Cuchillo Del Medio Campground

4.56

20 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

8,058 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

April - December (we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Carson National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,058 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

April - December (we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Carson National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Cuchillo Del Medio Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

"These sites are free and you can stay for up to two weeks consecutively." (user review); "$0" (official source)

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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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 20 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulshadehikingsites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"Overall, users appreciate the peaceful setting and proximity to outdoor activities, though they note limitations such as the lack of water and garbage services."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Cuchillo Del Medio Campground

36.5605, -105.5325

Driving directions13 miles northeast of Taos via NM 522 & 150

"One of three small sites on paved road to Taos Ski Valley..." (official source); "easy to find on the road to Taos Ski Valley. The speed limit is 30 mph most of the way." (user review)

Nearby places

Taos (13 miles northeast)

Best Time to Camp at Cuchillo Del Medio Campground

Experience nature's full spectrum at Cuchillo Del Medio, where each season paints the landscape with its own dramatic palette. Summer nights offer that perfect camping sweet spot—cool enough for cozy sleeping bags yet mild enough for evening stargazing by the river. As one visitor noted, the nighttime temperatures create ideal conditions for restful sleep, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the strong stream nearby. Winter transforms this riverside retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland, where only the heartiest adventurers venture to experience the raw beauty of the frozen landscape. Spring and fall provide spectacular transitions, with wildflowers or changing aspens adding splashes of color to your camping experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in NM

Summer nights are comfortable and river flow is strongest — peak season for camping activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Cooler temperatures and scenic fall colors implied; still good access and quieter conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open in spring but some facilities (pit toilet) may be closed; conditions variable early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Site generally closed in winter (open Apr–Dec); limited/unsafe access in winter months.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: April - December (weather dependent; call ahead)

About Cuchillo Del Medio Campground

Tucked away in the pristine Carson National Forest, Cuchillo Del Medio Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This dispersed camping gem sits alongside the melodious Rio Hondo river, where the gentle rush of water creates nature's perfect soundtrack for your outdoor retreat. Gateway to both the mysterious Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Study Area and the majestic Wheeler Peak Wilderness, this tranquil haven offers the rare combination of riverside serenity and backcountry access that seasoned campers dream about. While amenities remain refreshingly minimal, the rewards are immense for those who appreciate unspoiled nature at its finest.

Cuchillo Del Medio Campground caters to dispersed camping with minimal facilities and is suitable for a mix of tent and RV camping, though some areas may require high-clearance vehicles.

Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's full spectrum at Cuchillo Del Medio, where each season paints the landscape with its own dramatic palette. Summer nights offer that perfect camping sweet spot—cool enough for cozy sleeping bags yet mild enough for evening stargazing by the river. As one visitor noted, the nighttime temperatures create ideal conditions for restful sleep, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the strong stream nearby. Winter transforms this riverside retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland, where only the heartiest adventurers venture to experience the raw beauty of the frozen landscape. Spring and fall provide spectacular transitions, with wildflowers or changing aspens adding splashes of color to your camping experience.

Natural Features and SceneryMother Nature has crafted a masterpiece at Cuchillo Del Medio, where towering valley walls embrace the crystal-clear Rio Hondo as it dances through a cathedral of trees. This cool, clear mountain stream serves as the campground's centerpiece, offering both a refreshing respite on warm days and a constant companion with its peaceful babbling. Dense forests carpet the steep valley sides, creating intimate camping spots beneath protective canopies while framing dramatic views of the surrounding wilderness. The interplay of water, stone, and forest creates an ever-changing canvas that transforms with each shift of light throughout the day.

Geological RegionCarved by millennia of flowing water, Cuchillo Del Medio rests in a dramatic steep-walled valley that showcases the geological wonders of the Carson National Forest. The Rio Hondo has sculpted this narrow corridor through ancient rock, creating a natural amphitheater that amplifies the river's voice and shelters campers from the wider world. This unique topography not only provides stunning scenery but also creates distinct microclimates and ecosystems that make every turn of the trail a new discovery.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

"Stay for up to two weeks consecutively." (user review)

Groups

Group camping facilities are not mentioned in the sources.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThere are kinda two areas of it that you can't drive between; two different driveways if you will." (user review)

Walk-in AvailabilityBe ready to have a plan B on campgrounds." (user review)

AccessibilityThere is no specific information regarding accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe sites are primarily small, with some reviews indicating limited suitability for larger vehicles like motorhomes: 'Half of the sites are not accessible with a motorhome, trailer, or car.

PrivacyThe campsites offer a moderate level of privacy, with the campground nestled in a steep valley. Reviewers appreciated the 'shade and riverside ambient noise.' However, the proximity to the road means occasional vehicle noise.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSouthern area has shade and riverside ambient noise.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides access to various outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and picnicking, as well as proximity to scenic driving routes.

HikingNumerous trails into the Columbine-Hondo and Wheeler Peak Wilderness areas are accessible from the campground. One user mentioned: 'Allows easy access to Wheeler Peak hike.'

FishingThe Rio Hondo runs alongside the campground and offers fishing opportunities. A user review stated: 'Water is easy to get to.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as beavers and bears can be observed in the area. One user highlighted: 'Cool and clear water with beaver sign everywhere. Look out for bears.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Look out for bears and no fires of any kind!" (user review). Users note the steep driveways and the need for vehicles with ground clearance.

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

Weather at Cuchillo Del Medio Campground

Reviews

4.6

20 reviews

Top-Rated

Cuchillo Del Medio Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users appreciate the peaceful setting and proximity to outdoor activities, though they note limitations such as the lack of water and garbage services.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

- Easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots - Peaceful setting with sounds of the river - Some shaded sites with picnic tables - Free camping, with a stay limit of two weeks - Proximity to...

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of potable water and garbage services - Limited accessibility for motorhomes and trailers - Road noise from the nearby highway - Pit toilet availability can be seasonal - Sites may require...

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring all the water you need, as there is none on site - Consider the steep driveways when choosing a site, especially for larger vehicles - Be prepared for limited facilities and pack out all...

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring: Some facilities like the pit toilet may be closed during off-season (e.g., mid-May). Summer: Temperatures are comfortable at night, and the river is at its strongest flow. Fall: Cooler...

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'This campground is small but each site has a picnic table.' - Caleb Henderson - 'This is the end of June and the Rio Hondo flows alongside the sites with plenty of water to wade in.' - Justin...

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Sites in the southern area may have steep driveways requiring careful vehicle selection. - Pit toilets are located in the northern half of the campground.

Based on 20 reviews