Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds
03 reviews22280 U.S. Highway 64, Tres Piedras, NM 87577
Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds
$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
The site does not mention any fees for camping.
About this campground
Perched at an breathtaking 10,400 feet, the twin jewels of Upper and Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds invite adventurous souls into the heart of Colorado's pristine backcountry. These 12 secluded campsites serve as your gateway to the majestic Cruces Basin Wilderness, where alpine lakes mirror the endless sky and the landscape unfolds in panoramic splendor. Here, dispersed camping takes on new meaning as you settle into nature's amphitheater, far from the crowds yet close to wilderness wonders.
The campground offers dispersed camping in a natural setting with 12 campsites located in Upper and Lower Lagunitas.
Weather and SeasonsThe high-altitude climate here dances between extremes, creating a camping season that rewards the well-prepared. Spring through fall opens a window of opportunity when wildflowers carpet the meadows and crisp mountain air fills your lungs. As winter approaches, this remote paradise transforms into a snow-laden wonderland, often closing access roads to all but the most determined winter adventurers. The thin air at this elevation adds an extra dimension to every hike, reminding visitors they've entered the realm where eagles soar.
ElevationAt 10,400 feet above sea level, these campgrounds place you firmly in Colorado's alpine zone, where the air is crisp, pure, and noticeably thinner. This lofty perch rewards visitors with cooler temperatures even on summer's warmest days, though it demands respect—every trail becomes a more deliberate journey as your body adjusts to the altitude. The elevation creates a natural sanctuary where subalpine forests give way to sweeping vistas that seem to stretch forever.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle lapping of pristine mountain lakes, their surfaces catching the first light of dawn like scattered diamonds. The Cruces Basin Wilderness serves as your backyard, a rugged tapestry of ancient forests, hidden meadows, and crystalline waters that have remained unchanged for centuries. This is where the backcountry reveals its secrets—where elk graze in distant clearings, where wildflowers paint the landscape in summer's palette, and where the silence is broken only by the whisper of wind through pines and the occasional call of a mountain bird.
Geological RegionThe Cruces Basin Wilderness represents one of Colorado's most stunning high-altitude ecosystems, where geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic beauty. Ancient glaciers carved the basins that now cradle jewel-like lakes, while volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion created the rugged peaks and valleys that define this backcountry paradise. This is wilderness in its purest form—untamed, unspoiled, and utterly magnificent.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information about accessibility features for campers with disabilities is provided.
Sites SizeNo specific details about the size of the campsites are provided.
Sites Privacy"The campsites are reported to be well-spaced apart, providing a degree of privacy" (user review by Kevin Brannon).
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended Campsites"I counted 4 sites spaced well apart." Users recommend Upper Lagunitas for spaced-out sites and cleaner conditions.
Best CampsitesUser reviews mention spaced-out sites in Upper Lagunitas providing privacy and clean camping conditions.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No specific information is available about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping with spaced-out sites. Upper Lagunitas is noted for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonThe lower campground and restrooms are closed seasonally but specific dates may vary based on weather conditions.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is primarily dispersed, and walk-up availability is inferred from descriptions.
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a range of outdoor activities suitable for nature enthusiasts, including day hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The Cruces Basin Wilderness offers opportunities for breathtaking views and wildlife observation.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available for day hikes. Kevin Brannon noted, 'Trail down to the lakes is fairly gentle but coming back up was strenuous due to the altitude.'Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in lakes and ponds near the campsites. As one reviewer noted, 'Lots of fish down there!'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is likely a highlight given the setting in Cruces Basin Wilderness, but specific species or recommendations are not detailed.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned; however, the campground is available for use year-round, although access roads are not plowed in winter.Water Sports
No specific water sports are mentioned, though fishing is supported in nearby lakes and ponds.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsAltitude-related challenges include strenuous hiking and potential for altitude sickness. Seasonal hazards include cold temperatures and snow.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 82%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 12.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Tres Piedras Ranger District, 22280 U.S. Highway 64, Tres Piedras, NM 87577. Phone: (575) 758-8678.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpring through Fall, weather dependent
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water features"Adjacent to breathtaking lakes in Cruces Basin Wilderness."
Common complaints"FULL of trash. If you come here, for the love of all things sacred, pack out what you pack in." Trash accumulation was highlighted in user reviews.
Campground Map
22280 U.S. Highway 64, Tres Piedras, NM 87577
Driving directions26 miles northwest of Tres Piedras via US 64 & FR 87
"Know Before You Go: Roads are not plowed in the winter." Roads are gravelled and maintained but may have rough spots; suitable for vehicles with decent clearance.Nearby places
Tres Piedras - 26 miles, approximately 40-45 minutes
Nearby supplies
Tres Piedras, 26 miles away, offers general supplies and fuel options.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty of the campground as its main attraction. However, some reviewers expressed concerns about trash left by other visitors. The campsites are described as clean, spacious, and well-separated.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
"Exquisite, majestic, stunning" - Emily Benson. The campground offers breathtaking views, proximity to the Cruces Basin Wilderness, and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Multiple users mentioned the presence of trash at the campground, with one reviewer imploring others to "pack out what you pack in."
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water and be prepared for high altitudes, as the area is located at 10,400'. Roads are not plowed in winter, making access difficult in snowy...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is particularly popular during the warmer seasons, as noted by one user who stated, 'Would definitely return to camp again in the warmer season.'
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Exquisite, majestic, stunning. FULL of trash. If you come here, for the love of all things sacred, pack out what you pack in.' - Emily Benson. 2. 'Beautiful spot. I counted 4 sites, spaced well...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Kevin Brannon mentioned seeing '4 sites spaced well apart,' although the official count is 12 campsites. Specific site numbers or details about individual sites are not available.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically address pet-related experiences or policies.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025