Amole Canyon Group Shelter

Star4.26
10 reviews
Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Penasco, NM 87553
Peace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Camino Real Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Amole Canyon Group Shelter
$100.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $100 per night during peak season (May 1 - October 31). Rates do not include taxes, discounts, or incremental charges....
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
575-587-2255pschilke@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 10 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestrooms

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom State Road 68 in Ranchos de Taos, go south on 518 14.2 miles to the junction with National Forest System Road 703, go southeast on FSR703 approximately 0.4 mile to a gate locked with a coded padlock. The code will be provided to you in an email. Unlock the gate and proceed south into the group shelter parking area.
The campground is accessible via paved roads up to the junction with National Forest System Road 703, which leads to the facility. Road access is gated and requires a code for entry, provided upon reservation.
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.
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies such as groceries, fuel, automotive services, and hardware stores are available 7 miles away in Penasco. Additional options including restaurants and a nationally ranked disc golf course are available at Sipapu Ski Resort, also 7 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Amole Canyon Group Shelter

Under New Mexico's famously clear skies—which grace the canyon 81% of the time—Amole Canyon offers a spectacular climate for outdoor enthusiasts. Summer emerges as the crown jewel of camping seasons here, when moderate mountain temperatures provide the perfect escape from valley heat and minimal precipitation ensures your adventures won't be dampened. Winter transforms the landscape with occasional dustings of snow, creating a serene wonderland for those hardy souls seeking solitude. The dry mountain air keeps you comfortable year-round, making every breath feel crisp and refreshing at this elevated retreat.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in NM

Peak season; described as the crown jewel for camping with clear skies and ideal weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 31 with scenic views; fall is a good season though less highlighted than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings a 'wildflower tapestry,' but site opens May 1 so late spring access only.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed from Nov 1 to Apr 30.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 01 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 1 to October 31, closed out of season. Reservations operate on a rolling 12-month basis.
  • Current Alerts: No current warnings or advisories affecting the campground.

About Amole Canyon Group Shelter

Escape to the tranquility of Amole Canyon Group Shelter, where your large gathering can commune with nature in a private mountain sanctuary. This secluded retreat, nestled beside the Amole Canyon Day Use Area, welcomes groups of up to 100 adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Gather around the expansive group fire ring as stars emerge overhead, share meals at multiple picnic tables equipped with barbecue grills, and enjoy the simplicity of off-grid camping. While modern amenities include accessible vault toilets, this back-to-basics destination requires you to bring your own water and carry out all trash—a small price for the pristine wilderness that surrounds you.
The Amole Canyon Group Shelter primarily caters to group camping needs and does not include options for primitive, individual tent camping, or luxury accommodations.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

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.
Hiking"There are approximately 11 miles of non-motorized trails located in the Amole Canyon Day Use Area. Here, visitors can enjoy sections of the nearby South Loop Trail, with views of the Rio Pueblo Valley, and nearby Bear Mountain and Penasco Mountain." Trails vary from easy to more difficult and include scenic viewpoints.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
BikingMountain biking is popular on the non-motorized trails. Trails offer a mix of easy to more difficult paths suitable for different skill levels.
Wildlife viewingThe wooded environment and pristine meadow surrounding the campground create opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife hazards including bears; visitors should practice food storage safety. Limited cellphone service in the area.
Active AlertsNo current warnings or advisories affecting the campground.
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.

Weather at Amole Canyon Group Shelter

Reviews

4.3
10 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Amole Canyon Group Shelter is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...
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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

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...
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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....
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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