Lower Hondo Campground

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

Nestled alongside the gentle murmur of the Rio Fernando river, Capulin Campground invites you to experience the tranquil beauty of Carson National Forest. This intimate roadside retreat features 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each sheltered beneath a stunning canopy of mixed conifers and rustling cottonwoods. While embracing a back-to-basics camping experience with picnic tables, fire grills, and vault toilets, visitors should note that water must be brought in, as the campground relies on nature's soundtrack rather than modern plumbing.

Carson National Forest

Tucked away in the serene depths of Taos Canyon, La Sombra Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking solitude beyond the beaten path. This hidden gem sits peacefully alongside the babbling waters of Rio Fernando, where anglers can cast their lines into promising trout waters. As a primitive camping destination, La Sombra embraces the true spirit of backcountry adventure—there's no drinking water or garbage service here, inviting campers to practice leave-no-trace principles and connect deeply with the untouched landscape. While neighboring Capulin Campground and Shady Brook draw more visitors, La Sombra rewards the adventurous with tranquility and unspoiled natural beauty.

Carson National Forest

Tucked away in a stunning canyon near the artistic mountain town of Taos, Las Petacas Campground offers an intimate escape where the Rio Fernando de Taos winds through towering trees. This peaceful retreat beckons anglers with promising fishing waters and nature lovers with its creek-side serenity. While the gentle sounds of the nearby road remind you that civilization isn't far away, the campground's tree-canopied sites provide a genuine connection with the high desert wilderness. Visitors often find themselves torn between exploring nearby Taos or simply relaxing by the babbling creek that defines this special place.

PO BOX 185, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 87718, United States

Nestled in the dramatic Cimarron Canyon, Tolby Campground offers an intimate riverside retreat where the soothing sounds of the Cimarron River create a natural soundtrack for your camping adventure. This charming small campground provides the perfect balance of modern conveniences and wilderness immersion, featuring well-maintained flush toilets and restrooms alongside direct access to pristine fishing spots and scenic hiking trails. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, exploring canyon trails, or simply relaxing to the melody of the river, Tolby delivers an authentic New Mexico outdoor experience with full handicap accessibility ensuring everyone can enjoy this natural wonderland.

P.O. Box 185, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 87718, United States

Nestled in the heart of the Moreno Valley, this high-altitude sanctuary offers adventurers a gateway to pristine mountain wilderness and the sparkling waters of Eagle Nest Lake. At 8,200 feet above sea level, visitors find themselves immersed in a landscape where golden eagles soar overhead and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains paint dramatic backdrops against crystal-clear skies.

Carson National Forest

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.

184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556

Nestled within a serene aspen grove at 9,500 feet, Twining Campground offers an intimate tent-only escape for those seeking solitude in the high country. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for adventurers heading to the Bull of the Woods Trailhead, while the nearby Taos Ski Valley resort village provides a taste of mountain culture just minutes away. With its dispersed camping sites tucked between whispering aspens, this small campground delivers an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing convenience.

184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556

Tucked away along the banks of the Rio Hondo river, Cuchilla Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just three secluded sites perfect for small trailers and RVs under 22 feet. This dispersed camping gem provides the essentials—picnic tables and restroom facilities—while keeping you connected to the raw beauty of the wilderness. Though the babbling Rio Hondo flows nearby, campers should bring their own drinking water, as the stream water requires treatment before consumption.

Carson National Forest

Perched on the edge of wilderness, Cebolla Mesa Campground offers an intimate escape into New Mexico's raw beauty. This secluded haven features five dispersed camping sites nestled within an aromatic piñon-juniper woodland, where ancient trees frame spectacular vistas of the Rio Grande Gorge. Here, 800 feet above the ribbon of water that carved this dramatic landscape, campers find themselves in a world where eagles soar at eye level and the vast sky stretches endlessly overhead.

Arrive first at Tres Piedras Ranger Station, 22280 Hwy. 64, Tres Piedras, NM (use as arrival point due to route changes)

Step into conservation history at this beautifully restored 1,300-square-foot Craftsman bungalow where legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold once lived and worked. Nestled in the Tres Piedras Ranger District just 30 minutes west of Taos, this full-amenity retreat sleeps eight and offers an authentic three-season escape into New Mexico's high country—complete with the solitude Leopold himself cherished, including limited cell service and a pack-in, pack-out approach to wilderness living.

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Tucked into a dramatic canyon between the charming mountain towns of Questa and Red River, Columbine Campground offers two distinct camping experiences within Carson National Forest. Choose between the entrance loop's expansive sites with sweeping mountain vistas, or venture deeper into the canyon loop where towering pines create intimate, creek-side sanctuaries along the babbling waters of Columbine Creek.

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Nestled along the banks of the Red River, Goat Hill Campground offers an intimate escape where the rushing waters provide nature's soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. This hidden gem in the Carson National Forest serves as your gateway to the legendary Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, where every turn reveals breathtaking vistas and endless possibilities for exploration.

Carson National Forest

<p>When popular campgrounds fill to capacity, Overflow Campground stands ready as your backup adventure basecamp. This versatile camping area provides essential amenities and a welcoming atmosphere for spontaneous travelers and last-minute planners alike. Whether you're seeking a peaceful night under the stars or need a convenient stopping point on your journey, this campground offers reliable comfort in nature's embrace.</p>

Carson National Forest

Discover your mountain sanctuary at Elephant Rock Campground, where 20 thoughtfully designed single campsites await beneath a canopy of towering evergreens. Perched at 8,400 feet in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this hidden gem invites you to wake up to the whisper of wind through ponderosa pines and the gentle rustling of aspen leaves. Each site comes complete with its own fire ring for evening storytelling, a sturdy picnic table for memorable meals, and a level tent pad for restful nights under star-filled skies. Fresh mountain water flows from convenient spigots throughout the campground, while well-maintained vault toilets ensure comfort during your stay. Whether you're seeking adventure in nearby Red River and Questa or simply yearning for a peaceful retreat among the firs and spruces, Elephant Rock serves as your perfect basecamp for mountain memories.

Carson National Forest

Nestled along the banks of the Red River, Junebug Campground welcomes adventurers with its thoughtfully refurbished facilities and prime location near both historic mining country and modern ski slopes. This riverside retreat combines spacious campsites with serene natural beauty, offering the perfect balance between accessibility and wilderness escape. While summer weekends draw families and outdoor enthusiasts eager to claim their spot by the water, those who venture here during quieter times discover an intimate connection with the landscape that has captivated travelers for generations.

Carson National Forest

Nestled deep within the Carson National Forest, Fawn Lakes Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its serene mountain setting and wealth of recreational opportunities. This intimate campground features 18 thoughtfully spaced family sites, including three dedicated tent-only spots for those seeking a more traditional camping experience. Modern conveniences meet rustic charm with well-maintained vault toilets and fresh drinking water stations, ensuring comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness atmosphere. Whether you're casting a line in nearby waters or exploring the network of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest, Fawn Lakes serves as your perfect basecamp for mountain adventures.

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

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.

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Escape to the pristine wilderness of Cimarron Campground, where 36 thoughtfully designed campsites await at a breathtaking 9,300 feet in Carson National Forest's legendary Valle Vidal. Choose from 25 intimate single-family sites tucked beneath towering spruce and fir, 9 specialized equestrian sites for horse enthusiasts, or 2 spacious double sites perfect for larger groups. This remote mountain sanctuary invites you to cast a line in crystal-clear streams, explore miles of untouched trails, track elk through ancient forests, or simply lose yourself in the whisper of aspen leaves dancing in the alpine breeze.

Carson National Forest

Nestled deep in the heart of Valle Vidal's pristine wilderness, McCrystal Campground offers 55 spacious sites where the untamed spirit of New Mexico's high country comes alive. This coveted basecamp attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round, serving as the perfect launching point for world-class elk and bear hunting expeditions, backcountry hiking adventures, and fly fishing in crystal-clear mountain streams. Here, where the morning mist dances across alpine meadows and bugling elk echo through the valleys, you'll discover why seasoned outdoorsmen return to McCrystal season after season.

Carson National Forest

Carson National Forest

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

PO BOX 185, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 87718, United States

184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556

Carson National Forest

184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556

Carson National Forest

Carson National Forest

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

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Carson National Forest

P.O. Box 185, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 87718, United States

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Carson National Forest

Carson National Forest

Arrive first at Tres Piedras Ranger Station, 22280 Hwy. 64, Tres Piedras, NM (use as arrival point due to route changes)

15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM, 87544

Nestled within the breathtaking Bandelier National Monument, Juniper Family Campground offers adventurers the perfect gateway to explore the ancient wonders of the Pajarito Plateau and the majestic Jemez Mountains. This beloved campground features three distinct camping loops, where families and outdoor enthusiasts can choose between the spontaneity of first-come, first-served sites or the peace of mind that comes with advance reservations. From your tent or RV, you'll wake to crisp mountain air and endless possibilities for discovery in north-central New Mexico's most treasured landscapes.

5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170 Reserve, NM 87830

Escape to Dipping Vat Campground, where the pristine waters of Snow Lake mirror the sky and ancient pines whisper stories of the wilderness. Tucked into the western shores of this mountain gem in the Gila National Forest, this secluded retreat offers adventurers the perfect basecamp for fishing expeditions, lakeside hiking, and peaceful paddling. The thoughtfully designed upper and lower loops provide generous spacing between sites, ensuring each camping party enjoys their own private slice of mountain paradise.

South Fork Campground, Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District, New Mexico

Nestled within the enchanting Smokey Bear Ranger District of Lincoln National Forest, South Fork Campground offers an unforgettable escape into New Mexico's mountain wilderness. Here, 53 thoughtfully placed campsites cascade down a scenic mountainside, with some hugging the babbling waters of the South Fork Rio Bonito. Whether you're arriving with an RV or pitching a tent beneath the stars, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore the nearby Bonito Lake and venture into the pristine White Mountain Wilderness. This resilient landscape tells a story of renewal—rising from the ashes of the 2012 Little Bear Fire, the campground has blossomed into a testament to nature's remarkable ability to heal and thrive.

Carson National Forest

Nestled at 8,000 feet where mountain air meets pristine waters, this hidden gem offers four thoughtfully developed campsites alongside endless dispersed camping opportunities. Just west of the New Mexico Game & Fish Recreation Area, anglers and nature enthusiasts discover their own slice of paradise where the river's gentle rhythm sets the pace for unforgettable adventures. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters or simply soaking in the high-altitude tranquility, this riverside retreat promises the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness escape.

U.S. Highway 84, approximately 14.5 miles southwest of Canjilon or 15 miles northwest of Abiquiu, NM

Tucked alongside the scenic U.S. Highway 84, Echo Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with 21 thoughtfully placed campsites, including three convenient pull-through spots perfect for smaller rigs. This charming roadside retreat may not have the bells and whistles of modern RV parks, but what it lacks in hookups it more than makes up for in raw natural beauty. The real treasure here is the direct access to the Echo Amphitheater Trail, where adventurers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of ancient eroded cliffs and sweeping panoramas of the Rio Chama Valley below.

Forest Road 76, off State Highway 518, Carson National Forest, New Mexico

Tucked away in the heart of Carson National Forest, La Junta Canyon invites adventurers to discover 41 thoughtfully placed campsites along the babbling waters of Junta Creek. This 4.5-mile ribbon of wilderness offers both established family sites and secluded dispersed camping spots, perfect for those seeking solitude beneath towering spruce trees. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with a small trailer (up to 36 feet), you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where gorgeous mountain vistas frame every sunrise and the gentle soundtrack of flowing water accompanies your evening campfire conversations.

Santa Fe National Forest

Nestled at the dramatic base of Winsor Canyon, Cowles Campground offers an enchanting escape into the heart of Santa Fe National Forest. Here, where Winsor Creek dances alongside the mighty Pecos River, campers discover a natural playground perfect for casting fishing lines into crystal-clear mountain waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply savoring peaceful picnics beneath towering pines. The nearby Cowles Ponds mirror the sky while the Winsor Ridge Trailhead beckons adventurers to explore the rugged beauty of New Mexico's high country.

Santa Fe National Forest

Nestled along the pristine waters of a Wild & Scenic River, Rio Chama Campground offers an intimate retreat with just ten thoughtfully spaced campsites. Each site invites you to gather around your own campfire ring and enjoy meals at a dedicated picnic table, creating the perfect setting for memorable outdoor experiences. While the campground welcomes smaller RVs (up to 20 feet at select sites), this rustic haven embraces a back-to-basics approach—you'll need to bring your own water and won't find hookups, ensuring an authentic connection with nature.

Santa Fe National Forest

Escape to Rio Chama, a hidden gem nestled along the pristine waters of the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River. This no-fee developed campground welcomes adventurers without the hassle of reservations, offering the perfect spontaneous getaway for families, groups, and RV enthusiasts alike. Wake up to the gentle sounds of the river just steps from your campsite, spend your days casting lines into crystal-clear waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply relaxing by the water's edge. Whether you're seeking a weekend of outdoor recreation or a peaceful riverside retreat, Rio Chama provides an authentic camping experience where the river's rhythm sets the pace for your stay.

6158 U.S. Highway 380

Where ancient volcanic forces meet modern adventure, Valley of Fires campground offers an otherworldly escape alongside one of North America's youngest lava flows. This remarkable recreation area seamlessly blends rugged natural beauty with thoughtful amenities, welcoming both RV travelers and tent campers to experience the raw power of the Malpais Lava Flow. Well-appointed facilities include refreshing showers, shaded picnic shelters perfect for desert dining, and an interpretive nature trail that winds through this volcanic wonderland, revealing secrets written in stone thousands of years ago.