Camping in the Cimarron Canyon State Park area offers a mix of established and dispersed options at 8,300 to 9,000 feet elevation. The high-altitude location creates temperature differences of 15-20 degrees cooler than lower New Mexico destinations, with summer nights dropping into the 40s even during July. Winter camping requires preparation for snow and below-freezing temperatures.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Coyote Creek State Park Campground has excellent creek fishing access. "Awesome bathroom. Only a 4 star as way too much traffic rolling by on main dirt road to other parts of park and creek," notes Eric G. Gold panning is also possible as one camper reported: "Found a few specks! Park was very nice."
Wildlife viewing: The Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5 dispersed area offers opportunities to see elk and waterfowl. "The animals are really coming out though—lots of birds and frogs chirping, ducks were swimming in the ponds, and we even had some elk pass through our camp!" reports Meghan B.
Hiking trails: Several trails connect to the campgrounds in Cimarron Canyon. "Clear creek hiking trail is a short drive away and was a beautiful and totally doable 3 mile trail for our 3 young girls," notes Tony M. about trails near the Cimarron Canyon campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Enchanted Circle Campground offers unusually private sites. "This is a private ranch on many acres. You cannot see any other campers from your site," explains Brian F. The campground has only seven sites spread across a large property.
Cool summer temperatures: The high elevation provides relief from summer heat. "In late Sep it was still busy and full, but it was quiet within the RV park. It's been 80s in the day and 50s at night which is amazing," reports Tammy C. about camping in the area.
Stream and mountain views: The landscape combines water features with mountain vistas. One camper at Ponderosa Campground noted: "The campground itself is nothing to write Mother about, but the short walks in and around it are beautiful! Rolling streams, rock cut mountain peaks surrounding and what appears to be some great fishing are present."
What you should know
Limited amenities at dispersed sites: Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite has no facilities. "No services, running crick throughout. Widely spaced sites. Stunning canyon forest with beautiful open areas, an easy walk forest road, more difficult hikes if you're willing," reports Earl B.
Weather preparation: Snow can occur even in spring and fall. "Snowstorm two days after I arrived. Tent reduced by half. No other people for 4 days," noted one camper at Forest Road 5 in early May.
Cell service variability: Connectivity ranges from excellent to nonexistent. "I somehow had 5g reception here on Verizon, and Starlink also worked well," reports PJ M. about Rio Fernando dispersed camping, while other areas have no service.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and open spaces: Eagle Nest Lake State Park has family-friendly features. "There's a pier and boat ramp, a day use area and an office/store. Awesome wildlife in the area. The deer would come by every evening and the prairie dogs were constantly entertaining," reports Susan L.
Animal encounters: Kids enjoy the variety of wildlife at dog-friendly campgrounds near Angel Fire. "My daughter would come back for the pigs, goats, horses, cats, chipmunks, prairie dogs, and assorted other animals as well," wrote Joel H. about Enchanted Circle Campground.
Shoulder season considerations: Visiting before or after peak summer can mean fewer crowds but colder temperatures. "April is a little early in the season, so there were lots of open spaces and was still a little cold," notes one camper about Eagle Nest Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Road accessibility: Taos Valley RV Park & Campground offers easier access than mountain locations. "This location is so prime for visiting all the sights in Taos, and there are many. The campground is compact but still, private. There are several pull-thru sites for big rigs, many back-in sites with water/elec. hookups," reports Judy B.
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain can make setup difficult at some sites. "I tried parking so that I was looking out at the clearing, but this made levelling my trailer pretty difficult. Probably would be easier to just keep in on the gravel," noted PJ M. at Rio Fernando dispersed camping.
Mud conditions: Spring melts create access issues. "It's SUPER muddy at the moment, so most of the few sites on this short road just aren't accessible—watched a few vehicles try and fail. I can see this road being quite busy when dry," reports a camper about Forest Road 5 in May.
