Searching for the best camping near Carson National Forest, NM? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Carson National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Carson National Forest and user-submitted reviews.
"Plenty of shade and lots of off road trails for driving/running/biking. No water. clean bathrooms (with toilet paper!!) only 30 mins or so from Taos."
"Pulled in around 4pm on a Saturday and only 1 other camper was here. A few vehicles were parked at the bathroom/trailhead, super friendly."
$25 / night
"Hamlet went to visit his fun cousins for the weekend -- Diego, Thelma, Louise, Frida, Ralphie, Sunnie, and others– all vintage campers available for rent at this amazingly cool space just outside of Taos"
"$10 tent camping in desert behind groovy glamper park. Fantastic people. In walking distance to Taos brewery Oasis. On the road to the gorge. Cool summer nights"
"Much more vegetation than you would expect from a campground close to town. The staff are friendly. The facilities were clean. The park is older but in an charming New Mexico way."
"If your wanting to get out and play in the snow or explore more in depth the beautiful culture of New Mexico, Taos has a little for everyone"
"There are a bunch of different roads you can turn off to camp on if you’re driving from Taos to Durango."
"Many open areas to camp right off the highway. The views of the mountains across the valley are best after the fork in the road. Please pick up extra trash if you use"
"This was a great site with fantastic access down to the trails along the Rio Grande. You can also walk pretty quickly down to the confluence, which offers some nice views of both gorges."
"You can walk down and swim in the river but you will need a swim once you get back up again!"
"Don’t drive to the John dun bridge from Taos use the longer route instead. The switch back road is blocked off now."
"Made a quick walk down to the springs in the evening and watched the stars come out. Awesome!!"
$30 - $50 / night
"Laundry, restrooms and convenience store are still closed due to Covid - much of New Mexico is still this way."
"This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."
"Amazing views and lots of hiking nearby."
"It is a steep trail, but the trail is very well maintained and has lots of places to stop to rest. The spring is like an Oasis and it dumps into the Rio Grande River."
"We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. There's so much to do to keep them busy. The dogs love the river and to run through it. No one really bothers anyone. There are toilets at some of the sites."
"Right off the road, literally. it hidden behind some trees so the barrier between the site and road makes for a little privacy. Great spot for a day or two right next to a creek so you fall asleep to"
"There are at least four established campground in the del Norte Wild Rivers Recreation area with La Junta being a walk-in and the others camping areas having the capability of parking really close to covered"
"You will need to make sure you aren't on someone's property or nearby any roads. There are plenty of turn offs.
This isn't a "get away" more like a stopover spot."
LegendI liked the small roadside campground in the Carson National Forest. It’s located near some of the smaller ski slopes about 30 miles south of Taos NM on Highway 518 near Rock Wall New Mexico. The National Forest Service campground has 10 sites along a nice mountain stream. The campground is just off the highway with some privacy between the campsites. They have picnic tables and fire rings and clean Pit toilets. This site did not have a host and works from a self service. The hiking and fishing are the highlights here along with the scenery. I also appreciated this was mostly empty in the peak summer season. This is a nice option if you want to avoid the crowds a do some trout fishing in a relatively quite location. The only downside is the noise from the highway.
RangerThese coordinates are a rough estimate, but this entire forrest road is filled with amazing campsites you can simply pull off and camp in. currently there’s a fire ban, so it makes it hard to stay warm at night, but the stars are amazing. it’s quiet. it’s lovely. there’s canyon walls for miles. it’s really amazing. some of these pics are from the nearby canyon that’s a bit of a walk up the road, but most are from our campground. loved our first experience camping in New Mexico!
GuideRio Chama RV park in Chama, New Mexico, is at the intersection of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the upper Rio Chama. A nice place to stay May 1 thru mid October. The train passing by twice a day is an exciting event and it's a short walk to the train yard.
Pull through sites have great shade and full hookups with 30 or 50 amp electrical service. Spacious tent sites with full service restrooms nearby. Pet friendly with dog park and free wifi. A great place for fishing, train watching and relaxing.
LegendThis is one of the nicest state parks we have visited. Eagles Nest is about 19 miles west of Taos near the Carson National Forest. The campground is on the west side of a beautiful lake I the town of Eagles Nest. This is one of the most beautiful places in Northern New Mexico and well worth the visit. The campground caters to the RV and boating community. They have first class facilities including two boat launches, group meeting venues, and a huge visitors center. The facilities are well maintained and have been recently upgraded. The sites are spacious but exposed with no tree cover or privacy. The view more than makes up for these negatives. The altitude of the site provides for a nice summer climate and a frozen winter park near top class downhill skiing. You will need to make reservations well in advance to get a spot at this popular venue. They are typically full throughout the weak. They have fresh water taps throughout the site, a dump station, and nice site toilets and showers.
LegendThis is a very small campground in the Carson National Forest near the Questa Ranger station. There are very little amenities. There is no potable water or bathrooms, but there are bear bins, picnic tables and small fire rings with a grill grate.
This campground is located right off the side of the road and so are the actual campsites. This makes for quite a bit of noise from the road. If you are planning to stay at the Carson National forest I would advise you look at some of the other sites just down the road. This would be more of like an overflow option.
TravelerDispersed, no-reservation camping in Carson National Forest. Toilets + tables.
RangerCarson National Forest in Cimarron is absolutely beautiful. We hiked near Shuree Ponds and camped between Ash Mountain and Little Castillo Peak. The weather was all over the place, but the views were stunning. Bear precautions are necessary. Water was plentiful as the streams and creeks were rapid with snow melt. We will absolutely be returning!
GuideWe found this place randomly. Seen all the road exits of the Carson National Forest on our way to Taos we said “let’s give it a try!” And we found apparently a fairly popular place. It may be due to available internet connection (which we greatly enjoyed it after weeks!) or just a lower altitude spot that may help with physical activity and weather temps. At any rate, easy and short access to the camp sites via gravel sandy road, some with fire rings and camp tables, leveled grounds for trailers and lots of pine trees for privacy. There are signs for trailheads and pretty rock formations that will need to be explored next time. We stayed a night and enjoyed it to the fullest. Highly recommended, especially as nights get nice and chill (vs. hot day temps) for good sleep.
LegendThis is a great spacious campground in the Carson National forest near the Questa ranger station. It is one of the bigger sites with quite a few amenities and many options for sites. There are two small lakes and the river running through the campground that make for good fishing. Plus there are a few hiking trails connected to this park which is super convient!
They have vault style restrooms and a few wash stations with potable water. This camp is located between Questa and Red River where you can find groceries or resturants. A great place to camp with a lot to offer and amazing views!!!
Discover the perfect spots for pets-allowed camping near Carson National Forest in New Mexico, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Carson National Forest is Cebolla Mesa Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 12 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 131 dog-friendly camping locations near Carson National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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