Santa Barbara Campground
4.4354 reviewsSanta Barbara Campground
$22.00 - $70.00 / 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$70.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season nightly rates: $22 for standard nonelectric sites, $40 for double occupancy, $60 for triple occupancy, and $70 for quad/group RV areas.
About this campground
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.
Santa Barbara Campground provides a variety of camping options, including primitive, RV, tent, and group sites. It is noted for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Pecos Wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 8,900 feet where the air is crisp and pure, Santa Barbara Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer heat. While daytime temperatures provide comfortable conditions for hiking and fishing, the mountain nights remind visitors of their alpine setting – temperatures can dip to a brisk 48°F even in midsummer. Pack your favorite fleece and prepare for starlit evenings around the campfire, where the cool mountain air makes every cup of hot cocoa taste that much better.
ElevationAt 8,900 feet above sea level, Santa Barbara Campground sits in that sweet spot where the air is thin enough to feel exhilarating but not overwhelming. This remarkable elevation brings dramatic temperature swings that transform warm summer days into refreshingly cool nights, creating the perfect environment for deep, restful sleep under a canopy of stars. The high altitude also means you're camping above much of the summer heat, making this an ideal retreat when valley temperatures soar.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a breathtaking alpine forest where towering spruce and fir trees mingle with shimmering aspens, creating a natural cathedral at 8,900 feet. The centerpiece of this mountain sanctuary is the Rio Santa Barbara, a pristine trout stream that winds through the landscape like a silver ribbon, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack to your camping experience. From various vantage points throughout the campground, sweeping vistas reveal the dramatic peaks and valleys that make this corner of New Mexico's high country so spectacular.
Geological RegionSanta Barbara Campground occupies a remarkable ecological niche at 8,900 feet, where a diverse mixed forest creates a tapestry of textures and colors. Majestic spruce and fir trees provide year-round evergreen beauty, while graceful aspens add their signature shimmer in summer and paint the mountainsides gold each fall. This elevation marks a fascinating transition zone where montane and subalpine ecosystems meet, creating rich biodiversity and stunning visual contrasts that change with every season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not specifically detailed in the authoritative source or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campground offers diverse site sizes: single, double, triple, and quad sites. Site 001, for example, is labeled as triple occupancy and features six parking spaces.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some reviews note well-spaced sites, while others mention crowding and limited space between sites.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid Site 005 due to poor layout; choose back-in sites for easier access.
Best CampsitesSite-specific mentions: Site 001 (Triple occupancy, private L-shaped parking), Site 005 (unlevel with steep embankment), Site 014 (close to river, great for hearing water sounds).
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Capacity varies based on site type (single, double, triple, quad).
Groups
The campground features two quad sites, each with four tables and a fire ring, suitable for group camping.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIncludes single, double, triple, and quad occupancy sites. "Sites are all good," but some (Site 005) have unlevel layouts.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23 (season begins) through September 11 (peak season ends). Other dates first-come-first-served or closed.
Reservation PlatformsAvailable through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in Availability"First-come, first-served sites must be booked in person. DO NOT call to determine availability, as they are only available on-site."
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled for a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit first-night fees. No refunds for Scan & Pay transactions.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Santa Barbara Campground offers a wide range of activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping. The campground serves as a gateway to the Pecos Wilderness and offers easy access to trails leading to Jicarita Peak. Fishing is particularly highlighted, with one user mentioning '5 miles of prime fly fishing water' adjacent to the campground. Another review describes the hiking trails as 'amazing and a must.'
Hiking
Numerous trails originate from the campground, offering varying levels of difficulty. The trails lead into the Pecos Wilderness, making it an excellent destination for hikers and backpackers.Fishing
Fishing opportunities abound, particularly fly fishing along the Rio Santa Barbara. The trout stream is described as 'beautiful and healthy.' User reviews highlight the quality of fishing, with one reviewer noting 'excellent fly fishing' and another mentioning 'prime fly fishing water.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity. User reviews describe the area's natural beauty and opportunities to observe local fauna.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the authoritative source or user reviews.Water Sports
Water sports beyond fishing are not mentioned in the authoritative source or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are "People did seem to wrap up by 10 pm."
Hazards
General hazards"Bears frequent the area." "Cows often wander into the campsites, mooing and leaving manure."
Active alertsNon-potable water ("The camp host informed me that we should not drink the water. Please rectify this situation immediately.") and occasionally absent hosts.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Contact for emergencies: (928) 537-8888.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 11 (Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingTrash removal services are explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Rio Santa Barbara, described as "wonderful trout stream."
Common complaintsCattle intrusion, noisy generators, lack of potable water reported in user reviews.
HostHost presence inconsistent, but praised when visible ("Host Bruce Campbell went out of his way to make our stay comfortable.")
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom the junction with State Road 75, follow SR 73 1.4 miles to the Santa Barbara Road. Turn left onto the Santa Barbara Road. Then travel 6.2 miles to the campground. Santa Barbara Road becomes Forest System Road 116 when the pavement ends.
Road is deeply rutted and potholed, requiring slow driving. "The last three miles of the road is horrific. Plan on going very slow, especially in a low-clearance car or towing a trailer, if you don't want to risk damage to your vehicle."Nearby places
Taos, NM (25 miles north), Penasco (8-15 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Most services available in Taos, NM (25 miles north) or Espanola, NM (45 miles southwest).
Camper Reviews
4.4
54 reviews
Santa Barbara Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to recreational activities. However, concerns include livestock wandering through the campground and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 54 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the 'beautiful scenery,' 'clean and well-maintained facilities,' and 'excellent hiking and fishing opportunities.'
Based on 54 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include livestock intrusions ('cows wandering through the campground'), lack of potable water at times, and occasional overcrowding or noise ('too many people, too many cars, too...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include bringing sufficient water due to the unreliable potable water supply and being prepared for livestock in the area. Reviewers also recommend specific sites such as 001, 013, and 014 for...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season due to the cooler temperatures and availability of hiking and fishing. However, some users note overcrowding during peak times.
Based on 54 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Bathrooms and vault toilets were impeccably clean.' - '5 miles of prime fly fishing water from the site. It was amazing countryside.' - 'Cows wandering through the campground left cow crap...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001 is praised for its spaciousness and proximity to water. Site 005 is criticized for its steep embankment and limited flat space. Sites 013 and 014 are highlighted for their proximity to the...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not specifically addressed in the reviews.
Based on 54 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are mentioned indirectly, such as references to campers walking dogs, but no specific details about pet policies or amenities are provided.
Based on 54 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025