Is Amole Canyon Group Shelter first-come first-served or reservation?

Amole Canyon Group Shelter 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 Amole Canyon Group Shelter before I book?

Yes! Amole Canyon Group Shelter has 8 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.

What is the best time to visit Amole Canyon Group Shelter?

Amole Canyon Group Shelter is open Open from May 1 to October 31, closed out of season. Reservations operate on a rolling 12-month basis.. 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 Amole Canyon Group Shelter?

Amole Canyon Group Shelter does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Amole Canyon Group Shelter have?

Amole Canyon Group Shelter has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Amole Canyon Group Shelter?

Yes, pets are allowed at Amole Canyon Group Shelter. 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 Amole Canyon Group Shelter?

Amole Canyon Group Shelter offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Amole Canyon Group Shelter?

Popular activities at Amole Canyon Group Shelter include Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Amole Canyon Group Shelter

3.46

10 reviews

Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Penasco, NM 87553

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Amole Canyon Group Shelter

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$100.00

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Provider

575-587-2255pschilke@fs.fed.us

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Penasco, NM 87553

Amole Canyon Group Shelter

Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Penasco, NM 87553

Nearby places

7 miles to Penasco

7 miles to Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort

8 miles to Southern Methodist University Taos Campus

11 miles to Picuris Pueblo

15 miles to Taos

15 miles to Santa Barbara Trailhead

20 miles to Serpent Lake Trailhead and Jicarita Peak

20 miles to Taos Pueblo

30 miles to Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

Weather at Amole Canyon Group Shelter

Best Time to Camp at Amole Canyon Group Shelter

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the warmest daytime mountain temperatures, and the fullest range of activities for large groups—hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and spectacular star‑filled nights. Expect daytime highs generally in the mid‑60s to low‑80s°F (about 18–28°C) and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C); afternoons can bring brief monsoon thunderstorms (July–September) so plan day hikes early. Crowd levels peak on summer weekends and holiday weeks, but the site’s group‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers most reliable access, comfortable temps, and full range of activities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from May 1 to October 31, closed out of season. Reservations operate on a rolling 12-month basis.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Amole Canyon Group Shelter

Amole Canyon Group Shelter sits high in the Carson National Forest near Penasco, operated by the Camino Real Ranger District for group reservations only. This alpine site offers privacy and scenic mountain surroundings for large gatherings, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but no water or trash service. Summer brings the most reliable access and comfortable temperatures for mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and climbing.

The Amole Canyon Group Shelter primarily caters to group camping needs and does not include options for primitive, individual tent camping, or luxury accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the warmest daytime mountain temperatures, and the fullest range of activities for large groups—hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and spectacular star‑filled nights. Expect daytime highs generally in the mid‑60s to low‑80s°F (about 18–28°C) and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C); afternoons can bring brief monsoon thunderstorms (July–September) so plan day hikes early. Crowd levels peak on summer weekends and holiday weeks, but the site’s group‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8400 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryTall ponderosa pines surround the site and frame views of the meadow below. The forest sits on a well-drained plateau at 8,400 feet, with peaks from the region's volcanic past visible in the distance. Wildlife passes through regularly. Reviewers describe the area as beautiful and very private. Nearby trails access views of the Rio Pueblo Valley and Bear, Penasco, and Picuris Mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging accommodations such as hotels or cabins are available at the site.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural and educational programs are not offered directly at this site.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 100 guests allowed at group shelter.

Groups

Group camping accommodates up to 100 people with designated parking areas for up to 20 vehicles, including spots surfaced with gravel or pavement for RVs or trailers.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, including its website and contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and picnic shelters are available, along with paved walkways providing ease of access to vital facilities.

Site SizeThe site accommodates group camping for up to 100 people. Parking spots are either paved or gravel, with spaces for single vehicles or RVs.

PrivacyThe campground offers privacy, as it is surrounded by tall ponderosa pine trees and overlooks a meadow. The solitude is further enhanced by the exclusive nature of the group facility.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for organized groups such as scout troops or church camps. Visitors should bring sufficient water and supplies due to lack of services.

Need help booking Amole Canyon Group Shelter?

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

The Amole Canyon Group Shelter is equipped with amenities designed for group camping and day-use, offering gated access, twin barbecue grills, picnic tables, and a group-sized fire ring. Accessible twin vault toilets are available with paved paths leading to the shelter. However, the campground lacks potable water and trash services, requiring visitors to bring their own water and pack out trash. Gravel and paved parking spots accommodate up to 20 vehicles, including RVs or camp trailers. All parking is designated and surfaced.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Amole Canyon Group Shelter

Amole Canyon Group Shelter offers diverse recreational opportunities for visitors. Approximately 11 miles of non-motorized trails located in the Amole Canyon Day Use Area support activities such as hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Trails are rated from easy to more difficult, with scenic views of the Rio Pueblo Valley, Bear Mountain, Penasco Mountain, and Picuris Mountain. The nearby motorized trail system also provides access to adventure enthusiasts.

Hiking4.0/5

About 11 miles of non-motorized trails in the Amole Canyon Day Use Area nearby.

Biking4.0/5Top 6% in New Mexico

Mountain biking is popular on the non-motorized trails; trails range easy to difficult.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Winter Activities3.0/5

Site closed Nov–Apr, but nearby trails support snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Climbing2.0/5

No rock-climbing features mentioned; volcanic peaks visible at distance only.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (8,400 ft), remote and private setting implies good dark-sky potential.

Photography4.0/5Framed meadow views, tall pines, and distant volcanic peaks make for strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.5

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Amole Canyon Group Shelter has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, the campground receives positive feedback for its privacy, cleanliness, and scenic beauty. Specific complaints include minor maintenance issues, such as a broken restroom seat hinge.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate "Very private," "Beautiful," and "Clean restrooms," as well as the availability of dead wood for fires and clean charcoal grills. The scenic surroundings are favored for group...

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

"Men's toilet had one seat hinge broken" and "Split rail fence had a small section damaged where a tree had fallen across it" were noted as minor issues by reviewers.

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews are sparse, but campers appreciated the privacy and facilities at campsite: 1, Loop: A.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to pack sufficient water as there is no potable water available on-site. It's also recommended to keep a clean camp and store all food items securely to avoid attracting bears.

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground operates seasonally from May 1 to October 31. Winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are supported by nearby trails during the off-season, but the site is...

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very private. Beautiful. Clean restrooms. Men's toilet had one seat hinge broken. Split rail fence had a small section damaged where a tree had fallen across it. Plenty of dead wood for fires....

Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and picnic shelters are appreciated by users. Paved paths make the campground suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed at the campground. No explicit issues or restrictions for pet owners were noted in the reviews.

Based on 10 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Amole Canyon Group Shelter

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$100.00

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

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

575-587-2255pschilke@fs.fed.us

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