Cimarron Campground

Star3.90
55 reviews
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Quick Facts

9,300 ft

Price

$22 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open season is May 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

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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
Cimarron Campground
$22.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $22 to $40 depending on site type and season. Additional fees include an $8 reservation fee if booked online, $9 through the contact...
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
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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Provider
928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com
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What Campers Say

3.90

Mixed Reviews

Based on 55 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulshadespacious

Some mention

noisereservation

"Cimarron Campground receives mixed reviews. Common praises include its beautiful and remote location, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for fishing and horseback riding. However, issues such as poor road conditions, lack of water and trash services, and inconsistent campground host performance are frequently mentioned."

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Campground Map

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Cimarron Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Costilla, NM, on State Highway 522, travel east on State Highway 196 past Amalia to the intersection of Forest Service Road 1950. Travel on 1950 (a gravel road) east to the unit boundary. Follow Forest Service Road 1950 to the junction with Forest Service Road 1900. Turn right; you will cross Costilla Creek. Continue on Forest Service Road 1950, 10 miles to the junction with Forest Road 1910. Climb 1 mile up the hill to Cimarron Campground.
Access roads are gravel with sharp rocks, requiring spare tires and changing tools. Roads may be closed seasonally, and driving can be slow due to rough conditions. Reviewers have noted driving speeds as low as 1 mile/hour due to washboarding and rocky terrain.
Nearby places
Costilla, NM (29 miles, approximately 1.5-hour drive)
Cimarron, NM (approximate 45-minute drive)
Philmont Scout Ranch (access restricted).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies such as gas stations are 29 miles away in Costilla, NM.

Best Time to Camp at Cimarron Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of high-altitude seasons at Cimarron, where summer brings delightfully cool days that offer sweet relief from lowland heat, and winter transforms the landscape into a snow-draped wonderland. Mountain weather here is as dynamic as the scenery—afternoon thunderstorms can roll in with theatrical flair, occasionally bringing hail and sudden temperature drops that remind you of nature's raw power. Pack layers and embrace the ever-changing moods of this alpine environment, where crisp mornings give way to sun-warmed afternoons and star-filled nights require a cozy sleeping bag.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 23–Sep 11; cool summer temps, active fishing and popular season per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes Sep 11; fall season largely outside open window.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Mostly closed for spring; opens late (May 23) so spring usage limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Off-season/closed through most winter months (off-season Sep 21–May 15).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 11, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is May 23 - September 11, 2025. Off-season is September 21, 2025 - May 15, 2026.
  • Current Alerts: No water available at the campground; pack sufficient supplies. Food storage rules enforced due to bear activity.

About Cimarron Campground

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Cimarron Campground, where 36 thoughtfully designed campsites await at a breathtaking 9,300 feet in Carson National Forest's legendary Valle Vidal. Choose from 25 intimate single-family sites tucked beneath towering spruce and fir, 9 specialized equestrian sites for horse enthusiasts, or 2 spacious double sites perfect for larger groups. This remote mountain sanctuary invites you to cast a line in crystal-clear streams, explore miles of untouched trails, track elk through ancient forests, or simply lose yourself in the whisper of aspen leaves dancing in the alpine breeze.
Cimarron Campground accommodates a variety of campers with options for standard nonelectric campsites, equestrian sites, and double-family sites. The campground is tailored for primitive and equestrian camping.
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Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights allowed within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cimarron Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities suitable for campers of all interests. Visitors can engage in fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, and horseback riding. Seasonal hunting opportunities for elk and deer are also available. The nearby Shuree Ponds provide fishing options for kids and adults, including stocked rainbow trout and opportunities for float tubing. However, fishing restrictions apply, and visitors are advised to review them before fishing.
HikingThe campground is located in a scenic area conducive to hiking. Although there are few maintained trails, the surrounding Valle Vidal and Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide ample opportunities for exploration. One reviewer noted the hike to Shuree Pond as a highlight.
FishingFishing is a prominent activity at Cimarron Campground, with opportunities to catch Rio Grande cutthroat trout in Comanche Creek and the Rio Pueblo. Shuree Ponds, located nearby, offer fishing for kids under 12 in a smaller pond and stocked rainbow trout in the larger pond. Float tubing is also popular in the main pond. A reviewer mentioned, 'Fishing is not great before stocking, but the hiking, nature, and seclusion was perfect.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity here, as the surrounding Carson National Forest is home to mule deer, elk, antelope, black bear, mountain lion, and bighorn sheep. Smaller animals and songbirds are also commonly seen. One reviewer observed, 'Lots of wildlife.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSharp gravel roads, unpredictable weather including hailstorms, and wildlife such as bears and mountain lions. Lack of water availability creates additional difficulties.
Active AlertsNo water available at the campground; pack sufficient supplies. Food storage rules enforced due to bear activity.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cimarron Campground

Reviews

3.9
55 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Cimarron Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Cimarron Campground receives mixed reviews. Common praises include its beautiful and remote location, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for fishing and horseback riding. However, issues such as poor road conditions, lack of water and trash services, and inconsistent campground host performance are frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 55 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the 'beautiful area,' 'plenty of wildlife,' and 'peaceful surroundings.' Multiple users highlighted the scenic drive and opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and...
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Based on 55 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the rough and lengthy drive to the campground, which some described as 'grueling.' The lack of water services and cleanliness of facilities, such as 'filthy' vault toilets, were...
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Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water, as there is no onsite supply. Pack all trash out due to the lack of waste services. Prepare for rough roads by bringing a spare tire and tools. Horse campers should ensure they...
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Based on 55 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall are popular seasons due to the pleasant weather and active fishing. However, the remote location and rough roads deter some visitors. Winter visits are not detailed but may be...
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Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The area is beautiful, but the camp is good, but I wish they had the water and trash service running.' - Danny M. 2. 'This is by far one of the nicest campgrounds that I have been to.' - Adam...
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Based on 55 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 007 received mixed reviews, with one user noting difficulties in parking a large trailer and another highlighting its peace and quiet. Site 032 is praised for its proximity to scenic features...
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Based on 55 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 55 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not specifically mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews, so no details on pet-related experiences are available.
Based on 55 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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