Panchuela

Star4.35
19 reviews

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Santa Fe National Forest Service 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
Panchuela
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Tent sites and shelter sites are priced at $5.00 per night during peak season (mid-May to late November). Fees do not include taxes or discounts.
Standard Site Fee$5.00
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
505-757-6121
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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 19 reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikingfriendly

"User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, cleanliness, and the helpfulness of the site hosts. Campers frequently note the tranquility of the creek-side sites and the opportunities for hiking and fishing. Some critiques mention occasional maintenance issues with shelters and the impact of weather conditions."

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Campground Map

Panchuela

35.8298, -105.6642

Driving directionsFrom the town of Pecos, head north on NM-63 for 19 miles. Make a slight left onto Windsor Road and stay on it for .2 miles, then make a right onto Pachuela Road and follow it for 1.5 miles and you will arrive at the parking area. Panchuela Road is a single lane road with pull-outs, please follow speed limit and watch out for horseback riders and pedestrians.
The single-lane Panchuela Road includes pull-outs for vehicles. Drivers should be cautious of potholes, horseback riders, and pedestrians.

Best Time to Camp at Panchuela

Here in the embrace of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, summer nights carry a refreshing mountain chill that calls for cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags. When autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a living masterpiece as aspens paint the hillsides in brilliant shades of gold, creating a photographer's paradise and drawing leaf-peepers from across the Southwest.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers wildflowers and moderate temps, though nights are cool and monsoon mud/flies occur.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall brings golden foliage and cooler, scenic conditions favored by reviewers.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open mid-May; early season can be muddy and cool, limiting some activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid-November through mid-May; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 13-November 24. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open mid-May through mid-November.

About Panchuela

Tucked away at 8,300 feet in the Santa Fe National Forest, Panchuela Campground offers an intimate escape where the melodic whispers of Panchuela Creek set the rhythm for your mountain adventure. This charming walk-in campground serves as your gateway to the pristine Pecos Wilderness, where anglers cast lines into crystal-clear waters and hikers discover trails that wind through some of New Mexico's most breathtaking backcountry.
Panchuela Campground supports tent camping with both primitive and shelter-equipped sites, offering a mix of options for different preferences. RVs and group-specific accommodations are not supported.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Panchuela Campground is an excellent base for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Panchuela Trailhead provides access to the expansive Pecos Wilderness trail system. Fishing is a highlight, with opportunities at Cowles Fishing Pond, the Pecos River, and Panchuela Creek. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot deer, elk, songbirds, raptors, and even black bears.
HikingHiking is a major activity, with trails originating from the Panchuela Trailhead and nearby Winsor Trailheads, offering scenic views and access to the Pecos Wilderness. "Nice hike, a little less than 3 miles one way, to the caves on Cave Creek." - Mary D (8/27/2021)
FishingFishing is popular along Panchuela Creek, the Pecos River, and at Cowles Fishing Pond. "We caught and released a couple of tiny trout here, but since they don't stock that far up, it's not as good as the fishing just down the road in the Pecos River." - Laura M (8/12/2021)
Wildlife viewingWildlife spotted in the area includes deer, elk, songbirds, raptors, and the occasional black bear. "Dozens of happy hummingbirds, and a stoat even joined us for our morning coffee." - Samuel I (6/7/2021)
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRain may cause pooling in shelters, muddy conditions, and drainage issues; black bears have been spotted occasionally.

Weather at Panchuela

Reviews

4.4
19 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Panchuela is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, cleanliness, and the helpfulness of the site hosts. Campers frequently note the tranquility of the creek-side sites and the opportunities for hiking and fishing. Some critiques mention occasional maintenance issues with shelters and the impact of weather conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic views, creek-side sites, clean facilities, friendly and helpful campground hosts, excellent hiking and fishing opportunities.
Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance issues with some shelters, muddy conditions during rain, and flies in certain seasons.
Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a wagon or handtruck for transporting gear. Sites #1, #2, and #5 are recommended for creek access, while Site #4 offers more privacy. Avoid heavy monsoon seasons if possible.
Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campers enjoy summer wildflowers, butterflies, and moderate temperatures but note cold nights and muddy conditions during monsoons. Fall brings golden foliage and cooler weather.
Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The host was welcoming and helpful, the location clean, restrooms clean." - Meredith B (7/22/2021). "None of the pictures actually do this site justice; it’s even better in person." - Sebastian V...
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Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1: Closest to the parking lot, next to the creek, described as charming but less shaded. Site #5: Most secluded and furthest from parking. Site #4: Offers privacy. Unit 1 Shelter has drainage...
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Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews mentioned pet-related experiences.
Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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