3.8927 reviewsPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Spring through Fall ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Spring through Fall ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans
256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account
Learn more about alerts →Trout Lakes Campground
36.6043, -106.3738
Anglers who've been looking for a free, uncrowded base camp in northern New Mexico: reviewers call the three lakes 'my favorite fishing hole' in the region, fall conditions concentrate trout activity, and the aspens peak late September through early October.
The ungraded access road beyond the first three miles turns impassable in wet weather, including summer monsoon season. No high-clearance 4WD means you're risking a stuck vehicle, and the vault toilets are poorly maintained by multiple reviewer accounts.
Reference information about Trout Lakes Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p><img alt="Small lake in the trees" src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5327493.jpg" style="width: 510px; height: 335px;" /></p><p>Trout Lakes contains 12 primitive campsites and access roads within the campground. Sites are best suited for tent camping and small campers/camp trailers. Three lakes provide fishing opportunities amid a setting of quiet conifers and aspen. Summer’s quiet beauty turns to gold as autumn touches the aspen and rewards campers lingering in the area.</p><p><strong>Safety Information</strong></p><p>Access road to Trout Lakes is extremely hazardous when wet. This road is graveled from U.S. Highway 84 for three miles. The remainder is not graveled and is extremely slick and hazardous when wet. Monsoon rains make this road impassable. High clearance vehicle and four-wheel drive is recommended. Large RVs or camper trailers are allowed but not recommended because of the road.</p><p><strong>General Information:</strong></p><p>Be extremely cautious with fire and use only the fireplaces provided. Please do not cut down trees or shrubs; they provide natural scenery and shade-not firewood. Please do not carve on the trees. Carving leaves a wound where fungus can enter and kill the tree.</p><p>Please do not deposit fish remains in the lakes and clean fish away from the water. Please wrap fish remains and other highly spoilage meats, food, etc., in small plastic bags, then in bread wrappers, and/or newspapers. Pack out all trash on your way out of the campground and fishing area.</p><p>Please pick up litter around your campsite and pack it out with you. Also please read and comply with the posted regulations.</p><p>Thank you for your help. Enjoy your visit!</p>
Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.
Fall offers the best combination of scenery, solitude, and fishing. The aspens turn gold and the three lakes reflect crisp, clear skies. Daytime highs run 45–60°F, nights commonly drop to the 20s–30s°F, with a real chance of an early freeze by late October. These conditions concentrate trout feeding activity and make mornings and evenings excellent for casting. Trails and campsites are much quieter than summer, though hunters are active at certain times. Summer is temperate but wetter: monsoon rains from July through early September make the access road treacherous. Heavy snows close the road in winter.
Aspens peak late Sept–Oct; 'best combination of scenery, solitude, and fishing.'
Trout Lakes Campground offers a primitive camping experience with 12 campsites. The sites are best suited for tent camping and small campers or trailers. The campground is surrounded by a serene landscape of conifers and aspen trees, and access to three lakes provides ample fishing opportunities. The campground lacks potable water and relies on vault toilets. Reviewers describe the area as peaceful and ideal for fishing, but some highlight issues such as poorly maintained restrooms.
Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.
Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.
Rate Trout Lakes Campground
Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.
Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.
Be the first to review this campground
Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.
