Best Tent Camping near Carson National Forest

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.

Best Tent Sites Near Carson National Forest (37)

    1. Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Carson National Forest, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8678

    "There are a bunch of different roads you can turn off to camp on if you’re driving from Taos to Durango."

    "I tent-camped off of Carson NF Forest Service Road 578 in mid April 2022. FS 578 is south of Tres Piedras about 5 miles on the west side of Hwy 285."

    2. Dispersed Camping Near Taos

    4 Reviews
    Arroyo Hondo, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    "Make sure you go all the way to the coordinates as there are a ton of great spots off to the left of the road, plenty of room to spread out and some solidly flat spots."

    "Don’t drive to the John dun bridge from Taos use the longer route instead. The switch back road is blocked off now."

    3. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    8 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    "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"

    "First coms first served with mostly tenting spaces."

    4. La Junta - Wild Rivers Rec Area

    3 Reviews
    San Cristobal, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    "Each campsite had a concrete pad and awning."

    "The sites are fairly primitive but the location is one of the greatest around. It’s a decent drive up here from Taos but you won’t be disappointed once you get here."

    5. Cuchilla Campground

    7 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    "Sites are right on a creek & have picnic tables."

    "Picnic tables were marked up, but the sound of the River was so worth all of it."

    6. Taos Junction Campground

    6 Reviews
    Carson, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    "They have nice grills at the tent sites along 28th tables. Bathrooms were nice and clean and a close walk. With lots to do including fish and hiking trails. We look forward to going back."

    "The shelter provides nice shade. Bugs & dust were only real drawback. Oh, and it was hot!"

    7. Little Arsenic Springs Campground

    1 Review
    Questa, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    $7 / night

    "Hiking trails down to the Rip Grande river are close by."

    8. La Junta Campground

    1 Review
    San Cristobal, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    "Located by the river. No luck fishing though Quite a few ATVs around. Only 2 miles to Sipaupu with a nice little store with firewood and necessities."

    9. Lower Hondo Campground

    2 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 586-0520

    "Tent camped in July and could not get into the water; but did freeze my ankles off. Have nice latrine commode and that is all. There are no specific sites. Just find a place and set up."

    "The Hondo River runs right next to the campground so you have easy access to water."

    10. Cabresto Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Questa, NM
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    "A vehicle with off-road capabilities is recommended if you want to reach this campground. While not impossible with a regular sedan, it does take navigating up some unpaved switchbacks."

    "There are about 5 by the lake and then 3 on the trail up. It's a busy road, constant stream of people. The trail itself is maybe a 2/10 for difficulty."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Carson National Forest

561 Reviews of 37 Carson National Forest Campgrounds


  • Steve & Ashley  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2019

    Comales Campground

    Roadside Northern New Mexico

    I 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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2023

    Riana - Abiquiu Lake

    Great views, great hosts

    Camped 2 nights at site #38 on the Puerco Loop. Reserved thru rec.gov while at the site. Wonderful campground hosts. Site was not quite level for our campervan, but close enough. Good views of lake & surrounding area from site. Vault toilet & drinking water a short walk away. Juniper provided minimal privacy. Site has lantern poll, fire ring, trash can & table. No hookups at this site. $6/night with senior pass. Restroom/shower house within walking distance. Facilities & vault toilets were very clean. Hiking trail in campground. AT&T & T-Mobile service. Overall, quiet & peaceful stay.

  • Brittany S.
    Oct. 30, 2018

    La Bobita Campground - Closed

    One of the smaller campgrounds in Carson National Forest

    This 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.

  • marycatmathis  ..The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2020

    Oak Point Campground

    Lovely, Beachy, Scenic

    These 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!

  • Wild Berries B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Tres Piedras Camp

    On the way out from Mesa Verde NP

    We 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.

  • Rebecca A.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Agua Piedra Campground

    Beautiful group camping!

    Great spot for group camping of 20-40 campers. Nice shaded/wooded area for primitive tent camping with plenty of space to spread out. Gorgeous open meadow at base of camp area perfect for group games, sports. 1930s cabin with tables for meals and cooking under shelter. Campfire ring and outdoor table. Vault toilet. Beautiful views of Sangre de Cristos and Carson National Forest. Trail to Indian Lake is an easy hike of 2.5 Miles each way and perfect for families or hikers with the need for low-impact trails. There is an awesome swimming hole just a few miles west on Hwy 518 past Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort—worth the short drive!

    Only a few cons—water onsite is listed as potable but smells and tastes so strongly of sulphur that it cannot be tolerated for drinking or cooking. Make sure to haul in water. Also tent camping area in woods is not level so there will be some incline. Important for those with circulatory issues.

  • Tim W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2023

    Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area

    Will go again

    We got there on a Friday and had our pick of sites. We picked one right on the river. No electricity. No water. No picnic tables. No trash receptacle. Vault toilets. 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. 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. Rustic and relaxing.

  • Brittany S.
    Oct. 30, 2018

    Goat Hill Campground

    Smaller campground along road in Carson National Forest.

    This is small campground near the Questa Ranger station in the Carson National forest. There are not many amenities and the campground is located right off the side of the road so there is a lot of road noise.It in not my favorite campground because you are not as close to the trailheads as many of the others, but if it is your only option during peak season it would do.

    This park is located between Red River and Questa, so if you are in need of groceries or hot food, it is not far down the road. The Questa ranger station down the road has firewood, but not much else.

    This campground has valt toilets, fire rings and picnic tables, plus a communal bear bin for food. Steep mountains line one side and the road the opposite, so you will have to either drive or walk the road to get to hiking trails.

  • Steve & Ashley  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground

    Beautiful Mountain Lake

    This 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.


Guide to Carson National Forest

Tent camping near Carson National Forest in New Mexico offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Taos Junction Campground provides essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and clean toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • At Cuchilla Campground, campers can enjoy picnic tables and the convenience of being right next to a creek, perfect for relaxing by the water.
  • Lower Hondo Campground features a pit toilet and easy access to the Hondo River, making it a great spot for those who appreciate basic facilities in a natural setting.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carson National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carson National Forest is Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Carson National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Carson National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.