Best Tent Camping near Abiquiu, NM
Carson National Forest and the Santa Fe National Forest offer several tent camping areas near Abiquiu, New Mexico. Dispersed tent campsites can be found at American Springs, a primitive camping area rated 4.5 stars, and Resumidero Camping Area, which provides picnic tables and toilets for tent campers. Star Dance provides established campsites for tent camping, while Taos Junction Campground offers tent-specific sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water.
Most tent campgrounds in this region have minimal amenities, with vault toilets available at some locations but not others. The primitive tent sites at American Springs allow fires and alcohol but provide no drinking water, toilets, or trash services. At Resumidero, tent campers can find picnic tables and basic toilet facilities spread across meadow and forested areas. According to one review, "The camp sites were far apart and you could chose between open meadows or in the trees." Many tent campgrounds in this area are accessible via dirt roads, some requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain or snow melt.
The elevation of tent campsites around Abiquiu significantly affects camping conditions. Nights can be cold even in summer months due to the 7,000-8,000 foot elevations common in the area. Walk-in tent sites are available at several locations, offering more privacy than drive-in options. A visitor at Road 378 near Fenton Lake noted, "The road is a bit rough, but easy access and close enough to the lake that I drove over to kayak after setting up camp." Many backcountry tent camping areas feature streams or creeks that provide both ambient sound and potential water sources (requiring treatment). Tent campers often report exceptional star-gazing opportunities at these sites due to minimal light pollution, though afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer months.
