El Porvenir Campground

Star4.33
57 reviews

Quick Facts

7,562 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

May 1 - Dec 31 (seas...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Santa Fe National Forest site

Official Website
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El Porvenir Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee is $8.00 per vehicle. Seniors and Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single-unit campsites.
Standard Site Fee$8.00
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

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 57 reviews

55 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhiking

"El Porvenir Campground receives mixed reviews, with many highlighting its natural beauty, excellent hiking trails, and secluded atmosphere. However, some have noted issues such as the lack of potable water, poorly maintained roads, and occasional noise from neighboring campers. The campground's recovery from recent wildfires is a recurring topic in user reviews."

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Campground Map

El Porvenir Campground

35.7103, -105.4122

Driving directions15 miles from Las Vegas on Highway 65 and Forest Road 261.
The roads to the campground are noted as narrow in user reviews, and there are mentions of potholes and possible issues with tree overgrowth. The route is paved but may require caution.

Best Time to Camp at El Porvenir Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transitions of this mountain paradise, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with freezing temperatures and snow-dusted pines. As spring emerges, the campground awakens to perfect camping conditions, offering visitors clear azure skies and comfortable temperatures from late May through early October. These pristine months deliver minimal rainfall and endless opportunities for hiking, stargazing, and outdoor exploration in one of New Mexico's most reliably beautiful weather patterns.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer with cooler mountain temps and hiking; some road and water issues noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 13% in NM

Most positive reviews from fall; visitors praise fall colors and cool nights.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 1; spring is transitional with lingering snow risk and mixed conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter due to snow; winter access not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: May 1 - Dec 31 (seasonal closure applies, currently closed for post-fire danger).
  • Current Alerts: Closed due to post-fire danger.

About El Porvenir Campground

Nestled in the heart of a pristine mixed conifer forest, El Porvenir Campground beckons adventurers to discover its tranquil beauty along the babbling waters of Beaver Creek. This intimate mountain retreat features 13 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables, fire rings, and grills for memorable evenings under the stars. While embracing a back-to-nature experience with vault toilets and bear-proof storage facilities, the campground intentionally forgoes modern amenities like running water and utility hookups, inviting campers to disconnect and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the wilderness at the base of majestic Hermit's Peak.
El Porvenir Campground caters to campers seeking primitive, tent, and RV camping experiences. With its remote and rustic setting, it is ideal for those who appreciate a back-to-nature atmosphere.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

El Porvenir Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Notable trails include the challenging Hermit's Peak trail and the scenic Beaver Creek trail. These trails lead campers through the beauty of New Mexico's landscapes, including verdant forest canopies and green groundcover recovering from recent fires.
HikingHiking opportunities are a major highlight, with the Hermit's Peak trail being described as 'moderate to hard' and challenging even for physically fit individuals. The Beaver Creek trail offers a scenic and less demanding option. User reviews consistently praise the trails as 'outstanding' and 'beautiful.'
FishingFishing is possible in the nearby Beaver Creek and other local streams. Specific details about the types of fish available are not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe forest's natural setting provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, though specific species are not mentioned.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPost-fire hazards include charred trees, loose groundcover, and subsidence, as noted in reviews.
Active AlertsClosed due to post-fire danger.
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.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof trash bins are provided.

Weather at El Porvenir Campground

Reviews

4.3
57 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
El Porvenir Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
El Porvenir Campground receives mixed reviews, with many highlighting its natural beauty, excellent hiking trails, and secluded atmosphere. However, some have noted issues such as the lack of potable water, poorly maintained roads, and occasional noise from neighboring campers. The campground's recovery from recent wildfires is a recurring topic in user reviews.
Review Summaries
Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the 'beautiful setting,' 'clean and stocked vault toilets,' and the 'challenging and rewarding' hiking trails, particularly Hermit's Peak. The campground's remote and primitive...
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Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include 'no potable water,' 'poorly maintained roads' with 'large potholes,' and a lack of maintenance in some areas. Some guests found the campground noisier compared to others,...
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Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring potable water as none is available on-site. Be prepared for a remote experience with no cell service. Check road conditions before visiting, as they can be narrow and poorly maintained....
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Based on 57 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from May to December, with most positive reviews coming from the fall season, as visitors enjoy 'fall colors' and 'cool nights.' The campground is closed in winter due to snow...
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Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The Beaver Creek trail was simply beautiful, and the Hermit's Peak trail was long and challenging.' — Cheryl McBay 2. 'The campground and scenery were much less than at Black Canyon, but the...
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Based on 57 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground features 13 sites, with at least one pull-through site. Specific favorable sites are not identified, but users have mentioned that the campground is better suited for tents and smaller...
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Based on 57 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are available. The rugged and primitive nature of the campground may pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 57 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned in official sources or user reviews.
Based on 57 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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