Cowles Campground
4.7510 reviewsCowles Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
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
$6.00 per vehicle per night for camping; $6.00 per day for picnicking. 50% discount on single unit campsites for America the Beautiful Interagency Pass holders, Senior Pass holders, and Access Pass holders.
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About this campground
Nestled at the dramatic base of Winsor Canyon, Cowles Campground offers an enchanting escape into the heart of Santa Fe National Forest. Here, where Winsor Creek dances alongside the mighty Pecos River, campers discover a natural playground perfect for casting fishing lines into crystal-clear mountain waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply savoring peaceful picnics beneath towering pines. The nearby Cowles Ponds mirror the sky while the Winsor Ridge Trailhead beckons adventurers to explore the rugged beauty of New Mexico's high country.
Cowles Campground supports tent camping and picnicking.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through October, Cowles Campground awakens to welcome visitors during its prime season. Summer brings warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation and cool mountain evenings ideal for campfire stories. As autumn approaches, the surrounding forests burst into golden displays. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, where adventurous souls can explore frost-kissed trails, though the campground facilities close for the season when the snow begins to fall.
ElevationPerched in the refreshing mountain air of the Sangre de Cristo range, Cowles Campground features charming lean-to shelters that provide a unique camping experience blending rustic charm with basic comfort. These distinctive structures offer campers a step up from tent camping while maintaining that authentic connection to the outdoors.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at nature's crossroads, where dense evergreen forests give way to meandering streams and rugged canyon walls. Towering ponderosa pines and Douglas firs create a natural cathedral overhead, while the convergence of Winsor and Pecos Canyons frames dramatic vistas at every turn. Morning mist rises from the nearby ponds as wildlife emerges from the forest shadows, creating moments of pure wilderness magic that remind visitors why this corner of New Mexico remains so special.
Geological RegionCowles Campground occupies a spectacular position where ancient geological forces carved the convergence of Winsor and Pecos Canyons. This remarkable location in the Santa Fe National Forest places campers at the intersection of multiple waterways - where Winsor Creek joins the Pecos River, and the serene Cowles Ponds reflect the surrounding peaks. The nearby Winsor Ridge Trailhead serves as a gateway to exploring the greater geological wonders of this mountainous region, where millions of years of natural history are written in stone.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground has 9 camping units, but specific site sizes are not detailed.
Sites PrivacyReviews indicate limited privacy at campsites, with one stating, 'If you're looking for privacy it's not the place to camp. It's constantly packed on weekends.'
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest bringing your own wood and water as these are not available at the campground.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Permit is valid for a 24-hour period.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFeatures 9 camping units with tables, fire rings, grills, and 2 covered three-sided shelters with fireplaces.
Open and Closed SeasonMay - October
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cowles Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. It is near Cowles Ponds, Winsor Creek, Pecos River, and Winsor Ridge Trailhead, which provide scenic spots for these activities.
Hiking
The campground is located near Winsor Ridge Trailhead and offers day hikes. One user review highlighted a hike to Stewart Lake, recommending snowshoes for snowy conditions on the north slope.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at nearby streams and rivers, including the Pecos River. A review mentions, 'Nice camping spot with a lovely stream and areas for fishing!'Winter Activities
The area offers hiking in snowy conditions, but specialized winter activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Grills and fireplaces provided at the shelters.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 7 AM
Hazards
General hazardsVault toilets are the only restroom option, and no potable water is available. The campground may get crowded during weekends, as noted in user reviews.
Active alertsCampground shelters are temporarily closed while undergoing safety assessments.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.4 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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available, but visitors are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash to support Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresNear Cowles Ponds, Winsor Creek, Pecos River.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews report that the campground gets crowded on weekends. Loach 505 mentions, 'Needs more designated camping areas, was rather crowded.' Selina Sandoval stated, 'If you're looking for privacy, it's not the place to camp. It's constantly packed on weekends.'
Campground Map
Driving directions22 miles north of Pecos via NM 63 and Forest Roads 555 & 121.
Parking is limited; road access involves forest roads, suggesting potential challenges for larger vehicles.Nearby places
Pecos (22 miles)
Camper Reviews
4.8
10 reviews
Cowles Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the beauty of the Pecos Wilderness, cleanliness of the restroom facilities, and the social atmosphere at the campground. Common themes include crowding on weekends and the picturesque setting of the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include breathtaking views, proximity to hiking trails and fishing areas, clean restroom facilities, and a sense of community among campers.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints focus on the limited number of campsites leading to crowding and lack of privacy, especially on weekends. A review notes, 'Needs more designated camping areas, was rather crowded.'
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own wood and water, as these are not provided. Snowshoes are advised for hikes in snowy conditions.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summertime is popular for camping with picturesque views and socializing, while winter conditions make hiking challenging due to snow. Many reviews suggest the campground gets crowded during peak...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful hike from Cowles Campground to Stewart Lake. We were turned around by deep snow on the north slope as it warmed.'
2. 'The Pecos wilderness is unbelievably beautiful and magical.'
3....
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsites are highlighted in the user reviews.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews do not explicitly mention accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Specific reviews or experiences from pet owners are not provided.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025