Best Tent Camping near Carson, NM

Tent campsites in the Carson National Forest surrounding Carson, New Mexico offer both established campgrounds and dispersed camping options. The Taos Junction Campground provides accessible tent camping year-round with picnic tables and toilet facilities, while Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping offers free primitive tent sites with walk-in access. Several backcountry tent camping areas can be found along Forest Service Road 578, providing secluded experiences away from developed areas.

Primitive tent camping in this region typically features basic amenities with most sites including fire rings but lacking potable water. The dispersed camping areas near Taos allow fires but campers must pack out all trash as no collection services exist. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing some of the more remote backcountry tent sites, particularly along unpaved forest roads. According to one visitor, "There are a bunch of different roads you can turn off to camp on if you're driving from Taos to Durango. We mapped Forest Road 578 and it took us to a dirt road with a lot of flat spots you can camp on."

Tent campers seeking solitude will find the primitive areas around Carson particularly rewarding. Lower Hondo Campground provides tent sites along the Rio Hondo with a 14-day maximum stay limit and basic latrine facilities. The elevation of many tent campgrounds results in significantly cooler temperatures, especially at night, even during summer months. The Carson National Forest dispersed camping areas offer excellent views of the surrounding landscape, with some locations providing vistas of the Taos Gorge. A camper noted, "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."

Best Tent Sites Near Carson, New Mexico (41)

    1. Taos Junction Campground

    6 Reviews
    Carson, NM
    3 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!"

    2. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    8 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    16 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."

    3. Dispersed Camping Near Taos

    4 Reviews
    Arroyo Hondo, NM
    12 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."

    4. Cuchilla Campground

    7 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    19 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."

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

    5 Reviews
    Carson National Forest, NM
    17 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."

    6. Capulin Campground

    4 Reviews
    Taos, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 587-2255

    $6 - $12 / night

    "This was a nice basic spot, close to highway 64 so you get some traffic noise, but that goes away after dark for the most part."

    "About 10 first come first serve primitive campsites next to the road and creek. The trees give some privacy in between the campsites and road."

    7. Lower Hondo Campground

    2 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    18 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."

    8. La Junta - Wild Rivers Rec Area

    3 Reviews
    San Cristobal, NM
    21 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."

    9. El Nogal Campground

    1 Review
    Taos, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 684-2489

    10. Enchanted Circle Campground E<< - #1 Campground in NM

    7 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    26 miles
    +1 (254) 434-8657

    $75 / night

    "You will feel like you are alone in the back woods where someone set up a great camping site. The fire pit is huge and has benches all around."

    "No electricity but water is available near the owners home. This is boondocking in a very safe environment! You do not have to worry about anything."

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Showing results 1-10 of 41 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Carson, NM

646 Reviews of 41 Carson Campgrounds



Guide to Carson

Carson, New Mexico, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for scenic views and peaceful surroundings.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Activities for outdoor enthusiasts

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $6

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carson, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carson, NM is Taos Junction Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Carson, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Carson, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.