Cabresto Lake Campground
4.439 reviews5 miles northeast of Questa on Forest Road 134 then 2 miles north on Forest Service Road 134A
Cabresto Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
There are no fees listed for Cabresto Lake Campground.
About this campground
Tucked away at 9,500 feet in the Carson National Forest, Cabresto Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with just four semi-dispersed campsites that promise genuine solitude. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers from May through November, where the simplicity of minimal amenities allows the stunning mountain landscape to take center stage. Here, you'll wake to mirror-like reflections of towering peaks on the lake's surface and fall asleep under a blanket of stars undimmed by city lights.
Cabresto Lake Campground primarily caters to tent camping, with its semi-dispersed sites and primitive setup. RVs may find access challenging due to the rough road conditions.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this remote mountain sanctuary remains quietly tucked away in the forest's memory, the land itself tells ancient stories through its weathered peaks and pristine waters. This untouched corner of the Carson National Forest continues to serve as a timeless refuge for those seeking connection with the natural world.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Cabresto Lake unfold with warm sunshine and temperatures reaching into the 80s, perfect for hiking and exploring. As evening approaches, the mountain air cools to a refreshing 50 degrees, ideal for campfire conversations. Be prepared for nature's dramatic afternoon performances—sudden thunderstorms can sweep through with rain, hail, and temporary mud, adding excitement to your high-altitude adventure. When winter arrives, this landscape transforms into a frozen wonderland where temperatures plunge to single digits and deep snow blankets the forest in pristine white silence.
ElevationPerched at 9,500 feet above sea level, this high-altitude haven offers crisp, clean mountain air and a refreshing escape from summer heat. The elevation creates a unique environment where wildflowers bloom later, stars shine brighter, and every breath reminds you that you've climbed into the sky. Visitors should prepare for the thin air and allow time to acclimate to these lofty heights.
Natural Features and SceneryCabresto Lake Campground sits like a jewel in a crown of rugged peaks, where 15 acres of crystalline water reflect the surrounding mountains in perfect detail. This dramatic high-altitude landscape offers endless vistas of rocky summits, alpine meadows, and pristine wilderness that stretches to the horizon. The remote setting creates an ideal sanctuary for wildlife watching, photography, and those precious moments of absolute peace that only untouched nature can provide.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic heights of Carson National Forest, this campground overlooks the pristine 15-acre Cabresto Lake—a sparkling alpine gem carved by ancient geological forces. At 9,500 feet elevation, you're camping in a landscape sculpted by millennia of mountain-building forces, where exposed rock faces tell the story of the Earth's dramatic past and alpine lakes fill basins left by long-vanished glaciers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information is available regarding accessibility features at the campground.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of four semi-dispersed campsites. No additional details on campsite sizes are provided.
Sites PrivacySites are semi-dispersed, offering some level of seclusion. One reviewer, Leah B., mentioned the campground felt more secluded compared to other public campsites despite occasional day traffic.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Choose sites on the northwest hill for scenic views." - Leah B.
Best CampsitesNone explicitly mentioned, but user reviews highlight sites on the northwest hill for excellent views.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limits are stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not mentioned.
Groups
No dedicated group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFour semi-dispersed campsites overlooking Cabresto Lake from a level ridge.
Open and Closed SeasonMay - November (weather dependent; call ahead)
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms are provided; first-come, first-served availability.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites; limited availability due to only four semi-dispersed campsites.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is provided.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cabresto Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The campground's proximity to Cabresto Lake and the Latir Peak Wilderness makes it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Hiking
The Lake Fork Trail, which begins at the campground's parking lot, leads into the Latir Peak Wilderness and extends to Heart Lake. This 4-mile-long trail offers opportunities for solitude and scenic views, as noted by Jeremiah Cooper.Fishing
Cabresto Lake is renowned for its brook trout, making it one of the few locations in New Mexico for such fishing. Jeremiah Cooper highlighted the lake as 'a gem' and recommended fly fishing with hopper patterns during the summer.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed on Cabresto Lake. However, there is no hand launch access, and boats must be carried down a steep slope. The largest recommended craft are single-person kayaks or inflatables.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant at the campground. Amanda & Jerry Harper mentioned being 'very popular with the wildlife' during their picnic, and Leah B. noted the presence of mice, chipmunks, and squirrels.Winter Activities
Ice fishing is available during winter, as noted by Martin Maes.Water Sports
Kayaking and other non-motorized watercraft activities are available, but accessibility is limited due to the steep slope leading to the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are provided.
- Quiet hours are None specified.
Hazards
General hazardsRodents like mice, chipmunks, and squirrels are abundant and require careful food storage to avoid attracting them. There is also a risk of Hantavirus.
Active alertsNo current active alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Slight rain
Precipitation: 1.6%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (1.60% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Slight rain
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services: Questa Ranger District at 184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556, Phone: (575) 586-0520.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season pricing dates are mentioned.
Trash and recyclingLeah B. mentioned issues with trash disposal, as some visitors left trash in the vault toilet area. Campers are encouraged to practice 'pack in, pack out' principles.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Cabresto Lake (15 acres); the lake is accessible via steep slope from parking.
Common complaintsRodents causing nuisance; unmaintained vault toilet noted as 'disgusting' due to COVID-related lack of upkeep.
HostNo host information is provided.
Campground Map
5 miles northeast of Questa on Forest Road 134 then 2 miles north on Forest Service Road 134A
Driving directions5 miles northeast of Questa on Forest Road 134 then 2 miles north on Forest Service Road 134A. The last 2 miles on Forest Road 134A are on a primitive road.
Primitive road conditions for the last 2 miles; requires high-clearance or 4WD vehicles during wet or icy conditions.Nearby places
Questa (5 miles, approximately 10-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Questa is the nearest location for groceries, fuel, and camping supplies
approximately 5 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
9 reviews
Cabresto Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users appreciate the campground's scenic views, seclusion, and access to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. However, concerns include the condition of the vault toilet, rodent activity, and difficult road access.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Stunning views, seclusion, excellent fishing (brook trout), and access to hiking trails are frequently praised. Leah B. noted the 'spectacular views' and Jeremiah Cooper described the lake as 'a gem.'
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
Issues highlighted include 'disgusting' vault toilets (Leah B.), rodent activity, and the challenging road leading to the campground. The road requires high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles, as...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water; pack out all trash; secure food to prevent rodent issues. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for the drive. Avoid the road in wet conditions. Fly fishing with hopper...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is popular for fishing and hiking, but heavy day traffic is noted. Winter activities include ice fishing. Weather can be unpredictable, with Leah B. reporting hail and rain during her stay.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The views from our campsite, which sat the top of the NW hill, were spectacular.' - Leah B.
2. 'Cabresto Lake is a gem in the mountains of Northern New Mexico near Red River.' - Jeremiah...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Leah B. praised the campsite on the NW hill for its spectacular views, while others highlighted the semi-dispersed setup. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Leah B. mentioned camping with two dogs and noted the rodent activity drove the dogs 'nuts.'
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025