La Sombra Campground

Carson National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to the magnificent Pecos Wilderness, Santa Barbara Campground invites adventurers to discover a high-altitude paradise where pristine mountain streams and towering peaks create an unforgettable backdrop. Cast your line into the crystal-clear waters of the Rio Santa Barbara, renowned for its thriving trout population, or set out on scenic trails that lead to the majestic Jicarita Peak. The campground provides essential amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings for cozy evening gatherings. While drinking water faucets are available, seasoned campers know to bring backup water as mountain conditions can occasionally affect functionality. Note that this rustic mountain retreat does not accommodate horses, keeping the focus on peaceful camping and hiking experiences.

Forest Road 76, off State Highway 518, Carson National Forest, New Mexico

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.

15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553

Escape to Duran Canyon Campground, where 12 intimate campsites line the gentle banks of Duran Creek, creating a peaceful mountain retreat for both tent campers and RV adventurers. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to wilderness exploration, with the La Cueva Lake Trail #8 and Duran/Policarpio Trail #13 beginning right at your doorstep. Wake up to the sound of babbling creek water and step directly onto trails that wind through the magnificent Carson National Forest, making this the perfect basecamp for hikers seeking authentic backcountry experiences.

Carson National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Carson National Forest, Agua Piedra Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of mountain serenity and adventure. Here, the melodic rush of Rio Pueblo River provides the soundtrack to unforgettable camping experiences, while trails to the pristine Serpent Lake and dramatic Cordova Canyon promise day-long explorations. Whether you're seeking solitude at a single site, planning a family getaway at a double site, or organizing a memorable group gathering, this mountain haven offers shaded sanctuaries beneath towering spruce, fir, and aspen canopies.

Carson National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Carson National Forest, Upper La Junta Campground offers an intimate escape with just 8 secluded units perfect for those seeking tranquility and adventure. This hidden gem has become a beloved waypoint for motorcyclists touring the scenic mountain roads, while anglers are drawn to its prime fishing access. As one visitor, David A, enthusiastically shared in 2021, this 'beautiful developed campsite' combines rustic charm with essential amenities including vault toilets, creating the ideal balance between wilderness immersion and comfort. The campground's proximity to winding trails and babbling creeks makes it a natural basecamp for explorers ready to discover the forest's secrets.

State Road 518, New Mexico

Escape to Comales Campground, where ten intimate campsites beckon adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Each site comes equipped with its own parking spot, picnic table, and grill, perfect for evening cookouts under star-filled skies. While vault toilets provide necessary amenities, the absence of potable water adds to the rustic charm—so come prepared with your own supply. The campground serves as your gateway to adventure, sitting right at the doorstep of the Comales Canyon trailhead, where the Rio Pueblo whispers tales of ancient waters carving through stone.

PO BOX 477, Guadalupita, New Mexico, 87722, United States

Escape to Coyote Creek State Park, where pristine mountain waters dance alongside your campsite and the whispers of pine trees lull you to sleep. Whether you're pitching a tent under starlit skies, plugging into one of the convenient electric sites, or gathering your tribe at spacious group shelters, this hidden gem delivers an authentic New Mexico mountain experience. The park's dedicated staff maintains immaculate facilities that consistently earn rave reviews from visitors, though seasoned RVers should note that electric sites favor a cozy, neighborly atmosphere over sprawling privacy.

Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Penasco, NM 87553

Escape to the tranquility of Amole Canyon Group Shelter, where your large gathering can commune with nature in a private mountain sanctuary. This secluded retreat, nestled beside the Amole Canyon Day Use Area, welcomes groups of up to 100 adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Gather around the expansive group fire ring as stars emerge overhead, share meals at multiple picnic tables equipped with barbecue grills, and enjoy the simplicity of off-grid camping. While modern amenities include accessible vault toilets, this back-to-basics destination requires you to bring your own water and carry out all trash—a small price for the pristine wilderness that surrounds you.

Pilar Campground

Rio Bravo Campground

Arroyo Hondo Campground

Escape to one of five intimate riverside sites tucked into the dramatic Rio Grande Gorge, where towering 800-foot canyon walls frame your camp at 6,000 feet. This hidden BLM gem offers the rare combination of direct river access and sweeping gorge views in New Mexico's striking high-desert landscape.

Lone Juniper Campground

Petaca Campground

Taos Junction Campground

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553

Nestled alongside the gentle murmur of the Rio Fernando river, Capulin Campground invites you to experience the tranquil beauty of Carson National Forest. This intimate roadside retreat features 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each sheltered beneath a stunning canopy of mixed conifers and rustling cottonwoods. While embracing a back-to-basics camping experience with picnic tables, fire grills, and vault toilets, visitors should note that water must be brought in, as the campground relies on nature's soundtrack rather than modern plumbing.

Carson National Forest

Tucked away in a stunning canyon near the artistic mountain town of Taos, Las Petacas Campground offers an intimate escape where the Rio Fernando de Taos winds through towering trees. This peaceful retreat beckons anglers with promising fishing waters and nature lovers with its creek-side serenity. While the gentle sounds of the nearby road remind you that civilization isn't far away, the campground's tree-canopied sites provide a genuine connection with the high desert wilderness. Visitors often find themselves torn between exploring nearby Taos or simply relaxing by the babbling creek that defines this special place.

PO BOX 185, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 87718, United States

Nestled in the dramatic Cimarron Canyon, Tolby Campground offers an intimate riverside retreat where the soothing sounds of the Cimarron River create a natural soundtrack for your camping adventure. This charming small campground provides the perfect balance of modern conveniences and wilderness immersion, featuring well-maintained flush toilets and restrooms alongside direct access to pristine fishing spots and scenic hiking trails. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, exploring canyon trails, or simply relaxing to the melody of the river, Tolby delivers an authentic New Mexico outdoor experience with full handicap accessibility ensuring everyone can enjoy this natural wonderland.

P.O. Box 185, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 87718, United States

Nestled in the heart of the Moreno Valley, this high-altitude sanctuary offers adventurers a gateway to pristine mountain wilderness and the sparkling waters of Eagle Nest Lake. At 8,200 feet above sea level, visitors find themselves immersed in a landscape where golden eagles soar overhead and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains paint dramatic backdrops against crystal-clear skies.

Carson National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to Taos Ski Valley, Lower Hondo Campground beckons adventurers with its prime riverside location along the rushing Rio Hondo. As the most accessible campground along scenic Highway 150, this hidden gem serves as your basecamp for exploring two of New Mexico's most pristine wilderness areas—the Columbine-Hondo and Wheeler Peak. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters or setting off on a backcountry adventure, Lower Hondo offers the perfect blend of convenience and wilderness immersion.

Carson National Forest

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.

184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556

Nestled within a serene aspen grove at 9,500 feet, Twining Campground offers an intimate tent-only escape for those seeking solitude in the high country. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for adventurers heading to the Bull of the Woods Trailhead, while the nearby Taos Ski Valley resort village provides a taste of mountain culture just minutes away. With its dispersed camping sites tucked between whispering aspens, this small campground delivers an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing convenience.

184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556

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.

Carson National Forest

Perched on the edge of wilderness, Cebolla Mesa Campground offers an intimate escape into New Mexico's raw beauty. This secluded haven features five dispersed camping sites nestled within an aromatic piñon-juniper woodland, where ancient trees frame spectacular vistas of the Rio Grande Gorge. Here, 800 feet above the ribbon of water that carved this dramatic landscape, campers find themselves in a world where eagles soar at eye level and the vast sky stretches endlessly overhead.

Montoso Campground

El Aguaje Campground Shelter

El Aguaje Campground Shelter

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Little Arsenic Springs Campground

El Aguaje Campground

El Aguaje Campground Shelter

El Aguaje Campground Shelter

El Aguaje Campground Shelter

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Big Arsenic Springs

Perched on the dramatic rim of the Rio Grande Gorge, Big Arsenic Springs offers adventurous campers a rugged, no-frills escape managed by the BLM. This well-maintained campground keeps things simple with vault toilets and basic amenities, but delivers where it counts: sweeping gorge views and direct trail access down to the river below.

null

Tucked into a dramatic canyon between the charming mountain towns of Questa and Red River, Columbine Campground offers two distinct camping experiences within Carson National Forest. Choose between the entrance loop's expansive sites with sweeping mountain vistas, or venture deeper into the canyon loop where towering pines create intimate, creek-side sanctuaries along the babbling waters of Columbine Creek.

null

Nestled along the banks of the Red River, Goat Hill Campground offers an intimate escape where the rushing waters provide nature's soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. This hidden gem in the Carson National Forest serves as your gateway to the legendary Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, where every turn reveals breathtaking vistas and endless possibilities for exploration.

Carson National Forest

<p>When popular campgrounds fill to capacity, Overflow Campground stands ready as your backup adventure basecamp. This versatile camping area provides essential amenities and a welcoming atmosphere for spontaneous travelers and last-minute planners alike. Whether you're seeking a peaceful night under the stars or need a convenient stopping point on your journey, this campground offers reliable comfort in nature's embrace.</p>

Carson National Forest

Discover your mountain sanctuary at Elephant Rock Campground, where 20 thoughtfully designed single campsites await beneath a canopy of towering evergreens. Perched at 8,400 feet in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this hidden gem invites you to wake up to the whisper of wind through ponderosa pines and the gentle rustling of aspen leaves. Each site comes complete with its own fire ring for evening storytelling, a sturdy picnic table for memorable meals, and a level tent pad for restful nights under star-filled skies. Fresh mountain water flows from convenient spigots throughout the campground, while well-maintained vault toilets ensure comfort during your stay. Whether you're seeking adventure in nearby Red River and Questa or simply yearning for a peaceful retreat among the firs and spruces, Elephant Rock serves as your perfect basecamp for mountain memories.

Carson National Forest

Nestled along the banks of the Red River, Junebug Campground welcomes adventurers with its thoughtfully refurbished facilities and prime location near both historic mining country and modern ski slopes. This riverside retreat combines spacious campsites with serene natural beauty, offering the perfect balance between accessibility and wilderness escape. While summer weekends draw families and outdoor enthusiasts eager to claim their spot by the water, those who venture here during quieter times discover an intimate connection with the landscape that has captivated travelers for generations.

Carson National Forest

Nestled deep within the Carson National Forest, Fawn Lakes Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its serene mountain setting and wealth of recreational opportunities. This intimate campground features 18 thoughtfully spaced family sites, including three dedicated tent-only spots for those seeking a more traditional camping experience. Modern conveniences meet rustic charm with well-maintained vault toilets and fresh drinking water stations, ensuring comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness atmosphere. Whether you're casting a line in nearby waters or exploring the network of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest, Fawn Lakes serves as your perfect basecamp for mountain adventures.

Carson National Forest

Tucked away in a stunning canyon near the artistic mountain town of Taos, Las Petacas Campground offers an intimate escape where the Rio Fernando de Taos winds through towering trees. This peaceful retreat beckons anglers with promising fishing waters and nature lovers with its creek-side serenity. While the gentle sounds of the nearby road remind you that civilization isn't far away, the campground's tree-canopied sites provide a genuine connection with the high desert wilderness. Visitors often find themselves torn between exploring nearby Taos or simply relaxing by the babbling creek that defines this special place.

Camino Real Ranger District, 15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553

Nestled alongside the gentle murmur of the Rio Fernando river, Capulin Campground invites you to experience the tranquil beauty of Carson National Forest. This intimate roadside retreat features 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each sheltered beneath a stunning canopy of mixed conifers and rustling cottonwoods. While embracing a back-to-basics camping experience with picnic tables, fire grills, and vault toilets, visitors should note that water must be brought in, as the campground relies on nature's soundtrack rather than modern plumbing.

Carson National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to the magnificent Pecos Wilderness, Santa Barbara Campground invites adventurers to discover a high-altitude paradise where pristine mountain streams and towering peaks create an unforgettable backdrop. Cast your line into the crystal-clear waters of the Rio Santa Barbara, renowned for its thriving trout population, or set out on scenic trails that lead to the majestic Jicarita Peak. The campground provides essential amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings for cozy evening gatherings. While drinking water faucets are available, seasoned campers know to bring backup water as mountain conditions can occasionally affect functionality. Note that this rustic mountain retreat does not accommodate horses, keeping the focus on peaceful camping and hiking experiences.

Carson National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Carson National Forest, Upper La Junta Campground offers an intimate escape with just 8 secluded units perfect for those seeking tranquility and adventure. This hidden gem has become a beloved waypoint for motorcyclists touring the scenic mountain roads, while anglers are drawn to its prime fishing access. As one visitor, David A, enthusiastically shared in 2021, this 'beautiful developed campsite' combines rustic charm with essential amenities including vault toilets, creating the ideal balance between wilderness immersion and comfort. The campground's proximity to winding trails and babbling creeks makes it a natural basecamp for explorers ready to discover the forest's secrets.

Forest Road 76, off State Highway 518, Carson National Forest, New Mexico

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.

State Road 518, New Mexico

Escape to Comales Campground, where ten intimate campsites beckon adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Each site comes equipped with its own parking spot, picnic table, and grill, perfect for evening cookouts under star-filled skies. While vault toilets provide necessary amenities, the absence of potable water adds to the rustic charm—so come prepared with your own supply. The campground serves as your gateway to adventure, sitting right at the doorstep of the Comales Canyon trailhead, where the Rio Pueblo whispers tales of ancient waters carving through stone.