Cuchilla Campground
00 review184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556
Cuchilla 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
Camping at Cuchilla Campground is free of charge.
About this campground
Tucked away along the banks of the Rio Hondo river, Cuchilla Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just three secluded sites perfect for small trailers and RVs under 22 feet. This dispersed camping gem provides the essentials—picnic tables and restroom facilities—while keeping you connected to the raw beauty of the wilderness. Though the babbling Rio Hondo flows nearby, campers should bring their own drinking water, as the stream water requires treatment before consumption.
Cuchilla Campground is designed for primitive camping and small RVs, offering limited facilities and dispersed camping sites.
Historical SignificanceNestled within the storied Carson National Forest, Cuchilla Campground serves as a gateway to adventure, with trails beckoning explorers toward the pristine Columbine Hondo Wilderness Study Area. This protected landscape has long been a sanctuary for those seeking solitude and connection with the untamed spirit of northern New Mexico's high country.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of this mountain retreat throughout the year. Summer unveils its most welcoming face during weeks 27-30, when crystal-clear skies frame warm, sun-drenched days perfect for riverside relaxation and forest exploration. Winter transforms Cuchilla into a snow-laden wonderland from weeks 1-7, where freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall create a pristine alpine landscape for the most adventurous cold-weather campers.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 7,800 feet above sea level, Cuchilla Campground places you firmly in the crisp mountain air of the high country, where pine-scented breezes and cool nights remind you just how far you've climbed from the desert floor below.
Natural Features and SceneryThe melodic flow of the Rio Hondo river provides a constant soundtrack to your stay at Cuchilla, where towering pines and firs of the Carson National Forest create a natural cathedral around your campsite. Trails wind from your doorstep into the heart of the wilderness, inviting you to explore the untouched beauty of the nearby Columbine Hondo Wilderness Study Area, where alpine meadows and hidden vistas await discovery.
Geological RegionSet within the rugged terrain of Carson National Forest, Cuchilla Campground rests in a river-carved valley where the Rio Hondo has sculpted its path through ancient rock for millennia. This corner of the forest borders the Columbine Hondo Wilderness Study Area, a testament to the geological forces that shaped these mountains into one of New Mexico's most spectacular high-elevation landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo details about accessibility features are provided in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate trailers or RVs up to 22 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not detailed in the provided information.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are riverside and large enough for trailers/RVs under 22'. Choose sites based on proximity to the river and trailheads.
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site is large enough to accommodate trailers or RVs under 22'.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned in the source materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree dispersed sites. Sites include picnic tables and are large enough for smaller trailers and RVs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen generally from April to December, weather-dependent.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; no reservations are accepted.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Cuchilla Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, picnicking, and scenic driving. The proximity to hiking trails, including the Yerba Canyon Trail and others leading to the Columbine Hondo Wilderness Study Area, makes it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. Fishing is available at the Rio Hondo, which runs alongside the campground.
Hiking
Several hiking trails, including the Yerba Canyon Trail (#61), the Manzanita Canyon Trail (#58), the Italianos Canyon Trail (#59), the Gavilan Canyon Trail (#60), the Wheeler Peak/Bull of the Woods Trail (#90), and the Williams Lake Trail (#62), are accessible from or near the campground.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the Rio Hondo, a river/stream that flows along the campground. No further details about types of fish or fishing conditions are provided.Winter Activities
No details about winter-specific activities such as snowshoeing or skiing are provided.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotable water is not available; water from the stream is not recommended for drinking. Wildlife may be present, as the area is forested.
Active alertsNone mentioned in the authoritative sources.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Questa Ranger District at 184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556. Phone: (575) 586-0520.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Rio Hondo river. Water can be drawn from the stream but is not potable.
Campground Map
184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556
Driving directionsLocated 13.0 miles north of Taos on State Highway 230.
Accessible via State Highway 230, suitable for trailers or RVs under 22'.Nearby places
Taos: 13 miles
Questa: Approximate distance not specified.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Taos or Questa, but specific stores or distances are not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Cuchilla Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews were provided in the source materials, limiting insights into specific camper experiences.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects of the campground, such as its scenic setting and proximity to hiking trails, can be inferred from the official descriptions.
Common Concerns
No complaints are mentioned in the source materials.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations, such as bringing potable water and planning hikes along nearby trails, are advisable based on the amenities described.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends can be inferred from the open season (April to December), though specific user comments on seasonal experiences are unavailable.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users were provided.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to individual campsites were available.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not mentioned.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and reviews about pet-friendly features are not discussed.
Last updated August 10, 2025