La Junta Canyon
05 reviewsForest Road 76, off State Highway 518, Carson National Forest, New Mexico
La Junta Canyon
$6.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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
Campsite fees are $12 per night for one vehicle, with a discounted rate of $6 per night for Senior or Access Pass holders. Additional vehicles cost $6 per night, and day-use parking is $6 per day.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Carson National Forest, La Junta Canyon invites adventurers to discover 41 thoughtfully placed campsites along the babbling waters of Junta Creek. This 4.5-mile ribbon of wilderness offers both established family sites and secluded dispersed camping spots, perfect for those seeking solitude beneath towering spruce trees. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with a small trailer (up to 36 feet), you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where gorgeous mountain vistas frame every sunrise and the gentle soundtrack of flowing water accompanies your evening campfire conversations.
La Junta Canyon offers dispersed camping with some formally designated campsites. There are no RV hookups, and the terrain accommodates tent camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile La Junta Canyon keeps its historical secrets quietly tucked among the spruce groves, the surrounding region whispers stories of ancient peoples and enduring traditions. The nearby Indian Pueblos offer glimpses into centuries of cultural heritage, inviting curious travelers to explore the deeper connections between land and people that have shaped this corner of New Mexico for generations.
Weather and SeasonsFrom Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, La Junta Canyon awakens to welcome summer adventurers with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for creek-side relaxation and trail exploration. The high-country climate delivers refreshingly cool evenings that invite cozy campfire gatherings. As autumn approaches and the canyon prepares for its winter slumber, temperatures dip below freezing and snow blankets the landscape, transforming this summer haven into a pristine winter wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid explorers.
ElevationPerched at 8,200 feet above sea level, La Junta Canyon offers a true high-altitude escape where the air is crisp, clean, and noticeably thinner. This mountain elevation brings cooler temperatures even on summer's warmest days, creating perfect conditions for hiking and exploring. Visitors should pace themselves as they adjust to the altitude, taking time to appreciate how the thin mountain air makes the stars appear impossibly bright and close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryLa Junta Canyon unfolds as a natural amphitheater where emerald spruce forests give way to golden grass meadows, all orchestrated by the melodic flow of Junta Creek. By day, the interplay of sunlight through the forest canopy creates an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow. When darkness falls, the canyon transforms into a stargazer's paradise, where the absence of city lights reveals a celestial display that takes your breath away. Wildlife thrives in this protected habitat, from chattering squirrels to grazing deer, while wildflowers paint the meadows in seasonal bursts of color.
Geological RegionCarson National Forest's La Junta Canyon showcases the dramatic beauty of New Mexico's mountainous terrain, where ancient geological forces carved a 4.5-mile sanctuary along the path of Junta Creek. The canyon's unique geography creates distinct microclimates and ecosystems, from dense spruce forests that provide cool shade to open meadows where grasses dance in mountain breezes. This diverse landscape offers campers the rare opportunity to experience multiple mountain environments within a single campground, each turn of the creek revealing new perspectives on the timeless dance between water, stone, and forest.
Campsite details
Sites SizeSites are dispersed along the creek in grass fields or under spruce trees. They include 8 formally designated sites in Upper La Junta, with the remaining sites having a more dispersed feel.
Sites PrivacyUpper La Junta sites are more formally designated, offering moderate privacy. The dispersed sites along the road may have cattle wandering through, affecting seclusion.
Total Campsites41 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near Junta Creek are recommended for their scenic beauty and soothing water sounds. The Upper La Junta area offers more formally designated campsites.
Best CampsitesUser reviews did not specify individual campsites, but sites near the creek were frequently praised.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
N/A as the campground is first-come, first-served.
Check-out
N/A as the campground is first-come, first-served.
Stay Limit
Fourteen consecutive nights
Guests Allowed Per Site
Afamily unit typically accommodates at least one vehicle and associated occupants.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of two main sections. The Upper La Junta area features more formally designated sites, while the dispersed camping area stretches along the road and includes sites numbered 1 through 30.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, weather-dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served. Sites in the Upper La Junta area are more formally designated, while others are more dispersed.
Cancellation PolicyN/A as reservations are not available
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
La Junta Canyon offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts including fishing, hiking, and OHV trail riding. "Fishing access" is noted as a key attraction and the campground is popular among motorcyclists. There are nearby hiking trails such as La Cueva Lake Trail #8 and Duran/Policarpio Trail #13.
Hiking
Day hikes are available, including the La Cueva Lake Trail #8, which accommodates foot traffic, horses, mountain bikes, and dirt bikes. The trail spans 4.4 miles.Fishing
The creek offers fishing opportunities for rainbow trout. Anglers may enjoy the peaceful environment along the creek.Biking
Mountain biking is supported on the La Cueva Lake Trail #8.Winter Activities
No winter recreation activities such as skiing or snowshoeing are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires likely permitted but may be subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Specific guidelines were not provided.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wandering cattle in the dispersed camping areas and the absence of potable water. Campers should also be cautious about wildlife interactions.
Active alertsNo active alerts were mentioned.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Slight rain
Precipitation: 2%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 91%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (2.00% 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
Camino Real Ranger District Office: 15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553. Phone: (575) 587-2255. Hours: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Closed on federal holidays.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Trash and recyclingSpecific details on trash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the authoritative sources. Campers should plan to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresCampsites are located along Junta Creek, providing easy access to water for fishing and aesthetic enjoyment.
Common complaintsReviews primarily highlighted positive experiences, but some users might find the lack of potable water and potential presence of wandering cattle in dispersed areas inconvenient.
HostNo information about campground hosts was provided.
Campground Map
Forest Road 76, off State Highway 518, Carson National Forest, New Mexico
Driving directionsFrom Penasco, NM, take State Rt. 75 east 4.8 miles to 'T' intersection (State Rt. 518). Turn right onto Rt. 518 (unmarked) and go 8.3 miles to La Junta Canyon (Forest Rt. 76) sign. Turn left at sign onto Rt. 76 (dirt and gravel) and go 0.2 miles to campground.
The campground is accessible via dirt and gravel roads after turning from State Highway 518. Roads are generally manageable, though the terrain may pose challenges for trailers exceeding 36 feet in length.Nearby places
Tres Ritos: approximately 4 miles northeast
Penasco: approximately 13 miles southwest.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Penasco, NM, approximately 13 miles southwest via State Highway 518. This town may offer groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
La Junta Canyon has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the peaceful and scenic nature of the campground. Common themes include the quiet environment, proximity to a creek, and opportunities for stargazing. The campground is described as a great destination for fishing, hiking, and relaxation.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback highlights the natural beauty, serenity, and recreational activities such as fishing and hiking. Several users noted the enjoyment of stargazing due to the dark skies.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
No major complaints are explicitly identified in the reviews, but the lack of potable water could be a concern for some campers.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water as potable water is unavailable. Sites along the creek offer a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting. Reviews suggest summer as the optimal time to visit, aligning with the open season.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "I really loved my campsite there. Of course, dry camping had a fire pit and there was a creek running by nice quiet dark skies for stargazing." - Rachelle Garcia
2. "Beautiful place to camp....
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground has formally designated sites in Upper La Junta and more dispersed sites along the road near the creek. Specific site numbers are not mentioned in reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user feedback on accessibility features is available.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific feedback regarding pets is provided.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025