbara Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Santa Barbara Campground

4.29

154 reviews

Top 14%Summer

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$30 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

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

8,900 ft

Price

$30 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Santa Barbara Campground

$30.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP RV AREA NONELECTRIC: $80.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-469771: $80.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-469774: $50.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$70.00

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Provider

435-245-6521camping@rrmofa.com

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Campground Map

Santa Barbara Campground

36.0891, -105.6101

Nearby places

Taos, NM (25 miles north), Penasco (8-15 miles away)

Weather at Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best access and conditions at this high-elevation site: trails are free of deep snow, campground services are staffed/open during the official season (May 23–Sept 11), and daytime temperatures are comfortable for all activities (typically mid-50s to mid-70s°F, nights dropping into the 30s–40s). This is prime time for hiking to Jicarita Peak, trout fishing on the Rio Santa Barbara, and reliable wildlife viewing under full alpine foliage. Crowds tend to be moderate — busy on July Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in US

Official season and most popular time; cool summer temps and full hiking/fishing access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opening and closing dates are weather permitting, please call 928-537-8888 for more information.

About Santa Barbara Campground

Santa Barbara Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Carson National Forest, operated by Recreation Resource Management of America. The small facility offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with water hookups and vault toilets, serving as a base for hiking to Jicarita Peak and wildlife viewing. Reviewers praise the scenery and maintained facilities but note occasional cattle intrusion and generator noise during the seasonal operating window.

Santa Barbara Campground provides a variety of camping options, including primitive, RV, tent, and group sites. It is noted for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Pecos Wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best access and conditions at this high-elevation site: trails are free of deep snow, campground services are staffed/open during the official season (May 23–Sept 11), and daytime temperatures are comfortable for all activities (typically mid-50s to mid-70s°F, nights dropping into the 30s–40s). This is prime time for hiking to Jicarita Peak, trout fishing on the Rio Santa Barbara, and reliable wildlife viewing under full alpine foliage. Crowds tend to be moderate — busy on July Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transition zone where montane and subalpine ecosystems meet. Spruce and fir dominate the canopy, with aspens adding shimmer in summer and gold in fall. The Rio Santa Barbara winds through the landscape, clear enough to spot trout from the bank. At this elevation, the forest creates a patchwork of textures: dense conifers, groves of quaking aspen, and open meadows where wildlife graze. Views extend to Jicarita Peak and the surrounding valleys. The beauty comes with a catch: cattle wander freely through camp, a detail several reviewers mention with varying degrees of annoyance.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations available. Camping is the primary lodging option.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs in the authoritative source or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Capacity varies based on site type (single, double, triple, quad).

Groups

The campground features two quad sites, each with four tables and a fire ring, suitable for group camping.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsAvailable through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not specifically detailed in the authoritative source or user reviews.

Site SizeThe campground offers diverse site sizes: single, double, triple, and quad sites. Site 001, for example, is labeled as triple occupancy and features six parking spaces.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some reviews note well-spaced sites, while others mention crowding and limited space between sites.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid Site 005 due to poor layout; choose back-in sites for easier access.

Best CampsitesSite 001 gets frequent mentions for its triple occupancy setup and six parking spaces arranged in an L-shape that provides some privacy. Site 014 sits close enough to the river to hear water sounds from your tent. Site 013 also draws praise, though specifics vary. Avoid Site 005: it's unlevel with a steep embankment that makes setup frustrating. Several reviewers note that spacing varies across the campground, with some sites feeling cramped when neighbors arrive.

Need help booking Santa Barbara Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Santa Barbara Campground offers a variety of essential amenities to enhance the camping experience. The campground features 15 single sites, two double sites, one triple site, and two quad sites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets, drinking water from faucets, and trash removal services are available. There are no horse facilities on-site. User reviews frequently mention the clean restrooms, with one user describing them as 'super clean' and another stating, 'Bathrooms and vault toilets were impeccably clean.' The area is shaded by a mix of spruce, fir, and aspen trees, providing a comfortable environment even during summer.

Potable water

Water hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Santa Barbara Campground offers a wide range of activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping. The campground serves as a gateway to the Pecos Wilderness and offers easy access to trails leading to Jicarita Peak. Fishing is particularly highlighted, with one user mentioning '5 miles of prime fly fishing water' adjacent to the campground. Another review describes the hiking trails as 'amazing and a must.'

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThe campground does not have flush toilets; instead, vault toilets are available and are frequently described as clean and well-maintained.

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).

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

4.3

154 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to recreational activities. However, concerns include livestock wandering through the campground and occasional overcrowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 154 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 154 reviews.

Site 001Loved
Site 001 is praised for its spaciousness and proximity to water.
Site 005Issues noted
Site 005 is criticized for its steep embankment and limited flat space.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the 'beautiful scenery,' 'clean and well-maintained facilities,' and 'excellent hiking and fishing opportunities.'

Based on 154 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include livestock intrusions ('cows wandering through the campground'), lack of potable water at times, and occasional overcrowding or noise ('too many people, too many cars, too...

Based on 154 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing sufficient water due to the unreliable potable water supply and being prepared for livestock in the area. Reviewers also recommend specific sites such as 001, 013, and 014 for...

Based on 154 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season due to the cooler temperatures and availability of hiking and fishing. However, some users note overcrowding during peak times.

Based on 154 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Bathrooms and vault toilets were impeccably clean.' - '5 miles of prime fly fishing water from the site. It was amazing countryside.' - 'Cows wandering through the campground left cow crap...

Based on 154 reviews