Agua Piedra Campground

Star4.44
176 reviews

Quick Facts

8,100 ft

Price

$24 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation Resource Management of America site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Agua Piedra Campground
$24.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $24 for a single site to $125-$150 for group shelters depending on the number of occupants (up to 50 or up to 100). Peak season rates...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$150.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
435-245-6521bryce@sceniccanyons.com
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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 176 reviews

65 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanrestrooms

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews of Agua Piedra Campground are highly mixed, with many praising the beautiful scenery, clean facilities, and hiking opportunities but noting issues such as rude camp hosts, overcrowded sites, and water quality concerns."

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Campground Map

Agua Piedra Campground

36.1353, -105.5292

Driving directionsFrom Las Vegas, New Mexico, take State Highway 518 approximately 51 miles to the Agua Piedra Campground. From Penasco, New Mexico, travel east on State Route 75 about 5 miles, to an intersection. Turn right, onto State Route 518 (unmarked) and continue about 7 miles to campground entrance. From Taos, head south on NM-68. Turn Left onto NM-518 and stay on it for 23 miles. Agua Piedra Campground will be on your right.
Accessible via paved roads; however, the road near the campground can be 'washboardy,' with potholes requiring slow driving.
Nearby places
Sipapu Ski Resort (3 miles), Vadito (5 miles), Penasco (17 miles), Taos (25 miles), Espanola (45 miles).
Nearby supplies
Sipapu Ski Resort (3 miles away) offers essentials like ice and cold drinks. Taos, NM (25 miles away) provides comprehensive services including groceries and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Agua Piedra Campground

Perched at 8,100 feet, Agua Piedra offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, where crisp mountain air transforms evenings into natural air conditioning and daytime temperatures hover at that perfect hiking-weather sweet spot. July brings the drama of monsoon season, when afternoon thunderstorms roll across the peaks, filling the air with the scent of rain-soaked pine. As autumn approaches, wise campers pack extra layers for those first magical mornings when frost crystals dust the landscape like nature's glitter.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open during summer with cool temps, wildflowers, peak hiking and fishing; can be crowded in high season.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspens provide fall color and cooler weather; campground is open into early Sept for early-fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late-spring wildflowers and cool temps are highlights, but season opens May 23 (limited spring window).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 23–Sep 11, so winter use is not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - September 11 (peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 11. Reservations start June 25 and end September 11. First-come, first-served access occurs before and after the peak season.

About Agua Piedra Campground

Nestled in the heart of Carson National Forest, Agua Piedra Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of mountain serenity and adventure. Here, the melodic rush of Rio Pueblo River provides the soundtrack to unforgettable camping experiences, while trails to the pristine Serpent Lake and dramatic Cordova Canyon promise day-long explorations. Whether you're seeking solitude at a single site, planning a family getaway at a double site, or organizing a memorable group gathering, this mountain haven offers shaded sanctuaries beneath towering spruce, fir, and aspen canopies.
Agua Piedra Campground offers diverse camping options including standard non-electric individual sites, larger double sites, and accessible group shelters. Sites vary in privacy and size, accommodating a wide range of campers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights year-round.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers diverse recreational activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and streamside relaxation. The Rio Pueblo River provides fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, while hiking trails like Serpent Lake and Cordova Canyon are popular among visitors. Wildlife viewing is also a notable activity, with chipmunks and birds frequently seen. "The meadow at the top of the Indian Lake Trail was amazing," noted one visitor.
HikingHiking is one of the most popular activities at Agua Piedra, with trails leading to Serpent Lake, Cordova Canyon, and Indian Lake. One reviewer said, "The hike up to Indian Lake is a MUST!!!" Another described the meadow at the top as "amazing." Trails vary in difficulty, and one user advised downloading maps ahead of arrival due to lack of cell service.
FishingFishing in the Rio Pueblo River is a favorite activity. The river is stocked with rainbow trout and includes an accessible dock. One user noted, "There is no good fishing area by the campsite, but you can fish in multiple places."
BikingBiking opportunities exist around the campground, with one reviewer mentioning it as a good activity. "Beautiful area. Good bicycling opportunities," noted a user.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is common, with chipmunks, birds, and occasional cows spotted. "Lots of cute chipmunks hiding out under the stairs at various campsites," as one user observed.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears, steep stairs at some sites, and smelly sulfuric water at drinking faucets. Poison ivy has been reported at specific sites like #21.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Agua Piedra Campground

Reviews

4.4
176 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Agua Piedra Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Agua Piedra Campground are highly mixed, with many praising the beautiful scenery, clean facilities, and hiking opportunities but noting issues such as rude camp hosts, overcrowded sites, and water quality concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 176 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean vault toilets, stunning views, accessible hiking trails, and well-maintained grounds. "The restrooms were close and clean," and "Cleanest pit toilets I've ever had the...
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Based on 176 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints often revolved around rude or unhelpful camp hosts, poor water quality (sulfuric smell), crowded campsites, and occasional noise disturbances. "The camp host was RUDE and not helpful at...
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Based on 176 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing your own drinking water due to the sulfuric smell, downloading maps before arrival due to lack of cell service, and reserving sites on the upper loop for more privacy. "Bring...
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Based on 176 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer reviews emphasize the beauty of wildflowers and cooler temperatures. Late summer reviews highlight occasional noise disturbances, overcrowding, and inconsistent restroom...
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Based on 176 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful camp ground a few miles past Sipapu ski basin. Camping by near the stream and hiked 2.5 miles up to Indian lake." "The vault toilets were clean, and restocked regularly." "No hook-ups, but...
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Based on 176 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews include notes like "Avoid #26, there is no place for a tent," and "Site #42 on a slope, not ideal for tent setup." Conversely, "Site #27 was a good site," and "Site #21 was...
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Based on 176 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible facilities include accessible group shelters and vault toilets. "Group shelter is private and the fireplace in the cabin is clutch," noted one user.
Based on 176 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-specific sentiments were not widely discussed in the provided reviews.
Based on 176 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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