Carson National Forest near Cleveland, New Mexico offers dispersed camping sites across varied terrain between 8,500-10,500 feet elevation. Summer temperatures often drop below 45°F at night even when daytime highs reach the 70s. During winter months, many forest roads become impassable due to snow accumulation of 3+ feet, with higher elevation sites typically inaccessible from November through April.
What to do
Fishing at nearby streams: Several campgrounds provide access to mountain streams stocked with trout. At Panchuela Campground and Trailhead, campers report excellent fishing conditions. "The area is rich with fish filled streams. We saw happy fisherman coming back to camp with an abundance of fresh fish," notes Lisa S.
Hiking Cave Creek Trail: A moderate 2.8-mile trail accessible from Panchuela Campground. "We drove out to the Pecos Wildness and decided to backpack a trail called Cave Creek, this is a mild trail about 2.8 miles in and 2.8 out," shares Naythin H., though he cautions about weather: "our night was interesting had a lightning storm come in and had to readjust a few times."
Wildlife viewing and nature exploration: Enchanted Circle Campground offers private ranch camping with abundant wildlife. "You can hear the elk bugling and see every star at night," reports Jamie L. Brian F. adds you can "just sit and watch the prairie dogs, horses, deer or whatever else decides to come by."
What campers like
Spacious, private campsites: Unlike crowded campgrounds, many sites near Cleveland offer seclusion. At Enchanted Circle Campground, "the spaces are relatively far apart so you feel like you are the only people in the vicinity," according to James F. Another camper reports, "This is a private ranch on many acres. You cannot see any other campers from your site."
Pristine alpine forest settings: The best tent camping near Cleveland, New Mexico includes La Junta Canyon with its "Beautiful forest with aspen, pine, fir, and spruce trees. The forest road is in good shape with several well spaced out dispersed camping sites," according to Justin M.
Stream-side camping: Water features enhance many camping spots. At Big Tesuque Campground, campers enjoy "a nice babbling brook alongside campsites, fun for kids to play in (COLD, but shallow), and makes for great white noise," notes reviewer C.J. L.
What you should know
High elevation affects temperature: Most tent camping sites near Cleveland sit at 8,000-10,000 feet elevation. Big Tesuque Campground reaches nearly 10,000 feet, causing visitors to report "we were affected slightly by altitude sickness while unloading our gear." C.J. L. advises: "Chilly, even in July, just FYI, come prepared."
Limited cell service: Phone reception disappears quickly in these remote areas. Most campgrounds lack connectivity within a 30-minute drive radius.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to Winsor Ridge Trailhead requires "Beautiful drive through the Pecos to get to this site," according to Megan E. However, other forest roads demand high-clearance vehicles, particularly during wet conditions.
Water availability concerns: Most sites lack potable water. Plan to bring sufficient water supply or water treatment options for natural sources. Megan E. describes Winsor Ridge Trailhead as having "a very busy creek for fishing" which can serve as a water source when properly filtered.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with kid-friendly features: Select campgrounds with safe water play areas and room to explore. Big Tesuque Campground offers "a small stream nearby" that's shallow enough for children.
Consider access to facilities: Aspen Basin Campground provides clean vault toilets, making it suitable for families. Sarah L. found that "The sites were so clean, vaulted toilets clean. And the hikes... was it even real??"
Plan for temperature swings: Pack layers for children as nighttime temperatures drop dramatically. At Aspen Basin, visitors reported it was "Chilly in mid October visit" despite warm daytime temperatures.
Bring activities for rainy days: Summer monsoon season (July-August) brings afternoon thunderstorms. Naythin H. experienced this at Panchuela: "We went to the campgrounds in July at the beginning of monsoon season."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV-friendly options: Most tent camping near Cleveland, New Mexico offers few amenities for larger vehicles. Enchanted Circle Campground can accommodate some smaller trailers: "We had a medium size tear drop and one tent with plenty of more space available," notes James F.
Parking limitations: Many campgrounds have small parking areas that restrict RV access. Cowles Campground has a "small" parking lot that allows "2 cars per site" according to Carrie S.
Boondocking considerations: For those with self-contained units, prepare for no-hookup camping. Brian F. describes Enchanted Circle as "boondocking in a very safe environment! You do not have to worry about anything."
Pack extra water: Without water hookups, bring sufficient supply for your stay duration. Most campgrounds lack potable water access, requiring RVers to arrive fully stocked with water.
