Carson National Forest offers dispersed camping options at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 feet near Carson, New Mexico. These areas experience significant temperature drops at night, with summer evenings often dipping below 50°F despite warm days. Most primitive campsites require visitors to pack in water and pack out waste.
What to do
Hiking to hot springs: Near Dispersed Camping Near Taos, visitors can access natural hot springs. One camper noted, "Made a quick walk down to the springs in the evening and watched the stars come out. Awesome!!"
Fishing in Rio Hondo: At Lower Hondo Campground, the Rio Hondo provides easy fishing access. A visitor shared, "The Hondo River runs right next to the campground so you have easy access to water."
Explore Wild Rivers Recreation Area: The steep canyon trails offer challenging hiking and river views. A reviewer of La Junta Canyon mentioned, "If you like canyon hikes (steeeeep trails) or whitewater, this is a great place for you to explore. There are a lot of outfitters in the area that will take you down the rivers."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Multiple sites along waterways provide natural white noise. At Cuchilla Campground, campers enjoy "wonderful little campground on the way to Taos Ski Valley. Sites are right on a creek & have picnic tables."
Secluded spots away from crowds: Forest Service Road 578 offers isolation. A 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."
Stunning night skies: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing. A reviewer at Enchanted Circle Campground described how "You can hear the elk bugling and see every star at night."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Some areas require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. A 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."
Temperature fluctuations: Pack for cold nights even in summer. A visitor reported, "It got cold at night, like 27°F" despite camping in spring.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping, a reviewer noted, "No amenities except some great river side places. Dispersed camping along the road right on the river."
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds close seasonally. A Lower Hondo visitor warned, "Obviously, camp in warm weather or you need to have a snow plow since drifts 3-5 ft deep."
Tips for camping with families
River access for children: Shallow streams offer natural play areas. One camper at Arroyo Seco shared, "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."
Safety considerations: Some sites have hazardous features. A visitor cautioned about site #3 at Enchanted Circle Campground: "Just be careful about the nearby cliff. No small children recommended for that site."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many camping areas offer chances to see local animals. A camper noted, "You do not have to worry about anything. If you want to go in to Angel Fire and explore you will find plenty to do in this area or you can just stay on the ranch and hike, bike, ride ATVs or just sit and watch the prairie dogs, horses, deer or whatever else decides to come by."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many tent camping areas near Carson restrict larger vehicles. At Capulin Campground, a camper observed, "Sites were far enough from everyone else, but were right on the only road in and out."
Leveling challenges: Finding flat spots can be difficult. A visitor to Dispersed Camping Near Taos advised, "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."
Road access information: Some roads have restrictions. A reviewer warned, "One thing is that you MUST approach from the west, you can't get here coming from the east over John dun bridge."
