Elephant Rock Campground

4.56

179 reviews

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation Resource Management of America site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation Resource Management of America site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Elephant Rock Campground

$22.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly rates for the standard nonelectric sites are $22. Peak season rates apply between May 23 and September 11, and first-come, first-served...

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com

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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 179 reviews

68 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswaterfriendly

Some mention

noise

"The campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, scenic beauty, and friendly hosts. However, road noise and occasional overcrowding during peak times are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Elephant Rock Campground

36.7084, -105.4493

Driving directionsThe campground is located 12 miles east of Questa, New Mexico via NM highway 38 or 3 miles west of Red River, New Mexico via NM highway 38.

Elephant Rock Campground is conveniently located right off NM Highway 38, making it easily accessible. The road access is paved, ensuring smooth travel. The campground is accessible through a loop configuration that is steep in places, but manageable for most vehicles. Large RVs over 26 feet may face difficulty navigating the drop-offs and tight turns.

Nearby places

Questa (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Red River (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes), Taos (36 miles, approximately 60 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies like groceries and camping essentials are available in Red River, just 3 miles away. Additional options for supplies exist in Questa.

Best Time to Camp at Elephant Rock Campground

Experience the magic of high-altitude camping from late May through early September, when Elephant Rock truly comes alive. Summer days greet you with brilliant sunshine and temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring, while evenings invite you to bundle up around the campfire as mountain air brings refreshing coolness. The campground's prime season runs from May 23 through September 11, offering ideal conditions for outdoor enthusiasts. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the landscape before winter transforms the area into a snow-blanketed wonderland, closing the campground until spring's return.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open May 23–Sep 11; summer is peak season with cool, pleasant temperatures and high praise.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quaking aspens 'shimmer gold' in autumn; campground remains open through Sept/early Oct (FCFS).

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 23 so only late spring is available; pleasant but short window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed October–May; winter use is limited and not a managed season here.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23 - September 11.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 23 - September 11 (reservable); September 12 - September 30 (first-come, first-served). The campground is closed from October to May 7.

About Elephant Rock Campground

Discover your mountain sanctuary at Elephant Rock Campground, where 20 thoughtfully designed single campsites await beneath a canopy of towering evergreens. Perched at 8,400 feet in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this hidden gem invites you to wake up to the whisper of wind through ponderosa pines and the gentle rustling of aspen leaves. Each site comes complete with its own fire ring for evening storytelling, a sturdy picnic table for memorable meals, and a level tent pad for restful nights under star-filled skies. Fresh mountain water flows from convenient spigots throughout the campground, while well-maintained vault toilets ensure comfort during your stay. Whether you're seeking adventure in nearby Red River and Questa or simply yearning for a peaceful retreat among the firs and spruces, Elephant Rock serves as your perfect basecamp for mountain memories.

Elephant Rock Campground primarily accommodates tent and small RV camping. No cabins or glamping options are available.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of high-altitude camping from late May through early September, when Elephant Rock truly comes alive. Summer days greet you with brilliant sunshine and temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring, while evenings invite you to bundle up around the campfire as mountain air brings refreshing coolness. The campground's prime season runs from May 23 through September 11, offering ideal conditions for outdoor enthusiasts. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the landscape before winter transforms the area into a snow-blanketed wonderland, closing the campground until spring's return.

ElevationAt 8,400 feet above sea level, Elephant Rock Campground offers a true high-country experience that refreshes both body and spirit. This elevation gifts campers with naturally air-conditioned summers, where daytime temperatures rarely climb uncomfortably high, and nights require a cozy sleeping bag or extra blanket. The thin mountain air adds an extra sparkle to already brilliant stars, while winter months transform the landscape into a pristine snowscape that closes the campground but creates a winter wonderland for those who venture into the surrounding forest.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where majestic ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark telling stories of centuries past. The campground's natural amphitheater showcases a stunning diversity of trees – from quaking aspens that shimmer gold in autumn to stately firs and spruces that provide year-round emerald beauty. Artfully placed stone terracing throughout several campsites creates intimate spaces that blend seamlessly with the mountain landscape. The melodic murmur of the nearby Red River provides a natural soundtrack to your stay, while the encompassing Sangre de Cristo Mountains paint dramatic backdrops for sunrise coffee and sunset contemplation.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Carson National Forest, Elephant Rock Campground claims its place in the legendary Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico. This geological wonderland showcases nature's architectural mastery through ancient rock formations and forest ecosystems that have evolved over millennia. The campground's distinctive stone terracing reflects the area's rich geological heritage, while the diverse forest community of ponderosa pines, aspens, firs, and spruces tells the story of elevation changes and microclimates unique to this mountain sanctuary. Here, where the high desert meets alpine environments, campers witness firsthand the dramatic transitions that make the Sangre de Cristo range one of the Southwest's most treasured landscapes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

No group sites are explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of a single loop that meanders up a hillside. Some sites feature stone terracing.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityDuring the first-come, first-served season (September 12 to September 30), campers must book sites in person. Walk-up availability is not guaranteed during peak season due to high demand.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time prior to the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellations (starting from midnight a day before check-in) incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee. Changes outside of the original reservation dates also carry a $10 change fee.

AccessibilityThe Fawn Lakes Trail, located 0.3 miles from the campground, meets accessibility guidelines. Campsites have terraced designs that may accommodate some accessibility needs.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with 'plenty of room to move around,' and suitable for trailers up to 25 feet. Larger rigs may encounter difficulties due to narrow access roads and boulder placements.

PrivacyThe sites are well-spaced, providing privacy. Reviews noted 'not stacked on top of one another' and 'nicely spaced.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and good views, sites 15, 16, and 17 are ideal. Site 12 is spacious and suitable for families.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Elephant Rock Campground offers a range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the Red River and Eagle Rock Lake, hiking on nearby Fawn Lakes Trail, and exploring scenic roadside stops. Wildlife viewing is popular, with chipmunks, squirrels, birds, and deer frequently sighted. Biking and other day trips, such as exploring the Enchanted Circle, are also available.

HikingThe Fawn Lakes Trail, located just 0.3 miles from the campground, meets accessibility guidelines. Hiking enthusiasts also venture into the 'surrounding high country,' with trails offering varied difficulty and scenic views.

FishingFishing is a highlight due to the well-stocked Red River across the road and nearby Eagle Rock Lake. Reviewers mentioned 'great fishing opportunities.'

BikingBiking is a common activity, with one review stating, 'Did some biking and just base camped here.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity. Visitors reported seeing chipmunks, squirrels, birds, and deer.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent bear activity necessitates strict food storage rules. Large RVs may face difficulty navigating the access roads due to steep inclines and tight turns.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but must comply with fire safety regulations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced but specific times are not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Red River (about 3 miles away). This includes a police department and basic medical facilities. For larger emergencies, Taos (approximately 36 miles away) may have better-equipped hospitals.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific recycling facilities were mentioned. General trash disposal is available, and the campground is described as clean and organized.

Water FeaturesThe Red River flows near the campground but is not directly accessible. Eagle Rock Lake is also nearby for fishing.

Camp HostCamp hosts Alan and Cara generally receive positive reviews for their friendliness and helpfulness, although some visitors report intrusive behavior during certain seasons.

Weather at Elephant Rock Campground

Reviews

4.6

179 reviews

Top-Rated

Elephant Rock Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, scenic beauty, and friendly hosts. However, road noise and occasional overcrowding during peak times are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 179 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive experiences include 'clean bathrooms,' 'spacious campsites,' 'friendly camp hosts,' and the availability of potable water and firewood.

Based on 179 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include road noise from the nearby highway, lack of showers, occasional challenges with cell service, and some noise from other campers.

Based on 179 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash or checks for payment, as no cards are accepted. Arrive early for first-come, first-served sites. Larger RVs may struggle with the access roads.

Based on 179 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with campers enjoying cool temperatures and the surrounding natural beauty. Winter camping is possible but less convenient due to limited facilities.

Based on 179 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great campsite in Red River, NM. The camp hosts were excellent. The vault toilets are clean.' (Chris Cordes, 2020) 2. 'Beautiful mountains, fresh air, and 2 lakes with Red River up the road make...

Based on 179 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #12 is spacious and private but close to the highway, leading to some noise. Site #11 offers seclusion and wildlife viewing, but poor drainage during rain. Sites #6, 17, and 18 are highly...

Based on 179 reviews

Accessibility Features

The terraced design of campsites aids accessibility, but narrow roads and steep entries may pose challenges for some visitors.

Based on 179 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and several reviews mention enjoyable experiences with dogs. However, one review noted noise from multiple dogs at a neighboring site.

Based on 179 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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