Carson National Forest surrounding Canjilon, New Mexico offers camping options at elevations ranging from 7,000-10,000 feet where summer temperatures typically range from 45-80°F. Camping near Canjilon requires preparation for significant elevation changes and limited services. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly after rainfall, making access challenging even for high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Fishing in stocked lakes: The Trout Lakes provide good fishing opportunities, especially for crappie. "The fishing was good from the kayak lots of crappie," notes a camper from Riana-Abiquiu Lake.
Hiking nearby trails: At Rio Chama Campground, visitors can explore various paths along the river. "There are hiking spots, the echo amphitheater, and a monastery to visit. We even made objects from the clay in the river. Then fired them in the camp fire," explains one camper.
Kayaking and tubing: The river at Rio Chama offers water recreation options. "The sites are all close to the river and at most a quick drive away from a place to put your kayak or tube in the water," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many camping areas near Canjilon feature natural spacing between sites. At Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area, "Camp spaces are spread out. Some of the roads on the campground had deep ruts and pools of mud water but not all. You can see every star on a clear night."
River sounds: Campsites along the river provide soothing background noise. At Oak Point Campground, one camper notes it's "Very peaceful location listening to the river all night."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to see local animals. "Lots of wildlife here! We saw deer, coyotes and bear droppings," reports a visitor at Willow Creek Campground.
What you should know
Limited services: Be prepared for minimal facilities. At Lower Canjilon Lake Campground, "Basic, simple sites at lower lake location. Upper lake has benches and picnic tables with fishing. No campground at upper lake."
Road conditions: Forest roads can be challenging, especially after rain. At Whirlpool, "The road to the campground is about 6 miles of curvy dirt and gravel single lane. But a woman managed it in a Jaguar so not too bad just go slow."
Seasonal availability: Most campsites near Canjilon operate during warm months only. "The campground is open April 15-Oct 15," notes one visitor about Riana-Abiquiu Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access spots: Look for sites with easy water entry. At Ghost Ranch, "This is an artist paradise. So many beautiful land formations and gorgeous sunsets. The campground includes a bath house with laundry room and electric hookups if needed."
Bring recreational equipment: Pack kayaks, tubes, or fishing gear. "We had a great time camping by the river over Memorial Day weekend. Definitely have some sort of raft or kayak or SUP to put in the river upstream and float down to the boat ramp or to your campground," suggests an Oak Point visitor.
Pack for variable temperatures: Mountain elevations mean large temperature swings. "Mornings chilly. Nice showers!" notes a camper at Riana-Abiquiu Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose campgrounds with appropriate access. At Willow Creek Campground, "The sites a quite large and well spaced. It felt more like being out in the woods by yourself as we couldn't see another camp site from our trailer. Any sized rig will fit and we stayed in the Blanco loop with power and water."
Check hookup availability: Services vary widely between locations. "For $14, we had f/u hook-ups. I think Lot 1 & 2 are the only lots with full hook ups," notes another Willow Creek visitor.
Cell service considerations: Reception varies throughout the area. "We did take a couple of hikes. One was to the lake, which was sadly almost empty. There was very spotty Verizon cell phone and dish satellite."
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