Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds

Star0
3 reviews
22280 U.S. Highway 64, Tres Piedras, NM 87577

Quick Facts

10,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

The lower campground...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Carson National Forest, Tres Piedras Ranger District site

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Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The site does not mention any fees for camping.
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
Provider
(575) 758-8678null

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshiking

"User reviews highlight the natural beauty of the campground as its main attraction. However, some reviewers expressed concerns about trash left by other visitors. The campsites are described as clean, spacious, and well-separated."

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Fees & Passes at Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds

Free

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

Free
Prices verified August 10, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Carson National Forest, Tres Piedras Ranger District website.


Best Time to Camp at Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds

The high-altitude climate here dances between extremes, creating a camping season that rewards the well-prepared. Spring through fall opens a window of opportunity when wildflowers carpet the meadows and crisp mountain air fills your lungs. As winter approaches, this remote paradise transforms into a snow-laden wonderland, often closing access roads to all but the most determined winter adventurers. The thin air at this elevation adds an extra dimension to every hike, reminding visitors they've entered the realm where eagles soar.

Best
Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

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: Spring through Fall, weather dependent. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The lower campground and restrooms are closed seasonally but specific dates may vary based on weather conditions.

About Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds

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.
The campground offers dispersed camping in a natural setting with 12 campsites located in Upper and Lower Lagunitas.
Weather and SeasonsThe high-altitude climate here dances between extremes, creating a camping season that rewards the well-prepared. Spring through fall opens a window of opportunity when wildflowers carpet the meadows and crisp mountain air fills your lungs. As winter approaches, this remote paradise transforms into a snow-laden wonderland, often closing access roads to all but the most determined winter adventurers. The thin air at this elevation adds an extra dimension to every hike, reminding visitors they've entered the realm where eagles soar.
ElevationAt 10,400 feet above sea level, these campgrounds place you firmly in Colorado's alpine zone, where the air is crisp, pure, and noticeably thinner. This lofty perch rewards visitors with cooler temperatures even on summer's warmest days, though it demands respect—every trail becomes a more deliberate journey as your body adjusts to the altitude. The elevation creates a natural sanctuary where subalpine forests give way to sweeping vistas that seem to stretch forever.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle lapping of pristine mountain lakes, their surfaces catching the first light of dawn like scattered diamonds. The Cruces Basin Wilderness serves as your backyard, a rugged tapestry of ancient forests, hidden meadows, and crystalline waters that have remained unchanged for centuries. This is where the backcountry reveals its secrets—where elk graze in distant clearings, where wildflowers paint the landscape in summer's palette, and where the silence is broken only by the whisper of wind through pines and the occasional call of a mountain bird.
Geological RegionThe Cruces Basin Wilderness represents one of Colorado's most stunning high-altitude ecosystems, where geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic beauty. Ancient glaciers carved the basins that now cradle jewel-like lakes, while volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion created the rugged peaks and valleys that define this backcountry paradise. This is wilderness in its purest form—untamed, unspoiled, and utterly magnificent.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo information about accessibility features for campers with disabilities is provided.
Sites SizeNo specific details about the size of the campsites are provided.
Sites Privacy"The campsites are reported to be well-spaced apart, providing a degree of privacy" (user review by Kevin Brannon).
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended Campsites"I counted 4 sites spaced well apart." Users recommend Upper Lagunitas for spaced-out sites and cleaner conditions.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Groups
No specific information is available about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDispersed camping with spaced-out sites. Upper Lagunitas is noted for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonThe lower campground and restrooms are closed seasonally but specific dates may vary based on weather conditions.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is primarily dispersed, and walk-up availability is inferred from descriptions.

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of outdoor activities suitable for nature enthusiasts, including day hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The Cruces Basin Wilderness offers opportunities for breathtaking views and wildlife observation.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available for day hikes. Kevin Brannon noted, 'Trail down to the lakes is fairly gentle but coming back up was strenuous due to the altitude.'
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in lakes and ponds near the campsites. As one reviewer noted, 'Lots of fish down there!'
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is likely a highlight given the setting in Cruces Basin Wilderness, but specific species or recommendations are not detailed.
Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned; however, the campground is available for use year-round, although access roads are not plowed in winter.
Water Sports
No specific water sports are mentioned, though fishing is supported in nearby lakes and ponds.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsAltitude-related challenges include strenuous hiking and potential for altitude sickness. Seasonal hazards include cold temperatures and snow.

Weather at Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds

15
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 64%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 9.5 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast

Emergency Services

Tres Piedras Ranger District, 22280 U.S. Highway 64, Tres Piedras, NM 87577. Phone: (575) 758-8678.

Good to know

Peak season datesSpring through Fall, weather dependent
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water features"Adjacent to breathtaking lakes in Cruces Basin Wilderness."
Common complaints"FULL of trash. If you come here, for the love of all things sacred, pack out what you pack in." Trash accumulation was highlighted in user reviews.

Campground Map

22280 U.S. Highway 64, Tres Piedras, NM 87577
Driving directions26 miles northwest of Tres Piedras via US 64 & FR 87
"Know Before You Go: Roads are not plowed in the winter." Roads are gravelled and maintained but may have rough spots; suitable for vehicles with decent clearance.
Nearby places
Tres Piedras - 26 miles, approximately 40-45 minutes
Nearby supplies
Tres Piedras, 26 miles away, offers general supplies and fuel options.

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty of the campground as its main attraction. However, some reviewers expressed concerns about trash left by other visitors. The campsites are described as clean, spacious, and well-separated.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

"Exquisite, majestic, stunning" - Emily Benson. The campground offers breathtaking views, proximity to the Cruces Basin Wilderness, and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing...
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Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Multiple users mentioned the presence of trash at the campground, with one reviewer imploring others to "pack out what you pack in."
Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water and be prepared for high altitudes, as the area is located at 10,400'. Roads are not plowed in winter, making access difficult in snowy...
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Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is particularly popular during the warmer seasons, as noted by one user who stated, 'Would definitely return to camp again in the warmer season.'
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Exquisite, majestic, stunning. FULL of trash. If you come here, for the love of all things sacred, pack out what you pack in.' - Emily Benson. 2. 'Beautiful spot. I counted 4 sites, spaced well...
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Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Kevin Brannon mentioned seeing '4 sites spaced well apart,' although the official count is 12 campsites. Specific site numbers or details about individual sites are not available.
Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically address pet-related experiences or policies.
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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0 review
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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