How much does camping cost at Capulin Campground?

Camping fees at Capulin Campground range from $6-$90/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Capulin Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Capulin Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All 11 sites at the campground are first-come, first-served and subject to fill patterns.

What is the best time to visit Capulin Campground?

Capulin Campground is open Peak season aligns with 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 Capulin Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Capulin Campground?

Fire policies at Capulin Campground: Campfires are allowed within grills at the campsites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Capulin Campground have?

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

Are dogs allowed at Capulin Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Capulin Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Capulin Campground?

Popular activities at Capulin Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Capulin Campground

3.00

13 reviews

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

Featured in:Hiking Camping New Mexico

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$6 - $90/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally betw...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$6 - $90/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally betw...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Capulin Campground

$6.00 - $90.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees include $12 per night for a single campsite (including parking for one vehicle), $6 per night for Senior or Access pass holders, $6 per extra...

Standard Site Fee$12.00

Group Site Fee$90.00

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USFS

Provider

(575) 587-2255

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Capulin Campground

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

Nearby places

Taos (7 miles, ~10 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be found at nearby Shady Brook stores and grocery outlets in Taos, NM (~7 miles).

Driving directionsIn Taos, NM, at the intersection of State Routes 68/585 and US Route 64, take Route 64/585 east 2.1 miles to stop sign at 'T' intersection. Turn right at intersection onto Route 64 (Enchanted Circle) and go 4.5 miles to campground on right.

The campground is accessible via paved road Route 64. However, the campground itself lacks turnarounds and is only suitable for small RVs, with travel trailers not recommended.

Weather at Capulin Campground

Best Time to Camp at Capulin Campground

Summer is the reliable window here. Mornings start cool, 30 to 45°F, and afternoons warm to the mid-60s to low 80s. July and August bring afternoon thunderstorms. The campground stays intimate most of the time, but holiday weekends fill up. Winter closes things down with snow. Spring and fall are possible but depend on snowmelt and road conditions at this elevation.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open and most reliable window; hiking and fishing popular though bugs and afternoon storms occur.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season aligns with Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, weather permitting.

About Capulin Campground

Capulin Campground sits along the Rio Fernando in Carson National Forest at 8,000 feet, offering 11 walk-in sites beneath conifers and cottonwoods. Rates run $6 to $90 per night depending on the season and site type. It's a bare-bones setup with vault toilets and picnic tables but no potable water, and the sites are close to both the creek and Highway 64.

Capulin Campground accommodates tent camping and small RVs. There are no options for group camping, glamping, or cabin stays.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the reliable window here. Mornings start cool, 30 to 45°F, and afternoons warm to the mid-60s to low 80s. July and August bring afternoon thunderstorms. The campground stays intimate most of the time, but holiday weekends fill up. Winter closes things down with snow. Spring and fall are possible but depend on snowmelt and road conditions at this elevation.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,000 feet above sea level, Capulin Campground offers the rare air and expansive views that only true mountain camping can provide. While this elevation creates spectacular stargazing opportunities and refreshingly cool nights, visitors from lower altitudes should take time to acclimate and stay well-hydrated as their bodies adjust to the thinner mountain air.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Rio Fernando cuts through this riparian corridor, creating a green strip of cottonwoods and conifers in an otherwise dry high-country landscape. The creek runs clear and cold, good for wading and fishing. Mixed conifer forest surrounds the sites, providing patchy shade. A trail leads to Ice Cave waterfall upstream. The setting is genuinely pretty, though the highway passes close enough to hear.

Geological RegionCapulin Campground occupies a precious riparian corridor within the vast Carson National Forest, where the life-giving waters of the Rio Fernando have carved out a lush oasis. This unique geological setting creates a vibrant ecosystem where mountain conifers meet riverside cottonwoods, forming a diverse habitat that showcases the dynamic interplay between water, stone, and forest that defines this remarkable corner of New Mexico's high country.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers views of the river and surrounding cottonwood trees, though its proximity to the highway limits scenic privacy.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging or accommodating facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite allows up to 8 guests.

Groups

Group camping is not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe 11 sites stretch along the river in a linear arrangement near Highway 64. They're close together, which limits privacy. The campground works for small RVs but lacks turnarounds, so larger rigs won't fit. It's a walk-in setup, so expect to carry gear a short distance from parking.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms exist for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 11 sites at the campground are first-come, first-served and subject to fill patterns.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system exists; sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for people with disabilities have not been specified in the source.

Site SizeLimited information about campsite sizes is provided. The campground is noted as being suitable for small RVs due to a lack of turn-arounds.

PrivacyPrivacy levels at campsites are moderate. User reviews mention that campsites are close together, which may limit seclusion.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesSome reviews recommend sites further from the road for less noise. Sites near the river are preferred for scenic views.

Best CampsitesReviews mention tree-lined sites right next to the creek as the most appealing. No specific site numbers are called out, but proximity to the Rio Fernando seems to be the main variable. Sites closer to the water get more of the creek sound and less of the highway noise.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Capulin Campground offers basic recreational opportunities, including fishing in the Rio Fernando de Taos and hiking on the Capulin Ice Caves Trail. The activities are suitable for campers seeking a natural outdoor experience.

Hiking

Fishing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPrimary hazards include proximity to the highway, which may pose risks for pet safety, and wildlife such as insects during buggy nights. No potable water is available.

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. Vault toilets are provided.

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 PolicyCampfires are allowed within grills at the campsites.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available at Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553. Phone: (575) 587-2255.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned, but user reviews highlight issues with garbage, implying that waste management could be better.

Water FeaturesThe Rio Fernando flows along the campground, providing opportunities for stream fishing.

Cell CoverageThe availability and quality of cell phone service are not specified in the provided information.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.0

13 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

The campground receives mixed reviews. Many reviewers appreciate the natural setting with its proximity to a creek and the availability of nearby hiking and fishing. However, some highlight issues such as noise from the nearby highway, lack of privacy between sites, and trash around the campground.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground’s natural beauty, proximity to the Rio Fernando de Taos, and its affordable rates. A reviewer noted, "This was a hidden gem!! It was only $6.00 for a lovely tree-lined...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include road noise due to the campground's proximity to the highway, lack of privacy because of close site spacing, and issues with trash and bugs. A reviewer commented, "Very close to the...

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews are unavailable, but the campground features 11 sites in total with 7 combined use and 4 dedicated for tents. Sites near the creek are particularly favored.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend this site for short stays and suggest bringing earplugs for light sleepers due to road noise. Additionally, visitors should carry their own water as potable water is not available.

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak summer months, the campground is less crowded, and day use activities such as hiking and fishing are popular. However, reviews indicate that bugs can be an issue during warmer weather.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "This was one of the nicest camping sites we have ever had. Highly recommended!" - Brian K. 2. "I liked this spot, but keep in mind that the campground runs right along the road." - Alexander...

Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The pet policy is not detailed, but one user noted the need to be careful with pets due to the campground's proximity to the road.

Based on 13 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Creek-side fishing and a $6 rate win here. Tent campers who carry their own water, pack earplugs, and can arrive early enough to grab one of the sites closest to the Rio Fernando will get the best of what this place offers. The Ice Caves Trail starts right at camp.

Skip if

Highway 64 runs close enough that reviewers specifically flag needing earplugs. Add no potable water, tight site spacing, and past trash issues including dirty diapers left on-site, and light sleepers or anyone wanting a sense of solitude should look elsewhere near Taos. Some vis

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