Cabresto Lake Campground

Star4.39
72 reviews
5 miles northeast of Questa on Forest Road 134 then 2 miles north on Forest Service Road 134A
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

May - November (weat...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Questa Ranger District site

Official Website
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Cabresto Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There are no fees listed for Cabresto Lake Campground.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(575) 586-0520
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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 72 reviews

68 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikinglake

"Users appreciate the campground's scenic views, seclusion, and access to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. However, concerns include the condition of the vault toilet, rodent activity, and difficult road access."

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Campground Map

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

Cabresto Lake Campground

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

Driving directions5 miles northeast of Questa on Forest Road 134 then 2 miles north on Forest Service Road 134A. The last 2 miles on Forest Road 134A are on a primitive road.
Primitive road conditions for the last 2 miles; requires high-clearance or 4WD vehicles during wet or icy conditions.
Nearby places
Questa (5 miles, approximately 10-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Questa is the nearest location for groceries, fuel, and camping supplies
approximately 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Cabresto Lake Campground

Summer days at Cabresto Lake unfold with warm sunshine and temperatures reaching into the 80s, perfect for hiking and exploring. As evening approaches, the mountain air cools to a refreshing 50 degrees, ideal for campfire conversations. Be prepared for nature's dramatic afternoon performances—sudden thunderstorms can sweep through with rain, hail, and temporary mud, adding excitement to your high-altitude adventure. When winter arrives, this landscape transforms into a frozen wonderland where temperatures plunge to single digits and deep snow blankets the forest in pristine white silence.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm days, fishing and hiking; reviewers note peak summer use and good conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Likely excellent fall scenery and solitude; fewer explicit reviews but setting supports high appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens in May; spring conditions variable with snowmelt—access and conditions may be mixed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is open May–November; generally closed in winter (call ahead).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No specific peak season pricing dates are mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May - November (weather dependent; call ahead)
  • Current Alerts: No current active alerts are mentioned.

About Cabresto Lake Campground

Tucked away at 9,500 feet in the Carson National Forest, Cabresto Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with just four semi-dispersed campsites that promise genuine solitude. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers from May through November, where the simplicity of minimal amenities allows the stunning mountain landscape to take center stage. Here, you'll wake to mirror-like reflections of towering peaks on the lake's surface and fall asleep under a blanket of stars undimmed by city lights.
Cabresto Lake Campground primarily caters to tent camping, with its semi-dispersed sites and primitive setup. RVs may find access challenging due to the rough road conditions.
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Stay Limit
No explicit stay limits are stated.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cabresto Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The campground's proximity to Cabresto Lake and the Latir Peak Wilderness makes it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
HikingThe Lake Fork Trail, which begins at the campground's parking lot, leads into the Latir Peak Wilderness and extends to Heart Lake. This 4-mile-long trail offers opportunities for solitude and scenic views, as noted by Jeremiah Cooper.
FishingCabresto Lake is renowned for its brook trout, making it one of the few locations in New Mexico for such fishing. Jeremiah Cooper highlighted the lake as 'a gem' and recommended fly fishing with hopper patterns during the summer.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed on Cabresto Lake. However, there is no hand launch access, and boats must be carried down a steep slope. The largest recommended craft are single-person kayaks or inflatables.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant at the campground. Amanda & Jerry Harper mentioned being 'very popular with the wildlife' during their picnic, and Leah B. noted the presence of mice, chipmunks, and squirrels.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRodents like mice, chipmunks, and squirrels are abundant and require careful food storage to avoid attracting them. There is also a risk of Hantavirus.
Active AlertsNo current active alerts are mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cabresto Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
72 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Cabresto Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users appreciate the campground's scenic views, seclusion, and access to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. However, concerns include the condition of the vault toilet, rodent activity, and difficult road access.
Review Summaries
Based on 72 reviews

What Campers Love

Stunning views, seclusion, excellent fishing (brook trout), and access to hiking trails are frequently praised. Leah B. noted the 'spectacular views' and Jeremiah Cooper described the lake as 'a gem.'
Based on 72 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues highlighted include 'disgusting' vault toilets (Leah B.), rodent activity, and the challenging road leading to the campground. The road requires high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles, as...
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Based on 72 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water; pack out all trash; secure food to prevent rodent issues. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for the drive. Avoid the road in wet conditions. Fly fishing with hopper...
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Based on 72 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for fishing and hiking, but heavy day traffic is noted. Winter activities include ice fishing. Weather can be unpredictable, with Leah B. reporting hail and rain during her stay.
Based on 72 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The views from our campsite, which sat the top of the NW hill, were spectacular.' - Leah B. 2. 'Cabresto Lake is a gem in the mountains of Northern New Mexico near Red River.' - Jeremiah...
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Based on 72 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Leah B. praised the campsite on the NW hill for its spectacular views, while others highlighted the semi-dispersed setup. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 72 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 72 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Leah B. mentioned camping with two dogs and noted the rodent activity drove the dogs 'nuts.'
Based on 72 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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