Cuchillo Del Medio Campground
4.538 reviewsCuchillo Del Medio 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
"These sites are free and you can stay for up to two weeks consecutively." (user review); "$0" (official source)
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About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine Carson National Forest, Cuchillo Del Medio Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This dispersed camping gem sits alongside the melodious Rio Hondo river, where the gentle rush of water creates nature's perfect soundtrack for your outdoor retreat. Gateway to both the mysterious Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Study Area and the majestic Wheeler Peak Wilderness, this tranquil haven offers the rare combination of riverside serenity and backcountry access that seasoned campers dream about. While amenities remain refreshingly minimal, the rewards are immense for those who appreciate unspoiled nature at its finest.
Cuchillo Del Medio Campground caters to dispersed camping with minimal facilities and is suitable for a mix of tent and RV camping, though some areas may require high-clearance vehicles.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's full spectrum at Cuchillo Del Medio, where each season paints the landscape with its own dramatic palette. Summer nights offer that perfect camping sweet spot—cool enough for cozy sleeping bags yet mild enough for evening stargazing by the river. As one visitor noted, the nighttime temperatures create ideal conditions for restful sleep, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the strong stream nearby. Winter transforms this riverside retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland, where only the heartiest adventurers venture to experience the raw beauty of the frozen landscape. Spring and fall provide spectacular transitions, with wildflowers or changing aspens adding splashes of color to your camping experience.
Natural Features and SceneryMother Nature has crafted a masterpiece at Cuchillo Del Medio, where towering valley walls embrace the crystal-clear Rio Hondo as it dances through a cathedral of trees. This cool, clear mountain stream serves as the campground's centerpiece, offering both a refreshing respite on warm days and a constant companion with its peaceful babbling. Dense forests carpet the steep valley sides, creating intimate camping spots beneath protective canopies while framing dramatic views of the surrounding wilderness. The interplay of water, stone, and forest creates an ever-changing canvas that transforms with each shift of light throughout the day.
Geological RegionCarved by millennia of flowing water, Cuchillo Del Medio rests in a dramatic steep-walled valley that showcases the geological wonders of the Carson National Forest. The Rio Hondo has sculpted this narrow corridor through ancient rock, creating a natural amphitheater that amplifies the river's voice and shelters campers from the wider world. This unique topography not only provides stunning scenery but also creates distinct microclimates and ecosystems that make every turn of the trail a new discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information regarding accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe sites are primarily small, with some reviews indicating limited suitability for larger vehicles like motorhomes: 'Half of the sites are not accessible with a motorhome, trailer, or car.'
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer a moderate level of privacy, with the campground nestled in a steep valley. Reviewers appreciated the 'shade and riverside ambient noise.' However, the proximity to the road means occasional vehicle noise.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Southern area has shade and riverside ambient noise."
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
"Stay for up to two weeks consecutively." (user review)
Groups
Group camping facilities are not mentioned in the sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"There are kinda two areas of it that you can't drive between; two different driveways if you will." (user review)
Open and Closed SeasonApril - December (weather dependent; call ahead)
Walk-in Availability"Be ready to have a plan B on campgrounds." (user review)
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides access to various outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and picnicking, as well as proximity to scenic driving routes.
Hiking
Numerous trails into the Columbine-Hondo and Wheeler Peak Wilderness areas are accessible from the campground. One user mentioned: 'Allows easy access to Wheeler Peak hike.'Fishing
The Rio Hondo runs alongside the campground and offers fishing opportunities. A user review stated: 'Water is easy to get to.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as beavers and bears can be observed in the area. One user highlighted: 'Cool and clear water with beaver sign everywhere. Look out for bears.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but access may be limited as the campground is generally open from April to December, weather permitting.Water Sports
While wading in the Rio Hondo is possible, other water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "No fires of any kind." (user review)
Hazards
General hazards"Look out for bears and no fires of any kind!" (user review). Users note the steep driveways and the need for vehicles with ground clearance.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available. One user noted: 'There is a bathroom but no garbage service here.'
Proximity to water featuresThe Rio Hondo runs along the campground.
Common complaints"Road noise was an issue," "No garbage service," "Bring all the water you'll need."
Campground Map
Driving directions13 miles northeast of Taos via NM 522 & 150
"One of three small sites on paved road to Taos Ski Valley..." (official source); "easy to find on the road to Taos Ski Valley. The speed limit is 30 mph most of the way." (user review)Nearby places
Taos (13 miles northeast)
Camper Reviews
4.5
8 reviews
Cuchillo Del Medio Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users appreciate the peaceful setting and proximity to outdoor activities, though they note limitations such as the lack of water and garbage services.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
- Easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots
- Peaceful setting with sounds of the river
- Some shaded sites with picnic tables
- Free camping, with a stay limit of two weeks
- Proximity to...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Lack of potable water and garbage services
- Limited accessibility for motorhomes and trailers
- Road noise from the nearby highway
- Pit toilet availability can be seasonal
- Sites may require...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring all the water you need, as there is none on site
- Consider the steep driveways when choosing a site, especially for larger vehicles
- Be prepared for limited facilities and pack out all...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring: Some facilities like the pit toilet may be closed during off-season (e.g., mid-May).
Summer: Temperatures are comfortable at night, and the river is at its strongest flow.
Fall: Cooler...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'This campground is small but each site has a picnic table.' - Caleb Henderson
- 'This is the end of June and the Rio Hondo flows alongside the sites with plenty of water to wade in.' - Justin...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Sites in the southern area may have steep driveways requiring careful vehicle selection.
- Pit toilets are located in the northern half of the campground.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews mention accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or experiences are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025