Best Tent Camping near Canjilon, NM
Carson National Forest surrounding Canjilon, New Mexico offers several primitive tent camping options at varying elevations. Canjilon Creek Campground, located at approximately 9,000 feet, provides tent-only camping near three trout-filled lakes with beautiful mountain vistas. For backcountry tent camping experiences, dispersed sites along Forest Service Road 578 offer secluded options with views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Upper and Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds, located north of Canjilon near Tierra Amarilla, provide additional tent campsites in a forested setting.
Most tent campgrounds in this region require self-sufficiency and preparation. Canjilon Creek Campground features very primitive conditions with no running water, toilets, or other amenities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for accessing many sites due to rough, rutted roads with washouts and potholes. Vault toilets are available at some established campgrounds like Los Pinos and Lagunitas, but most dispersed camping areas lack facilities entirely. Fire rings are common at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply. The 14-day stay limit is standard throughout the national forest.
Tent campers frequently note the solitude and natural beauty of the area. According to one visitor at Canjilon Creek, "Hardly met anyone while there... plenty of wood to forage for" and "beautiful vistas" compensate for the lack of amenities. Another camper at Carson National Forest's dispersed sites observed "a nice mix of sage, juniper, and pine trees" and wildlife including elk. The higher elevation means temperatures can drop significantly at night, with one camper reporting overnight lows of 27°F even in April. Walk-in tent sites often provide the best access to creeks and small lakes, making them popular with anglers despite the primitive conditions.