How much does camping cost at Upper La Junta Campground?

Camping fees at Upper La Junta Campground range from $6-$12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Upper La Junta Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Upper La Junta Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Upper La Junta Campground?

Upper La Junta Campground is open Forest Road 76 is closed to vehicles Jan. 1 - Apr. 30.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Upper La Junta Campground?

Upper La Junta Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Upper La Junta Campground?

Fire policies at Upper La Junta Campground: Fire safety concerns raised in user reviews.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Upper La Junta Campground have?

Upper La Junta Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Upper La Junta Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Upper La Junta Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Upper La Junta Campground?

Upper La Junta Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Upper La Junta Campground?

Popular activities at Upper La Junta Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Upper La Junta Campground

3.76

21 reviews

Featured in:Best Campgrounds New Mexico

Quick Facts

9,098 ft

Price

$6 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Forest Road 76 is cl...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,098 ft

Price

$6 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Forest Road 76 is cl...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Upper La Junta Campground

$6.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees are $12/night, which include parking for one vehicle. Extra vehicles are $6/night. Seniors or Access pass holders pay $6/night. Day-use...

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Upper La Junta Campground

36.1487, -105.4544

Weather at Upper La Junta Campground

Best Time to Camp at Upper La Junta Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions. September and October bring daytime highs in the 50s-60s°F, with nights dropping into the 20s-30s°F. The small campground stays peaceful during these months, and trout feed actively before winter sets in. Summer offers blue skies and moderate temperatures for hiking and fishing. Winter transforms the area into snow country with below-freezing temps. Be aware of regional big-game hunting seasons if you're visiting in fall.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season; Sept–Oct highs in 50s–60s and peaceful conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Forest Road 76 is closed to vehicles Jan. 1 - Apr. 30.

About Upper La Junta Campground

Upper La Junta Campground sits at 9,098 feet in Carson National Forest near Tres Ritos, offering 8 tent sites with fishing access. Fees run $6-$12 per night. The small campground draws motorcyclists touring mountain roads and anglers working the trout streams. Cell service drops to zero once you turn onto Forest Road 76.

Upper La Junta Campground offers dispersed camping with developed campsites. It caters to tent campers and appears to accommodate group camping, though RV camping is also popular.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. September and October bring daytime highs in the 50s-60s°F, with nights dropping into the 20s-30s°F. The small campground stays peaceful during these months, and trout feed actively before winter sets in. Summer offers blue skies and moderate temperatures for hiking and fishing. Winter transforms the area into snow country with below-freezing temps. Be aware of regional big-game hunting seasons if you're visiting in fall.

Natural Features and ScenerySmall creeks cut through the campground, their cool water supporting trout populations and creating riparian corridors thick with vegetation. The surrounding high country mixes forest and stream, typical of New Mexico's Carson National Forest elevation. Grass grows high at most sites, sometimes tall enough to impact visibility and privacy. The setting is undeniably scenic, but the vegetation can feel a bit unkempt during peak growing season.

Geological RegionSituated within the majestic Carson National Forest, Upper La Junta Campground rests in a region shaped by millennia of geological forces. The surrounding landscape tells the story of ancient mountains and patient streams that carved their paths through the terrain. Small creeks meander through the area, their cool waters supporting thriving trout populations and creating riparian corridors that burst with life. This pristine ecosystem represents the best of New Mexico's high country, where forest meets stream in perfect harmony.

Scenic Views"Location was beautiful" (Alisha B, 2021-05-31). "What a gorgeous drive" (phutto505, 2019-07-21).

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations, such as cabins or lodges, are mentioned for Upper La Junta Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to 14 days within any 45-day period.

Groups

While specific group camping features are not detailed, one user review mentions, 'Whether you're solo camping or with 27 people, you'll find a spot.'

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground offers developed sites accessed via Forest Road 76. Grass tends to run high at most spots, which some campers find problematic. The 8 units are spread along the creek corridor with vault toilets available.

Walk-in AvailabilityI was the only one staying there in late July" (Review by David A, 2021-08-15).

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the available information.

Site Size8 units with fishing access.' The sizes of individual campsite areas are not explicitly described.

PrivacySpecific privacy details are not available, though user reviews mention 'grass was a bit high at most of the sites,' which could impact privacy.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesThere's a small creek with trout just a few feet from some of the sites" (David A, 2021-08-15).

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When to Book

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Amenities available

Upper La Junta Campground offers basic amenities suitable for a rustic camping experience. There are eight camping units with fishing access, and restrooms are available on-site. However, potable water is not provided, which requires campers to bring their own water.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Upper La Junta Campground provides a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and picnicking. It is also noted for being popular among motorcyclists, and offers opportunities for off-road vehicle exploration.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFire hazards mentioned in user reviews: "It was so beautiful, but now it is on fire! It's all those people with RVs. They don't take care" (2020-10-26).

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

21 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Upper La Junta Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment around Upper La Junta Campground is overwhelmingly positive, with campers praising its natural beauty, clean restrooms, and developed campsites. Some reviews highlight issues such as high grass at campsites and fire risks caused by larger crowds.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the campground for its scenic beauty and accessibility. Direct quotes include 'Location was beautiful,' 'Beautiful campground,' and 'Once you turn on [Forest Road] 76, you'll...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include 'grass was a bit high at most of the sites' and concerns about fire risks due to RV campers, expressed in the quote: 'It was so beautiful, but now it is on fire! It's all those...

Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific details about campsites include proximity to a creek with trout. No site numbers are mentioned.

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations from user reviews include taking the Taos High Road Scenic Byway when traveling from Santa Fe for 'a gorgeous drive,' and bringing necessary supplies due to the lack of cell service...

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews suggest that late summer and fall (July through October) may be ideal times for visiting, as there is less crowding and favorable weather conditions. One review notes being 'the only one...

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

Examples include 'Great for off-road vehicles, many many trails you can explore,' 'Upper La Junta will always be on areas for considering when looking for a place to camp,' and 'zero service for cell...

Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-specific reviews are not available.

Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-specific reviews are not available.

Based on 21 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers and hikers who want a quiet, low-cost base camp will find the creek-side trout access hard to beat. Fall is the sweet spot, with active fish and cooler temps before hunting season picks up. Bring all your water and a good filter as backup.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is a real logistical hurdle, and the high grass at most sites bothers more than a few reviewers. RVs aren't the right fit here either, and if cell service is non-negotiable, FR 76 kills it the moment you turn off the highway.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.1

(15)

Duran Canyon Campground

15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553

Duran Canyon Campground sits at 9,000 feet where Duran and Junta Creeks meet in Carson National Forest. The 12 sites range from $7-14 per night and stay open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Two trailheads leave directly from camp: La Cueva Lake Trail #8 and Duran/Policarpio Trail #13.