Rio De Los Pinos Campground

Carson National Forest

Escape to the serene wilderness of Trout Lakes Campground, where three pristine alpine lakes await your fishing line and the forest whispers stories of solitude. This hidden gem in the backcountry offers 12 intimate primitive campsites, perfectly sized for tent adventurers and small camper enthusiasts seeking an authentic connection with nature. As summer unfolds its peaceful embrace, you'll discover why this tranquil retreat has become a sanctuary for those who prefer their camping experiences untouched by crowds. When autumn arrives, the surrounding aspen groves burst into a breathtaking display of golden flames, creating a photographer's paradise and memories that linger long after the campfire's last ember fades.

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.

Carson National Forest

Nestled high in the clouds at 9,500 feet, Hopewell Lake Campground beckons adventurers to discover its crystalline waters and mountain serenity in the heart of Carson National Forest. This alpine sanctuary invites you to cast a line for trout at dawn, paddle across mirror-still waters, or explore winding trails on foot or horseback while breathing in the crisp mountain air that defines life above the treeline.

22280 U.S. Highway 64, Tres Piedras, NM 87577

Perched at an breathtaking 10,400 feet, the twin jewels of Upper and Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds invite adventurous souls into the heart of Colorado's pristine backcountry. These 12 secluded campsites serve as your gateway to the majestic Cruces Basin Wilderness, where alpine lakes mirror the endless sky and the landscape unfolds in panoramic splendor. Here, dispersed camping takes on new meaning as you settle into nature's amphitheater, far from the crowds yet close to wilderness wonders.

15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140

Perched at a breathtaking 10,000 feet, Trujillo Meadows Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of Colorado's high country. This mountain sanctuary offers 50 thoughtfully positioned campsites where the scent of pine mingles with crisp alpine air. Wake to the gentle rustling of aspen leaves and spend your days exploring the adjacent meadow that gives this special place its name. The campground thoughtfully divides into Upper and Lower sections, each with its own character. For those seeking a front-row seat to nature's grandeur, sites 40 and 41 offer exclusive access to an observation platform overlooking a cascading waterfall. While sites 34-39 create an intimate inner loop perfect for tent campers, the remaining sites welcome RVs ready to tackle mountain roads. Modern amenities including restrooms, potable water, and barrier-free facilities ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Adventure awaits just beyond your campsite, with the Los Pinos Trail #736 promising spectacular ridge-line views and the legendary Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offering journeys through time.

Conejos Peak Rd 15571 CR T-5, La Jara, CO, 81140, USA

Nestled along the pristine Conejos River in the heart of Rio Grande National Forest, Mogote Campground offers a tale of two worlds. The lower loop invites you to fall asleep to the gentle murmur of the river, where towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral alongside cottonwoods, spruce, willows, and shimmering aspens. Venture to the upper loop and discover a completely different landscape—one where the forest opens up to reveal high desert vistas under an endless Colorado sky. This diverse terrain makes Mogote a perfect basecamp for those seeking both riverside serenity and expansive mountain views.

23750 State Highway 17, Antonito, CO, 81120, USA

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Conejos River in southern Colorado's high country, Aspen Glade Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with 32 thoughtfully spaced campsites. Here, the gentle murmur of the river mingles with the whisper of wind through towering pines, creating the perfect backdrop for anglers casting for native trout, hikers exploring mountain trails, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking glimpses of the forest's secretive inhabitants.

23750 STATE HIGHWAY 17, ANTONITO, CO, 81120, USA

Nestled high in the Colorado Rockies at 8,500 feet, Elk Creek Campground offers an authentic mountain escape where the gentle murmur of Elk Creek mingles with the whisper of wind through towering pines. This pristine retreat in Conejos County has earned a devoted following among outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate its meticulously maintained facilities and the warm hospitality of its legendary campground hosts. Gateway to the untamed South San Juan Wilderness, this mountain sanctuary invites adventurers to explore ancient trails while enjoying the comforts of a thoughtfully designed basecamp.

Rio Grande National Forest

Nestled at 8,700 feet in the heart of Colorado's wilderness, Spectacle Lake Campground beckons adventurers with 24 thoughtfully designed campsites, including 13 convenient pull-through sites perfect for RVs and trailers. This mountain sanctuary comes equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay: sturdy picnic tables, stone fireplaces with limited firewood available, clean vault toilets, refuse containers, and two hand-pump water spigots delivering crisp mountain water. What truly sets this campground apart are the breathtaking panoramic views of towering cliff walls that greet you from most campsites. Located steps away from the pristine waters of Spectacle Lake and the rushing Conejos River, you'll have premier access to some of Colorado's finest trout fishing—and when winter transforms the landscape, the frozen lake becomes an ice angler's paradise. Adventure seekers will find themselves perfectly positioned to explore the untamed South San Juan Wilderness, with trailheads practically at your doorstep: the scenic Spectacle Lake Trail #730 lies just half a mile away, while the challenging Ruybalid Trail #855 and the dramatic Notch Trail #729 offer endless opportunities for backcountry exploration.

15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140

Tucked away in the heart of the Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Campground serves as a hidden gem for those seeking a more intimate camping experience. While originally designed as an overflow area for the busier Mix Lake and Spectacle Lake campgrounds, this cozy loop has developed its own devoted following among anglers and nature enthusiasts. The campground's prime location offers direct access to the pristine waters of the Conejos River, where trout dance beneath the surface, and provides an easy gateway to the mirror-like waters of nearby Spectacle Lake.

RIO GRANDE-SAN JUAN NF

Escape to Lake Fork Campground, where the pristine wilderness of Rio Grande National Forest unfolds at 9,500 feet above sea level. This remote mountain sanctuary offers an authentic high-country camping experience, where crystal-clear river waters meet ancient forests and wildflower meadows. Visitors consistently praise the campground's immaculate maintenance and breathtaking natural beauty, though the occasional buzz of flies during wet periods and sounds of fellow adventurers remind you that you're sharing this slice of paradise with nature and neighbors alike.

22280 U.S. Highway 64, Tres Piedras, NM 87577

15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140

Carson National Forest

Rio Grande National Forest

15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140

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

Conejos Peak Rd 15571 CR T-5, La Jara, CO, 81140, USA

23750 State Highway 17, Antonito, CO, 81120, USA

23750 STATE HIGHWAY 17, ANTONITO, CO, 81120, USA

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.

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.

P.O. BOX 13, Elephant Butte, New Mexico, 87935, United States

Where endless desert horizons meet the sparkling waters of New Mexico's largest reservoir, Elephant Butte Lake offers an oasis of tranquility for outdoor enthusiasts. This expansive campground provides generous, well-spaced sites that give visitors room to breathe and truly disconnect from the everyday hustle. Whether you're seeking waterside adventures or simply a peaceful retreat under vast Southwestern skies, this desert gem delivers the perfect blend of aquatic recreation and high desert beauty.