Lower Hondo Campground
4.3911 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Generally open from ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Generally open from ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Lower Hondo Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground is free of charge ($0 fee).
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.39
Recommended
Based on 11 reviews
28 Google reviews
Most mentioned
hiking
Some mention
noiseroad noise
"User reviews describe the campground as scenic and peaceful but note limited amenities. The proximity to the Rio Hondo is a highlight, offering the soothing sound of running water. Privacy and noise levels vary by site location, and some maintenance issues with facilities were mentioned."
Fees & Passes at Lower Hondo Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: null
Cancellation: null
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official USDA Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Lower Hondo Campground
From April through December, Lower Hondo transforms with the seasons, each offering its own unique charm. Spring arrives with wildflowers and snowmelt, while summer brings warm days perfect for riverside relaxation—though mountain nights can surprise you with temperatures dipping into the 20s, even in August. The creek's cooling influence creates a refreshing microclimate that provides relief from summer heat but calls for extra layers as autumn approaches. Early fall visitors should pack warm clothes and rain gear, as the narrow canyon can feel damp and chilly when the sun dips behind the towering peaks.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Generally open from April to December, but weather-dependent. Campers are advised to call ahead to confirm.
- Current Alerts: null
About Lower Hondo Campground
Nestled at the gateway to Taos Ski Valley, Lower Hondo Campground beckons adventurers with its prime riverside location along the rushing Rio Hondo. As the most accessible campground along scenic Highway 150, this hidden gem serves as your basecamp for exploring two of New Mexico's most pristine wilderness areas—the Columbine-Hondo and Wheeler Peak. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters or setting off on a backcountry adventure, Lower Hondo offers the perfect blend of convenience and wilderness immersion.
Lower Hondo Campground is primarily focused on dispersed and primitive camping, with a few official sites that offer basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsFrom April through December, Lower Hondo transforms with the seasons, each offering its own unique charm. Spring arrives with wildflowers and snowmelt, while summer brings warm days perfect for riverside relaxation—though mountain nights can surprise you with temperatures dipping into the 20s, even in August. The creek's cooling influence creates a refreshing microclimate that provides relief from summer heat but calls for extra layers as autumn approaches. Early fall visitors should pack warm clothes and rain gear, as the narrow canyon can feel damp and chilly when the sun dips behind the towering peaks.
ElevationPerched at the most welcoming elevation among the Highway 150 campgrounds, Lower Hondo offers year-round accessibility that its higher neighbors can't match. This strategic position makes it an ideal choice for shoulder-season camping when snow still blankets the upper reaches of the Ski Valley road, allowing adventurers to experience the mountains when crowds thin and nature takes center stage.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself falling asleep to the melodic rush of the Rio Hondo, just steps from your tent. Towering mountains rise dramatically on both sides, creating an intimate canyon setting that one visitor perfectly captured: 'This place is beautiful, you can camp right next to the Hondo river, mountains on both sides for free.' The crystalline waters of the Rio Hondo wind through the campground, offering both a stunning backdrop and a natural soundtrack to your mountain escape. This riverside paradise provides an authentic taste of the Southern Rockies' raw beauty.
Geological RegionLower Hondo Campground sits within the spectacular Carson National Forest, where the Rio Hondo has carved its path through ancient mountain terrain over millennia. This dramatic landscape marks the threshold between the high desert and the soaring peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating a unique ecosystem where riparian corridors meet alpine forests. As your launching point into the Columbine-Hondo and Wheeler Peak wilderness areas, the campground offers direct access to some of New Mexico's most stunning geological features, including the state's highest summit.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information on accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThere are only three official campsites, which are described as basic but functional. Size details are not specified.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies; some sites are close to the road and others are tucked away. "Some sites are quite close to the highway. Others are tucked away, so look carefully," one review advises.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Some sites are quite close to the highway. Others are tucked away, so look carefully," as advised by a user.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
There is no mention of group camping facilities.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes three official sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Dispersed sites are also available nearby but lack these amenities.
Open and Closed SeasonGenerally open from April to December, but weather-dependent. Campers are advised to call ahead to confirm.
Reservation PlatformsThis campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservation platforms are available.
Walk-in Availability"Sites are first come, first served, and can be held for up to two weeks without payment or penalty." However, availability is limited, especially during weekends, as there are only three official sites.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lower Hondo Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, most notably fishing in the Rio Hondo and hiking nearby scenic trails. The area also provides opportunities for scenic drives along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.
Hiking
Numerous trails in the Columbine-Hondo and Wheeler Peak wilderness areas can be accessed nearby via Highway 150. Specific trails are not detailed, but the proximity to these wilderness areas suggests a variety of hiking experiences.Fishing
Fishing is highlighted as a key activity, with the Rio Hondo running alongside the campground. The river is suitable for stream fishing.Winter Activities
There is no mention of winter-specific activities, but the campground is open from April to December, which may exclude most winter sports.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campers have used chipped wood to sustain fires during colder months, as noted by a user. However, specific fire policies are not detailed.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include proximity to the Rio Hondo, wildlife interactions (e.g., chipmunks), and thefts as mentioned in user reviews: 'Our cooler with all our food was stolen on the first afternoon.' There are also mentions of 'sketchy people' and a recommendation to be vigilant.
Active alertsnull
Weather at Lower Hondo Campground
40
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThere is no mention of trash or recycling facilities on-site. However, one user noted the importance of cleaning up due to the remote nature of the area.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated along the Rio Hondo, which offers fishing opportunities and provides a tranquil backdrop for camping.
Common complaintsRecurring concerns mentioned in user reviews include road noise and headlights from the proximity to the highway ('you will hear road noise and see headlights all night'). Another issue raised is the limited availability of clean restrooms and reports of thefts in the area.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directions12 miles northeast of Taos via NM 522 & 150
Access to the campground is via a paved highway (NM 150), making it accessible by standard vehicles. However, user reviews suggest caution for RVs: "Good luck getting your RV in, even better luck if you get it back out!"Nearby places
Taos (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
null
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
11 reviews
Lower Hondo Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe the campground as scenic and peaceful but note limited amenities. The proximity to the Rio Hondo is a highlight, offering the soothing sound of running water. Privacy and noise levels vary by site location, and some maintenance issues with facilities were mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the scenic setting, the proximity to the Rio Hondo for fishing and ambiance, and the access to nearby hiking trails. "You can camp right next to the Hondo river, mountains on both...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include the lack of potable water, maintenance concerns with the vault toilet, and occasional reports of theft or sketchy behavior in the area. Some users also mentioned that sites near...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
"Get there early to secure a campsite as it's first-come, first-served," advises one reviewer. Another suggests ensuring proper cleaning before leaving to maintain the area's appeal: "Please cleanup...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground can get damp and chilly in early to mid-fall, as one user notes: "In early to mid-fall it gets damp and chilly due to the creek and temp drop."
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Best place I've camped in a year!" "This place is beautiful, you can camp right next to the Hondo river." "It's a popular spot so you gotta get there early." "The bathroom was dirty and smelled...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Only three official campsites are available, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Additional dispersed sites are nearby but lack these amenities.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific mentions of accessibility features were found.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific feedback related to pets was mentioned.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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