Tent camping near Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico offers easy access to the Carson National Forest at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. The area sits within a high desert ecosystem where temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common, particularly in spring and fall. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach 75-85°F while dropping into the 40s overnight.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Cuchilla Campground, river access provides abundant trout fishing. "The dogs had a great time but in the fall and winter pack as warm as possible," notes Michael N., highlighting the need for proper gear during colder months.
Hiking trails: Multiple trailheads branch off from camping areas with varying difficulty levels. "Awesome campground on the road up to Taos Ski Resort. Tons of hiking/biking access," explains Max B. about Cuchilla Campground.
Hot springs access: From Dispersed Camping Near Taos, a short walk leads to natural hot springs. "We made a quick walk down to the springs in the evening and watched the stars come out. Awesome!!" reports Madeleine H., describing the proximity to thermal features.
What campers like
River sounds: The constant flow of water provides natural sound masking between sites. "It's a wonderful little campground on the way to Taos Ski Valley. Sites are right on a creek & have picnic tables," mentions Tara S. about Cuchilla Campground.
Natural swimming spots: The clear, cold water offers refreshing relief during summer months. At Taos Junction Campground, "The Rio grande was cold but worth the swim. We had a great time and only saw a few other people," according to Tyler R.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and dusk provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "I saw two elk across a swath of sage," notes Jacob W. about his experience at Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578, adding "I could see the snow capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range on the eastern horizon."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially after precipitation. "Bridge is open as of June 2025 so this spot is accessible via east or west. The west access is not for the faint hearted but still doable in any AWD," cautions Nora S. about Dispersed Camping Near Taos.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans can limit campfire use regardless of existing fire rings. "Fire pits but they were off limits due to fire season," shares Nessie C. about Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping.
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. At Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578, "Cell service drops completely pretty soon after leaving the highway. I sporadically received some messages at my camp site but not reliably," reports Kala J.
Temperature preparation: Plan for significant day-to-night temperature drops. "It got cold at night, like 27 F," warns Jacob W. about his April camping experience at Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578.
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water play areas: Many riverside campsites offer gentle water access for children. At Lower Hondo Campground, "Tent camped in July and could not get into the water; but did freeze my ankles off," shares Perl R., suggesting the water remains cold even in summer.
Educational opportunities: Several sites provide nature observation and learning experiences. "We brought our four teenage girls for a weekend of camping and fishing... The water was so clear, you could see to the bottom in most parts of the tiny lake," explains Lisa C. about Cabresto Lake Campground.
Site selection for privacy: Choose spots farther from main roads for a more secluded experience. "GPS will bring you to the bottom of the road to the Ski Valley. There are campsites all along the lower part of the road. They aren't super private, but we stayed at a few different ones over the week & everyone was quiet & respectful," shares Mary-Kate L. about Arroyo Seco.
Tips from RVers
Small RV access: Sites can accommodate smaller recreational vehicles but often lack traditional hookups. "We pulled our 19' RV with solar right up to the river and our dog was in and out of the river all day," reports Jason A. about Cuchilla Campground, highlighting the importance of solar power for extended stays.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling blocks due to uneven terrain. "We were able to find a level place to park the van & I took a dip in the creek in the morning," notes Tara S., emphasizing the importance of finding naturally level spots at Cuchilla Campground.
Road clearance requirements: Access roads often require higher clearance vehicles. "Definitely need an all terrain vehicle for the drive up to lake. Rough dirt road. Got a flat tire," warns Karen N. about Cabresto Lake Campground.
