Looking for an adventure where you can explore Cimarron and then fall asleep in your tent? Finding a place to camp in New Mexico with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
PLEASE READ ALL OF THE DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH SITE BEFORE YOU BOOK. NOT ALL SITES ARE ACCESSIBLE TO RVs.
PLEASE READ…
Nestled in the Carson National Forest@ 9000ft in the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the southern region of the Colorado Rockies lies Enchanted Circle Campgrounds. E<< is a quiet, exclusive, totally unique, primitive campground that generally has open camping sites during the camping season of May 1st until October 31st.
E<< was Voted #1 Campground in NM for 2020, 2021, and 2022." Number #4 in the Country by Forbes!
There are 7 Private campsites.
Site#1: This is the smallest campsite, but it overlooks the valley and lakes and is most often the favorite. It is not large enough for any camper beside teardrops, popups, and anything smaller than 16 ft. It is best served as a tent site.
Site#2: is located in the middle of the ranch. It is one of the larger of the spots and perfect for campers and trailers. It overlooks the valley and has 2 fire pits and hammocks. A great site for more than one trailer or RV. It is also easily accessible.
Site#3: It is the most remote. It sits on top of a pretty large cliff system that the Ute Indians actually lived in and has some of the best views. It is on top of a cliff though and is not the best fit for groups with small children. TRAILERS CANNOT GET TO SITE 3, due to tight turns.
Spot 4. This spot is great for larger groups. It is the furthest spot from the gate. It is nestled in the middle of a valley full of Aspens. There are Hammocks, giant fire pits, pergolas, Log Benches, and plenty of space to explore.
Spot 5. It is the flattest spot on the entire ranch, and the easiest to access. This spot is our stargazer site, it has the biggest views and is the most open site@ECC. There are trees, but it is mainly the sky. This site was built and intended for Large RVs and Motor Homes larger than 34 ft. But, If it is available, feel free to book it whether or not you are in a tent or RV.
Spot 6 was also built for Larger Rvs Or larger Groups with multiple tents. It is also very accessible to Motorhomes and large units. It is a mix of all of the environments we have here, with Big skies, Big trees, big views, and great privacy.
Spot 7 is Identical to spot 6. Big RVs, Big Skies, Big Views. Easy accessibility.
Spot 8 is only accessible to tents. It is the newest and most remote site. Surrounded by forest it is tucked away and feels the wildest.
At ECC, you are surrounded by trees and wildlife no matter what spot you choose. Each spot usually has a campfire grill, cast iron skillet, dutch oven, coffee pot, grilling utensils, shovel, hatchet, trash can, hammocks, and other small necessities. With Covid 19, we have removed all of the cooking utensils, cast iron, and coffee pots. You will need to bring these items with you. We have also added handwashing stations and Antibacterial hand soap at each site. We are also Sanitizing the entire campsite after each checkout to ensure all of our guest Safety to the best of our abilities. Numerous trails wander their way through the pine forest, with many more hiking opportunities within a short drive. The Ranch has both long and short nature hikes that allow for views of local flora, fauna, and wheeler peak. We have too many to count, primitive and natural mountain bike trails, and many more to discover or trail blaze. We also offer Coleman 49CC mini bikes for rent by the day to explore all over the ranch. They are great fun.
ECC has 7 natural ground(underground) fed springs that run year-round. 3 spring-fed ponds, 2 of which are stocked with rainbow trout as well as native brown trout, and crawfish. The natives are very picky eaters and require more patience than I usually have. Many of our campers seem to have what it takes as they are caught often, but the rainbows bite on a few different things, you just have to find the right one, and then it's game on. We stock the ponds at the beginning of the season each year. You can keep what you catch, up to 2 per person per day. But, you are also more than welcome to catch and release as often as you like. We have just about every terrain here as well, from prairie and marshland to cliffs and mountainous forests. We have a little over 900 feet of elevation change on the ranch. We have numerous species of wildlife that call the ranch home. We have elk, mule deer, turkeys, bobcats, prairie dogs, beavers, bears, and the occasional mountain lion. We also have our horses, goats, pigs, and chickens free-roaming within the fenced ranch. It is really important to leave all objects you find on the land where you found them(bones, things at the sweat lodge, etc) because this is sacred land and we all need to respect that.
Our Ranch can accommodate individuals, families, and both large and small groups. We also love to support Veterans, LEO, and Emergency Services. We will cover one night, for up to 4 campers, for any of those professionals.
The biggest draw to ECC besides ECC itself is its proximity to Angel Fire and the Ski and Mountain Bike Resort. Located just 5 miles from Town. There is plenty of exploring to do both on the ranch and in town. We are also located within 15 minutes of 3 State Parks. Come check it out! It might just be your favorite secret spot.
$75 / night
Primitive site and day use area. Tents only.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. It means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables, fire pits and toilets are provided.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
**This road runs into Taos Pueblo land, please respect this and do not trespass on their land. **
The road is closed in the winter and is popular for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Summer and fall the road is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, but is also open to vehicles. Expect to see motorized traffic. When it is closed for the winter it is a quiet place to cross-country ski or snowshoe.
Popular roadside area near La Sombra Campground and Shady Brook stores with access to Rio Fernando de Taos fishing and trail to "Ice Cave" waterfall
$6 - $12 / night
One of three small sites on paved road to Taos Ski Valley providing access to fishing on Rio Hondo and hiking in Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Study Area and Wheeler Peak Wilderness.
Guide
My boyfriend and I took a 13 state journey this summer over the course of 3 weeks and this was one of my favorite campsites we stayed at. The site itself was quaint and very nice to tent camp in. The tent sites had raised platforms to put your tent on and the ground underneath was softer, so it wasn’t that uncomfortable to sleep on👍🏻10/10 would go back🏕 they had bear boxes to keep all your food and odorants in over night. They have wood for sale for fires, there’s showers up the road and bathrooms within walking distance of every site. The camp hosts were very kind and helpful.
Guide
This place seems like more of a day use area that has some fire rings and picnic tables. As best we could tell, there weren't any great tent camp sites, so we just pulled up onto a ridge and dragged a table up. Perhaps better for campers & small RV's.
That said, the lake is gorgeous and there's a great hike up the riverbed.
Guide
Cimarron Canton State Park is a wonderful place to stay, right on the Cimarron River. Bring your fishing gear and license for some relaxing fishing. Some of the sites are immediately adjacent to the river. My favorite campground is Tolby, the Westernmost. It has a Ranger/Information Station in the east end of the campground. It has flush toilets and sinks, but no shower. This is my favorite, because I love to hike and backpack. Just south across Highway 64 from the campground entrance is the Tolby Trailhead. The Tolby Trail takes you all the way back to Tolby Meadow on an excellent trail. A good spot for overnight tent camping. Tolby campground is also just minutes from Eagle Nest, NM and within easy range of Angel Fire, Red River, and a little less than an hour from Taos.
There are two other campgrounds for RVs, Maverick and Ponderosa, as well as one more for tent camping. Maverick sits right next to a pair of gravel pit lakes for added Fishing opportunities. Ponderosa is across the street from that, but is more like a parking lot with painted camping slots around its perimeter.
In the town of Cimarron I recommend dining at the Historic St. James hotel (very haunted) or lunch at the Creemee. Stop in at the headquarters of Philmont Scout Ranch for the National Scounting Museum and a Tour of the Villa Philimonte (Waite Phillips’ mansion). Also recommended is the Tooth of Time Traders at Philmont. It’s a camping/hiking store that is like an REI.
If you’re coming via Raton, the Colfax Tavern between Raton and Cimarron at Cold Beer New Mexico is a great place to stop for food and drinks.
LegendSugarite Canyon is a Sweet Park to visit!
Campground Review:
Located in NW Raton, New Mexico... Sugarite Canyon State Park ( http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/spd/sugaritecanyonstatepark.html ) borders the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains.
During this two month camping and hiking roadtrip, I chose campgrounds purely based on our traveling trajectory...which landed us in Raton, New Mexico at Sugarite Canyon State Park.
The Sugarite Canyon State Park (pronounced "Sugareet") was easy to locate off I-25 in Raton, (72 to 526 six miles NE straight into the park) just a few miles south of the Colorado border. The only campground area open during our mid April visit was the Lake Alice Campground, roughly 6,664 ft. elevation.
The Lake Alice Campground was perched along 526 inside the state park. Being early spring at elevation, the bare trees and bushes were barely budding, so the other three tent sites were fairly visible (four total tent sites), but nicely spaced out. Water (which, at that time, needed to be filtered or boiled by posted warning) and vault toilets were a 40 yard walk from the tent sites. The shower house was located a short drive down 526 across from the Ranger headquarters...and it had electric, modern plumbing and hot showers (however, check with hours of operation).
Gravel tent pads were raised the height of a 8-10" timber box...and roughly 7'x10' in dimension. Each tent site had a picnic table (which could be moved), a stationary and elevated metal food container, and a fire pit/grill on a cement pad. Because of the tight spaces, I felt the fire pit was located too close to the tent pad for my liking...though the wind blew favorably during our visit, keeping embers off the rainfly.
Lake Alice is a small 3 acre reservoir along the Chicorica Creek that spills from the larger Lake Maloya (120 acres). Fishing and hiking (13 miles within the park) are extremely popular in this state park, drawing daily crowds as well as an annual fishing contest. I was advised around 100,000 visit during each summer. Neighboring Colorado State Wildlife Areas, Lake Dorothey SWA (10 acre lake) and James M. John SWA are a stones throw down the gravel road, offering extended hiking and fishing.
Hiking trails from the Ranger Headquarters offer a history lesson with the remnants of the 1920's coal mining town that prospered in this canyon. Purpose to spend some time in the Ranger headquarters perusing the small dioramas depicting life in Sugarite Canyon during the turn of the 1900's. Rangers Scott and Bob were knowledgeable, helpful and knew the history thoroughly. Artifacts and photos in the Ranger Headquarters offer a tremendous pictorial history of the people and events of that era. A few original stone buildings remain intact and usable...the Post Office, which now houses the Ranger Headquarters and the Mule Barn, now the maintenance facility. Self-guided placqards line a walkway surrounding the Ranger Headquarters.
Trails vary from worn singletrack to wide service roads. Be aware of your surroundings for the wildlife that inhabits this area. Gobblers cackled on and off 24 hours, and the beautiful Towhee mountain bluebird flitted around our campsite providing a photo op.
The rushing Chicorica Creek, across the roadway, offered soothing whitenoise to the Alice Campground. There is also tent overflow on the creekside, across from Alice Campground, but no real definable sites...pretty much pitch 'em where you can.
A fire ripped through this area in 2011 with the effects still visible but plenty of lush vegetation growing up.
A hike around Lake Maloya is possible, offering great views of both the alluring waters and towering mountains. The higher elevation Soda Pocket Campground was closed during our visit. The Ponderosa Ridge/Opportunity Trail begins at the Lake Maloya spillway and offers great views (6 mile). The Little Horse Mesa Trail is a two mile roundtrip but climbs to the highest point in the park, flat and giving long mountain views. Snow was still heavy on the peaks. Elevation ranges from near 7,000 ft above 9,000 ft. with a variation of flat-top mesas to sharp peaks and lava flows.
Sugarite Canyon State Park offers numerous activities throughout the year to draw the avid outdoorsperson. Cross country skiing, rock climbing, hunting, fishing, boating (human and electric power only), hiking and picnicing.
We made the short trek over the Colorado border to Lake Dorothey and walked those trails. I read there is an annual butterfly festival there in the adjacent meadow, and one year yielded a one day count of 637 buterflies of 38 species.
Tent camping is $10 a night, in addition to a $5 park vehicle fee. Note: I would give five stars to the Sugarite Canyon State Park overall...but I dinged them one star in this review because of the Lake Alice Campground proximity to the roadway and limited amount of dedicated tent sites. Though, it won't dissaude me from coming back.
**Nearby National Park System Capulin Volcano is a must visit. Like a lone sentinal it towers alone in the high plains. We were fortunate enough to get a visit on one of the sixteen free days each year. Driving the switchbacks and circling the mountain to the parking lot just short of the peak was breathtaking. Without guardrails it is not for the faint of heart. A paved one mile walkway circles the rim of the volcano mouth...and another trail travels down into the mouth. There are pit latrines at the south end of the upper parking lot.
Gear Review: Leatherman WAVE Multi-tool
As a Dyrt Ranger gear tester, I was offered an opportunity to test the latest version of the Leatherman WAVE Multi-tool ( http://www.leatherman.com/wave-10.html ). I have used an original Leatherman folding multi-tool on my dutyrig since 1991. Before getting in too deep on the WAVE review...the Original mult-tool has undergone rigorous daily use for nearly three decades and it still looks and functions like new...so I was anxious to try the latest version of the WAVE and see if that level of quality still remains. Much has changed since the Original version...which is to be expected...and there are improvements from my son's well used military issue Leatherman WAVE.
Having the option, I chose the matte black over the brushed stainless finish...for subdued tactical reasons and anticipated crossover usage. I have attached a photo of all three of the Leatherman tools mentioned above for a visual comparison.
I had ample opportunity to use the function of each of the tools represented during my testing.
Pros
Cons
The flat blade, while not a filet knife specifically, worked effectively on Rainbows and Browns. The saw blade made short work of saplings for gigs, tarp poles, and roasting sticks (disclaimer: no live trees were harmed in the testing of this tool). The scissors made intricate work easier and safer when my waistband button jettisoned off my Mountain Khakis (I guess too many trout, beans and s'mores)...for hasty handsewing with braided fishing line without removing said trousers.
I liked the reversable function of the removable driver bits, allowing the selection of the right size tool for the job. Enjoying the reversable function of the driver bits also brings with it a disdain for adding or keeping track of additional driver bits...not a fan of that. I also welcomed the web case and snapping that will permit attachment to any backpack, belt or Molle gear. My old leather case, though still fully usable...is extremely limited to a belt, unless jury-rigged.
As a sidenote: I have owned and used other brand multi-tools. Big box mult-tools have regularly failed and in my opinion not worth removing the wrapper. Popular named mult-tools have similar features, but use a "polymer" slide locking mechanism that I have had break or pop off, resulting in blades and tools that move and have no dependable rigidity (ie. sharp knife blade closing on gripping fingers...not good).
Overall, I believe the Leatherman WAVE mult-tool is a fantastic addition to both my tactical and outdoor adventures...and trust it will fulfill my expectations of longevity and durability as the Original.
Traveler
Good small KOA. People are friendly. Gravel tent sites
Traveler
One of the most beautiful campsites I seen. Two nights tent camping in the valley where two rivers meet. No showers but restrooms were adequate.
Traveler
$10 tent camping in desert behind groovy glamper park. Fantastic people. In walking distance to Taos brewery Oasis. On the road to the gorge. Cool summer nights
Ranger
Tent camped at this location in the middle of September (a week before closing). Very beautiful place to watch the leaves change, trailheads close by and picnic tables at each site. The site didn’t have an actual tent pad but we easily found a spot to pitch a tent. Will definitely be back!
Guide
First off - we tent camped in this RV heavy campground. sites were a little too close for comfort. Coin-operated showers were nice but got dirty and gross quickly. Not far from town, and lake has lots of fun opportunities.
TravelerGreat fishing opportunities, and wonderful hiking all around. Close by to two towns where you can pick up provisions. Campgrounds are great for tent camping, with many right by the river. Even though some sites are close to the road, the traffic is light so we didn’t notice.
GuideAwesome 4 tent campsites tucked away at end of parking lot. A short jaunt from vehicle to campsites so does require carrying your gear. Pretty neat. Highly recommend.
Traveler
Had a great experience here, stayed 3 nights tent camping with my dog. Bathrooms with showers, laundry room, store, and coffee/tea available in the office. The whole property has a friendly/family culture and the couple who manages the campground is very personable and knowledgeable about the area. Will be back!
GuideI grew up going to this campsite almost every summer, so this review may be a little biased. The campsites are great, specially for tent camping. There are some big spots for RVs but those get pulled quickly. The campsites are a little close together, but I have never had any problems. The facilities are nice enough as well.
This campsite sits on the edge of a road next to two little ponds that are great for trout fishing. The river runs next to the ponds and you can find a few fish there too. I like to walk up and down the river to find some good spots that are a little quieter. The ponds fill up with quite a few people now.
You will need to bring everything you need. There are not any stores really close by, you will have to go to Cimarron ot Eagle Nest to stock on supplies if you are missing anything and they can be 30 minutes away. There are also no big box stores in these towns so things close down early.
TravelerGreat 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.
Guide
We stayed in the tent only portion.. with a rooftop tent. Problem being there are no pull in spots for the individual tent sites....just parking along the camp road. Had to pitch our rooftop tent over the parking barrier. Also, sites are right on top of each other. On the plus side the creek is pretty and loud enough to drown out the road not far away.
Guide
We had a great time camping here. Very cheap only $6 to camp all ages all year. 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.
ScoutThis place is cool. Its made up of about 15 1960-70's trailers, all updated and stylish, on the wide open Taos Mess. There's also tent camping available for $10 a night. Showers (indoor and outdoor) and bathrooms are all really nice and clean. The owners and employees are all a joy. 15 minutes to downtown Taos. There is a brewery right across the street with live music and an awesome patio.
Scout
Such a nice well maintained campground. Stayed here in a single tent site which was large enough for 6 adults and three kids to hang out comfortably. Went exploring in the river next to the campground and then took a short hike up the river to some amazing river canyon views. Recommend reserving a site during their busy season as the campground filled up quickly.
Guide
Great rv or tent sites. Amazing views and fishing
Small store and restaurant on site
Free fishing is usually first weekend in June and the local fire dept hosts a fishing tourney
Sites fill up quickly. Busy on weekends. We prefer Sun-Thur to miss the crowds.
Near Stonewall which has restaurant/small store. Nearby fly fishing at North Lake
Come with a full tank of gas!
TravelerThis place is so cool. There is a “hotel” made up of old airstreams and other RVs, a solid brewery and a music venue that brings pretty serious acts in.
We paid $10 to park our van essentially. Parked in the gravel lot, had acces to showers and bathrooms. There was also tent camping for $10 a night as wel and that looked really legit with unobstructed views .
10/10 will 100% go back to this spot and support what they are doing
TravelerThere are 3 different campgrounds within the state park. Each has their own toilet facilities while the bathhouse (aka clean, hot, free showers) is located just across from the park entrance/visitor center. Tent camping was $10/night and super easy for someone passing through - there were 4 sites available as first come first served in the morning. Three were still available at 7pm (on a Tuesday). The visitor center was great, helpful staff and you can buy ice there. There are several hikes to do and the scenery is beautiful.
GuideNice campground amongst pinons and juniper trees. Not your typical rows of spaces. Sites are spread out along several wandering loops.
Different size spaces and tent sites! No walk ups, must reserve online.
WalMart just south of Trinidad CO; which is full of interesting history.
Fire pits and firewood available.
Full hook ups at $41 and nine dollar park fee daily.
Lots of shore birds at the lake. Lake wasn’t visible from our site but nearby. 
Traveler
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. Longest stay is 2 weeks.
Photographer had a pop-up trailer, solar cells, (trees everywhere). He said 2X per week he would get a shower in town somewhere.
There is sufficient room for 10-15 families. Remove all trash when leaving.
Obviously, camp in warm weather or you need to have a snow plow since drifts 3-5 ft deep.
Guide
This campground far exceeded our expectations. We arrived a bit earlier on a stoo over than we had planned. That gave us a bIt more tIme to explore the lake and traIils. We tent camped overlooking the lake and it was an amazing view and sunrise. The bathroom was the nicest I have seen yet in a camp. Very clean but the showers are quarters only. There is a change machine just outside though. InsIde the bathroom facilities there is also a laundry mat. It’s a great place to bring your boat and kids as there is a nice playground area as well.
Guide
Cute campground and they are doing a lot of work to the streets and tent sites. However, as others have said, the electric hookup RV sites are right on top of each other. We were awakened on the middle of the night to our neighbor’s son coughing and crying. They do have electric and water (one spicket shared between 2 sites). The water is very low flow. They have an RV dump area with water in the non electric camping area. There is a cute 1 mile trail to the mountain being the coyote creek.
LegendCamped in a small RV in site 13 which had a fairly level gravel pad. There was a tent site, but it looked to have been washed away. This site had great views of the mountain and lake. Enjoyed the short hike on Levsa - a one mile loop with up high views of Lake Trinidad. The Carpios trail was steep and rocky. Didn't have time for the 3 other trails. Showers and Laundry nice. Saw some deer and a wild hare. Somewhat nearby is Capulin Volcano National Monument. Highly recommended.
Guide
This was definitely the worst campground we’ve stayed in. We almost just left after paying for our site and seeing the condition of the campground But it was late afternoon and we were tired. The tent camping sites were TINY and separated from each other by “stick fencing” made of tree limbs. There was also a house 20 feet behind us and the owners were very loud until 11:30. Most of the amenities were not available or so filthy that you couldn’t use them. No paper towels or soap in the wash house. No water in the supposed stream that runs thru the park. We didn’t take the time to look at the RV sites so can’t really comment But if you are a tent camper you should look elsewhere.
Tent camping near Cimarron, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of serene landscapes and outdoor adventures, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cimarron, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cimarron, NM is Enchanted Circle Campground E<< - #1 Campground in NM with a 5-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cimarron, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Cimarron, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
