Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Carson National Forest
Cebolla Mesa Campground allows pets throughout its primitive campsites perched along the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge. This free Bureau of Land Management site features a vault toilet and several established sites with picnic tables and fire rings, plus additional dispersed sites with rock ring fire pits. The 3-mile dirt access road requires careful driving but remains passable for most passenger vehicles in dry conditions. Many campers bring dogs to enjoy the relatively uncrowded camping area, which typically has only a few other visitors even on weekends. Carson National Forest's dispersed camping areas along Forest Service Road 578 similarly welcome pets, offering secluded spots with mountain views. The road conditions can be rutted and rocky, requiring AWD/4WD vehicles, making these sites inaccessible to larger RVs and contributing to their quiet, pet-friendly atmosphere.
Dogs particularly enjoy the 1.25-mile trail from Cebolla Mesa down to the Rio Grande, though owners should be vigilant as the terrain includes steep canyon edges with significant drops. The trail offers dogs swimming opportunities at the confluence of the Rio Grande and Red River. Cell service varies throughout the area, with 1-2 bars of LTE service often available near campground facilities but diminishing in more remote sites. Pack all pet supplies as the nearest pet stores are in Taos, approximately 30 minutes away. Campers should also bring extra water for pets as drinking water isn't available at most dispersed sites. Leashes are required throughout BLM's Rio Grande del Norte National Monument areas. The high desert environment means dramatic temperature variations; summer days can be hot while nights remain cool, requiring appropriate gear for pets' comfort and safety.
