Santa Barbara Campground

Star4.35
154 reviews

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$22 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 (se...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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
Santa Barbara Campground
$22.00 - $70.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rates: $22 for standard nonelectric sites, $40 for double occupancy, $60 for triple occupancy, and $70 for quad/group RV areas.
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$70.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com
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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 154 reviews

46 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanhikingwell-maintained

"User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to recreational activities. However, concerns include livestock wandering through the campground and occasional overcrowding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Santa Barbara Campground

36.0891, -105.6101

Driving directionsFrom the junction with State Road 75, follow SR 73 1.4 miles to the Santa Barbara Road. Turn left onto the Santa Barbara Road. Then travel 6.2 miles to the campground. Santa Barbara Road becomes Forest System Road 116 when the pavement ends.
Road is deeply rutted and potholed, requiring slow driving. "The last three miles of the road is horrific. Plan on going very slow, especially in a low-clearance car or towing a trailer, if you don't want to risk damage to your vehicle."
Nearby places
Taos, NM (25 miles north), Penasco (8-15 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Most services available in Taos, NM (25 miles north) or Espanola, NM (45 miles southwest).

Best Time to Camp at Santa Barbara Campground

Perched at 8,900 feet where the air is crisp and pure, Santa Barbara Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer heat. While daytime temperatures provide comfortable conditions for hiking and fishing, the mountain nights remind visitors of their alpine setting – temperatures can dip to a brisk 48°F even in midsummer. Pack your favorite fleece and prepare for starlit evenings around the campfire, where the cool mountain air makes every cup of hot cocoa taste that much better.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May 23–Sep 11; summer praised for cooler temps, hiking and fishing (but can be crowded).

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Alpine aspens imply strong fall color and scenery, but limited direct seasonal detail and access windows.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late-spring (post-May 23) offers cool temps and fishing/hiking; spring conditions vary with snowmelt.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground season runs mainly May–Sep; winter closures or limited access apply.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - September 11 (Peak Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23 (season begins) through September 11 (peak season ends). Other dates first-come-first-served or closed.
  • Current Alerts: Non-potable water ("The camp host informed me that we should not drink the water. Please rectify this situation immediately.") and occasionally absent hosts.

About Santa Barbara Campground

Nestled at the gateway to the magnificent Pecos Wilderness, Santa Barbara Campground invites adventurers to discover a high-altitude paradise where pristine mountain streams and towering peaks create an unforgettable backdrop. Cast your line into the crystal-clear waters of the Rio Santa Barbara, renowned for its thriving trout population, or set out on scenic trails that lead to the majestic Jicarita Peak. The campground provides essential amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings for cozy evening gatherings. While drinking water faucets are available, seasoned campers know to bring backup water as mountain conditions can occasionally affect functionality. Note that this rustic mountain retreat does not accommodate horses, keeping the focus on peaceful camping and hiking experiences.
Santa Barbara Campground provides a variety of camping options, including primitive, RV, tent, and group sites. It is noted for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Pecos Wilderness.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Santa Barbara Campground offers a wide range of activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping. The campground serves as a gateway to the Pecos Wilderness and offers easy access to trails leading to Jicarita Peak. Fishing is particularly highlighted, with one user mentioning '5 miles of prime fly fishing water' adjacent to the campground. Another review describes the hiking trails as 'amazing and a must.'
HikingNumerous trails originate from the campground, offering varying levels of difficulty. The trails lead into the Pecos Wilderness, making it an excellent destination for hikers and backpackers.
FishingFishing opportunities abound, particularly fly fishing along the Rio Santa Barbara. The trout stream is described as 'beautiful and healthy.' User reviews highlight the quality of fishing, with one reviewer noting 'excellent fly fishing' and another mentioning 'prime fly fishing water.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable activity. User reviews describe the area's natural beauty and opportunities to observe local fauna.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Bears frequent the area." "Cows often wander into the campsites, mooing and leaving manure."
Active AlertsNon-potable water ("The camp host informed me that we should not drink the water. Please rectify this situation immediately.") and occasionally absent hosts.

Weather at Santa Barbara Campground

Reviews

4.4
154 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Santa Barbara Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to recreational activities. However, concerns include livestock wandering through the campground and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 154 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the 'beautiful scenery,' 'clean and well-maintained facilities,' and 'excellent hiking and fishing opportunities.'
Based on 154 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include livestock intrusions ('cows wandering through the campground'), lack of potable water at times, and occasional overcrowding or noise ('too many people, too many cars, too...
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Based on 154 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing sufficient water due to the unreliable potable water supply and being prepared for livestock in the area. Reviewers also recommend specific sites such as 001, 013, and 014 for...
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Based on 154 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season due to the cooler temperatures and availability of hiking and fishing. However, some users note overcrowding during peak times.
Based on 154 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Bathrooms and vault toilets were impeccably clean.' - '5 miles of prime fly fishing water from the site. It was amazing countryside.' - 'Cows wandering through the campground left cow crap...
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Based on 154 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 is praised for its spaciousness and proximity to water. Site 005 is criticized for its steep embankment and limited flat space. Sites 013 and 014 are highlighted for their proximity to the...
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Based on 154 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not specifically addressed in the reviews.
Based on 154 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are mentioned indirectly, such as references to campers walking dogs, but no specific details about pet policies or amenities are provided.
Based on 154 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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