Dispersed camping near Cimarron offers a range of experiences at elevations between 7,500-8,500 feet, where temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer months. Several campgrounds in the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge and Cimarron Canyon State Park provide access to trout fishing, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. Most campgrounds feature vault toilets but limited other amenities, making preparation essential.
What to do
Fishing at accessible ponds: At Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can enjoy fishing in stocked waters. "Fishing is allowed but I didn't see any," notes Michael M., though many other campgrounds in the area offer better fishing opportunities.
Hiking nearby trails: The trails around Cimarron Campground provide access to scenic meadows and ponds. "There's a nice easy/moderate half mile hike down to the Shuree Ponds which were stocked with trout," writes Stephen K., who visited in July 2021.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Cimarron area hosts diverse wildlife throughout the year. "We had deer roam through our campsite, they could care less that we were even there," reports Terry R. about Cimarron Campground. At Lake 13-Maxwell, Bobby A. mentions "reports of bears in the area (wildlife refuge)," reminding campers to take appropriate precautions.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: The walk-in tent sites at Blackjack Tent Area offer privacy and direct river access. "We stayed at camp site #27, which was the biggest and spacesious site, 10/10... Site #30 was probably the other best one as it was in the back and last camp site and right next to the water," reports Josie H.
Boondocking opportunities: Free camping options provide budget-friendly alternatives. One camper at Lake 13-Maxwell Wildlife Refuge notes, "There are full bars and open spaces. I felt bad rolling in to the lot because there were other people set up and tucked in... everyone was quiet from 10pm to 8am."
Stargazing conditions: The remote location creates excellent night sky viewing. "The Milky Way was to die for," writes Sheridan L. about Lake 13-Maxwell. At Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground, the open sites provide unobstructed views of the night sky.
What you should know
Road conditions can be challenging: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. Regarding Cimarron Campground, Jen M. warns, "The road to get here from Amalia becomes very wash boarded. It is a long road to get here and is wash boarded the whole way."
Varying bathroom facilities: Facilities range from well-maintained flush toilets to basic pit toilets. At Tolby Campground, Curtis D. notes, "It has flush toilets and an electric plug in the bathroom also. There's drinkable water spigot all around."
Limited privacy at some sites: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. "This was a glorified parking lot. It literally is a parking lot with the lines drawn to allow for campers to park parallel on the outside and have a wide spot down the middle," Laura H. reports about Ponderosa Campground.
Weather variability: Even summer can bring unexpected conditions. At Cimarron Campground, Jade T. reports, "It rained only in the afternoons but everyday," during a July visit.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly fishing spots: Several areas designate fishing zones specifically for children. "The smaller [pond] was reserved for kids's fishing," notes Stephen K. about Shuree Ponds near Cimarron Campground.
Plan for limited connectivity: Most campgrounds have no cell service. At Maverick Campground, the remote location means disconnecting completely, though some campers find this beneficial for family time.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe various animals in their natural habitat. "We watched several herds of Elk down in the valley on one of our hikes," shares Terry R. about Cimarron Campground, making it an educational experience for young nature enthusiasts.
Pack for temperature swings: Prepare for significant day-to-night temperature changes. "It will also be cold at night, so be prepared," advises Ricky B. about Cimarron Campground, particularly important when camping with children who may be more sensitive to temperature changes.
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility varies: Some campgrounds accommodate large RVs better than others. At Lake 13-Maxwell, Madeline S. confirms, "We have a 43' fifth wheel and made it there with no problem so definitely big rig friendly," though she cautions to "follow the signs for the Maxwell wildlife refuge" rather than GPS.
Consider ground conditions: Weather can impact RV parking, especially at dispersed sites. Susan N. warns about Lake 13-Maxwell: "But north eastern and north central New Mexico have had days of heavy rain and flooding alerts... We deemed the ground too damp, figuring we would get stuck sinking into the soft earth if we drove onto the grass."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Cimarron: Most campgrounds welcome pets with standard leash rules. Eagle Nest Lake State Park is particularly pet-friendly, with open spaces for walking dogs. Cimarron Canyon State Park's campgrounds also accommodate canine companions, though specific rules may apply.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited in the area. Phil P. notes about Ponderosa Campground, "No power. No water hookups but there is a central spigot that can be used to refill. No black dump anywhere in the park," highlighting the need for self-sufficiency.
