Columbine Campground (Nm)

Star4.70
239 reviews
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Quick Facts

7,900 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

May 23 to September ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

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Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Columbine Campground (Nm)
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate is $22 for both standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites during the peak season, as well as the first-come, first-served...
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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

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 239 reviews

94 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with consistent praise for the natural beauty, clean facilities, and friendly campground hosts. The creek running through the campground and the proximity to hiking trails are standout features."

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Campground Map

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Columbine Campground (Nm)

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Driving directionsFive miles east of Questa, New Mexico via NM highway 38.
The campground is easily accessible via NM Highway 38. However, some reviewers noted that the road into the campground can be narrow and may pose challenges for larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Questa (~5 miles), Red River (~8 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available in Red River (~8 miles). Highlights include Der Markt grocery store and Red River shopping strip.

Best Time to Camp at Columbine Campground (Nm)

The canyon's unique geography creates a microclimate where crisp mountain mornings greet early risers year-round, and evening temperatures can dip surprisingly low even in summer's peak. Seasoned campers know to pack layers and warm sleeping gear—the cool mountain air that provides relief from summer heat can catch the unprepared off guard when the sun dips behind the canyon walls.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Campground fully operational in summer; many positive summer reviews though nights are cool.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspens present and pleasant early-fall conditions; campground only open into late Sept.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground closed until May 23; snowmelt can affect access before opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed from Sep 30 to May 23; winter camping unsupported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May 23 to September 11 (reservable season); September 12 to September 30 (first-come, first-served season); closed from September 30 to May 23.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire bans are occasionally enforced due to fire risk.

About Columbine Campground (Nm)

Tucked into a dramatic canyon between the charming mountain towns of Questa and Red River, Columbine Campground offers two distinct camping experiences within Carson National Forest. Choose between the entrance loop's expansive sites with sweeping mountain vistas, or venture deeper into the canyon loop where towering pines create intimate, creek-side sanctuaries along the babbling waters of Columbine Creek.
Columbine Campground caters to tent and RV campers, with 26 single-family sites and a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options. The sites are spread across two loops, providing a variety of experiences.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
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Stay Limit
14 nights

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Columbine Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, offering direct access to hiking trails, a creek for fishing, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The proximity to natural features like the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness and the Red River enhances the range of activities available.
HikingThe campground provides direct access to the Columbine Twining hiking trail, which extends 14 miles into the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness. Reviews highlight the ease of access to trails and their scenic beauty, with mentions of 'several little bridges across the creek' enhancing the hiking experience.
FishingFishing is available in the Red River and Columbine Creek. One reviewer noted seeing 'some folks fishing' and described the water features as 'chilly, clear, and running through the campsites.'
BikingBiking is mentioned as an activity in user reviews, often in conjunction with nearby trails and the scenic surroundings of the Red River area.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a common activity, with chipmunks and birds frequently observed. A reviewer warned about bears in the area, emphasizing the need for proper food storage.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is frequent; food storage rules must be followed. Horseflies are noted near the creek. Narrow roads may pose challenges for large vehicles.
Active AlertsSeasonal fire bans are occasionally enforced due to fire risk.

Weather at Columbine Campground (Nm)

Reviews

4.7
239 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Columbine Campground (Nm) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with consistent praise for the natural beauty, clean facilities, and friendly campground hosts. The creek running through the campground and the proximity to hiking trails are standout features.
Review Summaries
Based on 239 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the scenic beauty of the creek and surrounding wilderness, and the helpfulness of the campground hosts. Many reviews praise the peaceful...
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Based on 239 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from the nearby highway for sites in the lower loop, the lack of showers, and some sites being unlevel or small. A few users mentioned generator noise and the...
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Based on 239 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

For a quieter experience, choose sites in the upper loop away from the highway. Site #18 is frequently recommended for its seclusion and proximity to the creek. Bringing warm clothing is advised due...
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Based on 239 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive user experiences are most common during the summer months when the campground is fully operational. Cold nights are frequently mentioned, even in summer. The campground is closed during...
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Based on 239 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The creek runs right down through the middle of the campground providing beautiful sound.' - A. Kincross 2. 'The vault bathrooms are clean, and only a little smelly.' - Marissa M. 3. 'Campsites...
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Based on 239 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #18 is frequently praised for its seclusion and proximity to the creek, while sites #1-8 are noted for being tighter and less private. Site #12 received criticism for being unlevel.
Based on 239 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility-focused reviews were found.
Based on 239 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and frequently brought to the campground, but no specific pet-related amenities or issues were highlighted in the reviews.
Based on 239 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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