Carson National Forest near Canjilon, New Mexico offers secluded camping sites ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 feet elevation. The region experiences dramatic temperature shifts, with overnight lows reaching 27°F even in spring months. Forest service roads throughout the area often require high-clearance vehicles due to rutted, rocky conditions.
What to do
Fishing at alpine lakes: Visitors to Canjilon Creek Campground can access three trout-filled lakes. The campground sits at high elevation with limited amenities but rewards anglers willing to pack in their gear.
Wildlife viewing: Keep an eye out for elk in the forest. While camping along Forest Service Road 578, one camper noted, "I saw two elk across a swath of sage. I could see the snow capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range on the eastern horizon when I walked farther up the road."
Hiking trails: The Resumidero Camping Area offers direct access to hiking paths. A visitor shared, "Hiking trails from the campground. Beautiful area. The camp sites were far apart and you could chose between open meadows or in the trees."
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many dispersed sites in Carson National Forest provide private camping experiences. At Forest Service Road 578, one camper reported, "A nice secluded little forest road. RVs will not make it, so it's nice and quiet. Stayed one night and saw no one else."
Accessible trout fishing: The fishing opportunities at Los Pinos Campground attract anglers. "Most sites were on or very near the river," according to one visitor, making it convenient for fishing access despite the remote location.
Natural ambiance: Campers frequently mention the surroundings. At Taos Junction Campground, located about an hour from Canjilon, a visitor noted, "The Rio grande was cold but worth the swim. We had a great time and only saw a few other people."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest Service roads require careful driving. One camper at Forest Service Road 578 advised, "AWD/4WD needed on the rutted rocky road. Cell service drops completely pretty soon after leaving the highway."
Facility limitations: Most sites have minimal or no amenities. At Upper Lagunitas Campground, a visitor described it as a "Very quiet, remote campground with space between sites. Best for tents."
Weather preparedness: Temperatures drop significantly at night year-round. A camper at Forest Service Road 578 reported, "It got cold at night, like 27 F," even in mid-April.
Limited cell service: Connectivity is sparse throughout the region. A visitor to Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping mentioned, "There is no Verizon service," so prepare for being offline.
Tips for camping with families
Select campgrounds with toilet access: For families, choosing sites with basic facilities helps. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed Camping, a camper noted, "There are toilets at some of the sites. Very clean."
River activities: Water features keep children engaged. One visitor to Arroyo Seco shared, "There are so many campsites to choose from, all along the Hondo Rio. It's peaceful and quiet. We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. There's so much to do to keep them busy."
Pack extra warm clothing: One camper warned about temperature fluctuations: "We had storms while camping. At least six rock/mud slides on the road," highlighting the need for weather preparedness with children.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Large RVs struggle on forest roads. At Los Pinos, a camper advised, "Ok for small campers but I wouldn't take anything too big as the spaces are small and it is very tight to maneuver."
Dispersed camping challenges: RVers seeking the best tent camping near Canjilon, New Mexico should be selective about locations. A visitor to Forest Service Road 578 noted, "FS 578 is clearly marked with a brown NFS sign and has no gate but there is a cattle guard/grate... which has ruts and might be tough for an RV."
Check seasonal road status: Before traveling with an RV, verify road conditions. A visitor to Dispersed Camping Near Taos warned, "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."
