Best Campgrounds near Canjilon, NM
Campgrounds near Canjilon, New Mexico range from developed sites to primitive dispersed camping areas across Carson National Forest. Lower Canjilon Lake Campground provides established sites for tents and RVs with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The surrounding area includes several lakes and campgrounds at elevations above 9,000 feet, with Middle Canjilon Campground offering paved sites that accommodate smaller trailers and RVs, while tent campers can find spots throughout the region.
Access to Canjilon's camping areas requires preparation, as many sites sit at high elevations with limited services. The narrow, rough roads leading to the lakes feature potholes and challenging conditions, particularly on the dirt road out of Canjilon town. One camper noted that "definitely a commitment to get to these spots, but you'll be rewarded. Make sure to print a map before you head in, as you'll loose all forms of cell reception once you leave the main highway into Canjilon." The camping season typically runs from late May through September, with weather conditions limiting access during winter months. Visitors should arrive prepared with supplies as the nearest stores are approximately 40 minutes away.
The Canjilon Lakes area attracts fishing enthusiasts, with stocked trout lakes providing recreational opportunities. Campground options include Lower, Middle, and Upper Canjilon Lake campgrounds, each offering slightly different experiences and amenities. Sites generally feature some privacy due to new forest growth following past wildfires, though cattle occasionally wander through the campgrounds leaving droppings that campers should watch for. Hiking trails connect the lakes and surrounding forest, providing additional recreational opportunities. A visitor mentioned that "the campsites have trees between, so a bit of privacy. There are three different lakes to choose from up near the sites, and they are stocked with trout. Plenty of hiking trails as well." The combination of fishing, hiking, and relative seclusion makes these campgrounds popular despite their remote location.
