How much does camping cost at Canjilon Lakes Campground?

Camping fees at Canjilon Lakes Campground range from $5-$10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Canjilon Lakes Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Canjilon Lakes Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served due to no reservation system.

What is the best time to visit Canjilon Lakes Campground?

Canjilon Lakes Campground is open Summer (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend).. 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 Canjilon Lakes Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Canjilon Lakes Campground?

Fire policies at Canjilon Lakes Campground: Fire rules not explicitly mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Canjilon Lakes Campground have?

Canjilon Lakes Campground has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Canjilon Lakes Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Canjilon Lakes Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Canjilon Lakes Campground?

Canjilon Lakes Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Canjilon Lakes Campground?

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

Canjilon Lakes Campground

3.54

13 reviews

State Road 115, Building 358, Canjilon, NM 87515

Quick Facts

9,900 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,900 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Canjilon Lakes Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $10 per night Extra Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle Day Use: $5 per day per vehicle

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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USFS

Provider

(575) 684-2489

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

State Road 115, Building 358, Canjilon, NM 87515

Canjilon Lakes Campground

State Road 115, Building 358, Canjilon, NM 87515

Nearby places

Cebolla: ~14.5 miles (~25 minutes), Abiquiu: ~12 miles (~20 minutes), Ghost Ranch: ~12 miles (~20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and other essentials are available in nearby towns such as Cebolla (~25 minutes) and Abiquiu (~20 minutes).

Driving directionsFrom Cebolla, NM, take US Rt. 84 south 3.5 miles to State Rt. 115 (Canjilon Lakes/Canjilon) signs. Turn left onto Rt. 115 and go 3.3 miles to Canjilon Lake sign (County Rt. 280). Turn left onto Rt. 280 and go 7.6 miles to Canjilon Lake sign (Forest Rt. 129). Turn left onto Rt. 129 (paved) and go 3.4 miles to campground on left. NOTE: County Rt. 280 becomes dirt after 3.2 miles at which time it becomes Forest Rt. 559.

Road access is mixed. Forest Road 129 is paved but partially seasonal, closed from January 1 - April 30. County Rt. 280 transitions to unpaved dirt after 3.2 miles, becoming Forest Rt. 559, which may pose challenges for certain vehicles.

Weather at Canjilon Lakes Campground

Current alert: Forest Road 129 (Alkali Spring Rd.) is closed to motorized travel Jan. 1 - Apr. 30.

Best Time to Camp at Canjilon Lakes Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime temps in the 55-70°F range and nights dropping into the 30s-40s. July through early September sees the lakes fully filled from snowmelt and the best fishing windows, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Wildflowers peak in the meadows during this stretch. Holiday weekends pull the biggest crowds. Winter buries the campground under heavy snow and closes all access.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open Memorial Day–Labor Day; best weather (55–70°F days), lakes full July–early Sept, peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, weather-dependent.

About Canjilon Lakes Campground

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.

The campground offers traditional camping opportunities, with a focus on tent camping. There are no RV or group-designated sites, and accommodations are primitive.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime temps in the 55-70°F range and nights dropping into the 30s-40s. July through early September sees the lakes fully filled from snowmelt and the best fishing windows, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Wildflowers peak in the meadows during this stretch. Holiday weekends pull the biggest crowds. Winter buries the campground under heavy snow and closes all access.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,900 feet above sea level, Canjilon Lakes delivers the quintessential high-altitude camping experience. Here, the air is crisp and thin, the sun feels closer, and spectacular vistas unfold in every direction—a true sky island where summer temperatures remain blissfully cool even as the valleys below swelter.

Natural Features and SceneryDense spruce forest surrounds three alpine lakes connected by a stream at this high-elevation pocket of the Southern Rockies. The forest provides moderate privacy between sites, and the lakes reflect the surrounding peaks on calm mornings. Lower Canjilon Lake sits closest to camp and draws the most fishing activity. Reviewers mention fallen birch trees scattered through the area, evidence of ongoing forest change at this altitude.

Geological RegionCarved into the heart of Carson National Forest at 9,900 feet, Canjilon Lakes occupies a spectacular pocket of the Southern Rockies where ancient geological forces created the perfect canvas for nature's artistry. Dense spruce forests cloak the mountainsides, while three jewel-like lakes and their connecting stream tell the story of glacial sculpting and countless seasons of snowmelt—a testament to the enduring power of water and time in this magnificent high-country landscape.

Scenic ViewsTwo campsites offer views of Lower Canjilon Lake.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings or cabins at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no formal cultural or educational programs offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific time mentioned.

Check-out

No specific time mentioned.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit guest limit mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites circle a tight single loop with room for small vehicles and tents. Large RVs won't fit the pull-through spaces. The dense spruce canopy provides moderate privacy despite the compact arrangement.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations are not available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served due to no reservation system.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations needed; cancellation policy does not apply.

AccessibilityThere are no wheelchair-accessible toilets, and accessibility features are limited.

Site SizeCampsites are laid out in a tight single loop, with space for small vehicles and tents. Pull-through sites are not suitable for large RVs.

PrivacyThe campground’s layout in a tight single loop and dense spruce forest provides moderate privacy.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors seeking lake views should choose sites near Lower Canjilon Lake.

Best CampsitesTwo sites offer views of Lower Canjilon Lake and fill first. One reviewer specifically called out the fishing quality at Lower Canjilon, so proximity matters if you're bringing a rod.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Canjilon Lakes Campground provides a mix of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground is situated beside the 4-acre Lower Canjilon Lake, which is stocked with rainbow trout. Recreational opportunities extend to the Middle and Upper Canjilon Lakes nearby.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife, fallen trees, and challenging road conditions on unpaved sections.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

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.

Fire PolicyFire rules not explicitly mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Silent hours not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesCanjilon Ranger District (Temporarily closed), nearest general emergency services are likely in Cebolla or Abiquiu.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near Lower Canjilon Lake (4 acres). Middle and Upper Canjilon Lakes are located further along Forest Rt. 129.

Cell CoverageNo specific information about cell phone service availability at the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.5

13 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Canjilon Lakes Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground has received mixed reviews. While the fishing and scenic location were praised, some reviewers commented on the need for better maintenance and concerns about the surrounding forest's recovery.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback highlights excellent fishing at Lower Canjilon Lake and the scenic beauty of the location. One reviewer noted, "Fishing was great."

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the campground's need for cleanup and the degraded state of the surrounding forest. One reviewer remarked that the area was "mostly fallen or felled birch trees."

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The two sites overlooking Lower Canjilon Lake are particularly noted for their views. The pull-through sites are not suitable for large RVs.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to bring their own water as there is no potable water available on site. Early arrivals may be necessary to secure the best sites, especially those near the lake.

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is best enjoyed in late spring through early fall, aligning with its seasonal opening. Visitors noted that the area might be less desirable during the pandemic due...

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fishing was great. Campgrounds need to be cleaned up." "The campground is mostly fallen or felled birch trees around which a tiny forest is trying to recover."

Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No details about pet policies or experiences with pets were mentioned.

Based on 13 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Tent campers and canoe fishers who arrive early on a weekday: the two sites overlooking Lower Canjilon Lake go fast, and at $10 a night with rainbow trout stocked right outside camp, the value is hard to beat for a high-elevation escape.

Skip if

No potable water on site is a real logistical hurdle, reviewers flag maintenance problems and stretches of fallen birch that give the forest a ragged feel, and anyone expecting a manicured experience will leave disappointed.

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