Fawn Lakes Campground
4.2689 reviewsFawn Lakes Campground
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
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
Peak season rates for Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites are $22 per night. Rates are consistent during first-come, first-served seasons. Additional reservation fees may apply based on booking method.
About this campground
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.
Fawn Lakes Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and primitive camping. Group camping is not mentioned, and there are no cabin or glamping options.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Fawn Lakes offers the perfect escape from scorching temperatures, with daytime highs rarely exceeding a comfortable 80 degrees. As evening falls, the mountain air brings refreshingly cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings and stargazing. Afternoon rain showers occasionally sweep through, bringing the fresh scent of pine and temporary relief from the sun. The campground transforms with the seasons, closing its gates during winter months when snow blankets the forest, making this a seasonal treasure best enjoyed from late spring through early fall.
ElevationElevation details are null.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral above Fawn Lakes Campground, their majestic canopy filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across the forest floor. The melodic sounds of the Red River provide a constant natural soundtrack as it flows alongside the campground, its waters telling ancient stories of the mountains. While two small lakes once graced the area within an easy walk from camp, recent seasons have seen these water features evolve—some visitors report finding them dry or transformed into quiet wetlands, reminding us of nature's ever-changing character. Despite these changes, the surrounding mountain vistas and dense forest create an enchanting backdrop that captures the raw beauty of Carson National Forest.
Geological RegionFawn Lakes Campground sits within the dramatic landscape of Carson National Forest, where the scenic canyons carved by the Red River create a stunning geological tapestry. This mountainous terrain showcases nature's artistry through rolling hills clothed in ponderosa pine forests, rocky outcroppings that speak to millions of years of geological history, and the ever-present Red River that continues to shape the canyon landscape. The interplay of elevation, water, and forest creates diverse microclimates and ecosystems, making this region a fascinating study in mountain ecology and a photographer's paradise.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible vault toilets and parking areas. Pathways around the lakes have been damaged and may not be fully accessible.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, accommodating tents and RVs up to 36 feet. Specific site sizes are not provided, but larger rigs may face challenges due to tight turns.
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some being closer together and others providing more seclusion. Tent sites near the river are considered more private.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent sites have their own loop. Sites near the river provide scenic settings but may have traffic noise.
Best CampsitesPopular sites include #8, which offers secluded river access and atmosphere. "Always camp at site #8, right next to the river. This a fairly secluded spot with great atmosphere." (Bob S., 2020).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
"Check-in starts at 2 PM." (Official Source).
Check-out
"Check-out is by 1 PM."
Stay Limit
- Up to 14 nights during a visit
- 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground layout includes a small loop with mixed tent and RV sites. Tent sites are on a separate loop near the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 23 to September 11 during peak season. First-come, first-served starts September 12 to September 30, and the campground is closed from October to May.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available during limited seasons. "According to Recreation.gov, the FCFS sites are 2, 7, 10, 11, 14, 18, 19." (User Review, A Smith, 2020).
Cancellation Policy"You can cancel the reservation anytime before your scheduled arrival date. Refunds are provided minus a $10 cancellation fee and any reservation fees. Late cancellations will also subtract the first night's recreation use fee." (Official Source).
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Fawn Lakes Campground offers a range of activities including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Columbine Trailhead is within 4 miles and provides opportunities for hiking. Fishing access is available along the Red River and near the former Fawn Lakes area, despite the lakes being non-functional. Wildlife sightings include deer, hummingbirds, and blue birds. The campground’s proximity to Red River also provides cultural and recreational options.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible both from the campground and nearby areas. The Columbine Trailhead, located 4 miles away, is popular among visitors.Fishing
Fishing is available in the Red River adjacent to the campground. Reviewers note limited deep spots for trout along the river and the absence of fishable lakes since the Fawn Lakes have dried up.Biking
User reviews do not provide specific biking trail details, but biking is listed as an activity in official sources.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include deer, hummingbirds, blue birds, and chipmunks. Visitors are advised to store food properly to avoid attracting animals.Winter Activities
Winter camping is possible, but the campground offers limited amenities during winter months. Some users enjoy free camping during this period, though water and restrooms are unavailable.Water Sports
No functional water sports are available as the lakes have dried up. Fishing in the Red River remains an option.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire policies require adherence to fire restrictions, often dependent on seasonal hazards. "Fire restrictions lifted on 29 July 2020," (User Review, A Smith, 2020).
- "Quiet hours are expected between 10 PM and 8 AM." (User Review).
Hazards
General hazards"Bears frequent the area, please obey all food storage rules and regulations." Flood damage has impacted lake features.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 11.9 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
Information is null.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to September 11.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities include dumpsters located near the rear of the camping loop. No specific recycling options are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Red River and formerly near two small lakes, now reduced to stagnant puddles. "The nearby Fawn Lakes are non-existent (just two stagnant bodies of water due to flood damage)." (User Review, A Smith, 2020).
Common complaintsFrequent complaints about campsite proximity to the highway with traffic noise. "This campground is basically on the highway..." (Julia S., 2021). Issues with hosts and reservation system discrepancies are noted in multiple reviews.
HostCamp hosts vary in reviews, with mixed sentiments from guests. Some report friendly, helpful staff, while others describe unpleasant interactions.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Red River, drive approximately 3 miles west on NM-38.
Accessible via NM-38. The campground is located approximately 3 miles west of Red River and is on the south side of the road. Some reviews have noted challenges for larger rigs due to tight turns within the campground loop. "I would not camp here with a rig bigger than 36 feet. The turns are too tight." (Nick Olmsted, 2018).Nearby places
Red River (~3 miles, ~5 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
The City of Red River (~3 miles away) offers groceries, gas, showers, laundry facilities, and a café. An RV dump station is within 1 mile of the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.3
89 reviews
Fawn Lakes Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed sentiment about Fawn Lakes Campground. Guests appreciate the clean facilities, friendly hosts, and proximity to the Red River and town of Red River. Complaints include issues with campground hosts, dried-up lakes, and campsite proximity to the road. Overall, the campground maintains positive ratings for the natural beauty and camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 89 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, accessible water spigots, proximity to the Red River, friendly camp hosts (in most reviews), and serene camping atmosphere. Wildlife sightings and fishing opportunities also...
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Common Concerns
Complaints often center on rude or unprofessional behavior from some hosts, road noise, dried-up lakes, and the proximity of campsites to one another. Some guests reported theft incidents and issues...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend bringing warm clothes for cold nights, locking up belongings due to potential theft, and preparing for fishing along the Red River rather than relying on the lakes. Sites closer to...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer months are the most popular for camping due to the campground’s accessibility and proximity to hiking trails and fishing spots. Winter camping is possible but lacks amenities. Fire...
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Camper Quotes
"The campground host did an excellent job maintaining the area." "Vault toilets were so clean they smelled like a nice hotel!" "The lakes are gone, but tent camping was good and the campground was...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #8 is highly recommended for tent camping due to its proximity to the river and relative privacy. Site #1 also received strong praise for its location and suitability for larger groups....
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Accessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets and parking areas are available. However, pathways around the lakes are damaged and may not be fully accessible.
Based on 89 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Mixed reviews for pet-friendliness. Some guests reported negative experiences with hosts regarding pets, while others enjoyed camping with their furry companions near the river.
Based on 89 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025