Best Campgrounds near Costilla, NM

Costilla, New Mexico offers camping experiences ranging from primitive sites to developed facilities in northern New Mexico's high country. The Rio Costilla Park provides scenic camping with fishing access and hiking trails, while Columbine Campground in the Carson National Forest features tent and RV campsites with picnic tables, toilets, and trash collection. Junebug Campground, Fawn Lakes, and Road Runner RV Resort round out the options, giving visitors choices between secluded forest sites and more developed areas with hookups. The region's campgrounds typically sit at elevations between 7,500-9,000 feet in pine forests near mountain lakes and streams.

Road access varies significantly by location and season, with many campgrounds operating only from May through September due to heavy winter snowfall. "The elevation is around 7500. So the temps stay fairly moderate even in the summer. The Cimarron River runs through the canyon with great fishing as well," noted one visitor about nearby Cimarron Canyon State Park. Mountain weather can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, while dispersed camping areas require visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out waste. Cell service is limited throughout the area, particularly at higher elevations and in canyon bottoms.

The waterfront camping experiences receive consistently positive reviews from visitors. Fishing opportunities stand out as a major attraction, with several campgrounds providing direct access to stocked lakes and streams. A camper described Rio Costilla Park as "definitely a hidden gem. Awesome hiking trails for avid fishermen and hikers alike." Wildlife viewing opportunities include elk, deer, and various bird species. While some campgrounds like Road Runner RV Resort offer full hookups and additional amenities, others provide a more primitive experience. Weekends during summer months tend to be busier, particularly at the more developed campgrounds. The mixed-use campgrounds in the area balance access to natural features with basic comforts, making the Costilla region appealing to both tent campers seeking solitude and RV travelers looking for mountain scenery with modest facilities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Costilla, New Mexico (174)

    1. Rio Costilla Park

    10 Reviews
    Red River, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 586-0542

    $30 / night

    "This is the first campground I’ve found in New Mexico where I felt like I was camping in Colorado, it was so green and beautiful!"

    "The Rio Costilla Park is definitely a hidden gem. Awesome hiking trails for avid fishermen and hikers alike."

    2. Wild Horse Mountain View

    3 Reviews
    San Luis, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 697-9750

    $20 / night

    "We woke up to wild horses close to us.  Great spot."

    "Wild Horse Mountain View not only has amazing views from your site, but is super close to tons of great outdoor activities, it doesn't matter what you like to do! "

    3. Columbine Campground (NM)

    13 Reviews
    Questa, NM
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $22 / night

    "It wouldn't bother us so much if there weren't STATE mandated orders about groups and wearing masks, but majority of these people do not follow these New Mexico rules. "

    "Each site has more than expected space and offset to adjacent sites. Camp Host are doing an excellent job."

    4. Golden Teacher Ranch

    1 Review
    Costilla, CO
    8 miles
    +1 (970) 799-9578

    $25 - $120 / night

    "Golden Teacher Ranch is a newer campground with an excellent location only a few miles from the Rio Grande River launch points & Ute Mountain within a short drive. "

    5. Junebug Campground

    9 Reviews
    Red River, NM
    19 miles
    Website

    "The river was very high and actually flooded close to a couple campsites but there were enough that we were away from it."

    "All sites sit have excellent access to the Red River. The vault bathrooms were adequate. Each site I saw had multiple tent options."

    6. Fawn Lakes Campground

    8 Reviews
    Red River, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $22 / night

    "We hung out in the adjacent day use area and trails around the creek and the lake during the day. This area is gorgeous and worth spending time in."

    "Very close to Red River. Not much to do at the campground but relax! A bit noisy as you are right next to the road."

    7. Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

    13 Reviews
    San Luis, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 587-6900

    "Home Mountain Reservoir, outside of Fort Garland, CO. Its located just off off Highway160 about 4 hours from Denver."

    "There are tons of little pull off areas that you can set up camp and are far enough away from other people that you feel safe but private."

    8. Cabresto Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Questa, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    "A vehicle with off-road capabilities is recommended if you want to reach this campground. While not impossible with a regular sedan, it does take navigating up some unpaved switchbacks."

    "There are about 5 by the lake and then 3 on the trail up. It's a busy road, constant stream of people. The trail itself is maybe a 2/10 for difficulty."

    9. Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir

    2 Reviews
    San Luis, CO
    13 miles

    "About 4 nice camping sites around the lake. Quiet windy. The van is rocking around. Hold onto your car doors when you open them. Two bar LTE mobile service."

    "It’s also loud with the 18 wheelers driving down the main road. If you’re camping in a van or camper shell, it’s probably not a big deal."

    10. Road Runner RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Red River, NM
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 754-2286

    "Probably one of the best in New Mexico."

    "Tucked in a canyon with a stream running through it, we secured a spot on the water. Large pine trees, tiered spots, walking distance to the cute town of Red River."

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Showing results 1-10 of 174 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Costilla, NM

803 Reviews of 174 Costilla Campgrounds


  • Brittany M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    North Fork Purgatiore River

    Well Maintained

    Beautiful area and site. There are multiple sites, and all seem to have been recently cleared and maintained. There is a sign right where the sites start. The specific site that is the coordinates on Dyrt is right next to the creek and a great spot. The road is somewhat busy for being so far back. Don't go too far or you will hit the campsite that you have to pay for.

  • Kara C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Carson national forest

    Great Views, Right on the Rio

    We drove around Forest Trail 9 (FT9) until we found a great spot on the edge overlooking the Rio. Nestled in some trees, it was flat for our tent, awesome views, fires were allowed and already had an established rock ring.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Cuchilla Campground

    Busy and spots are too close

    Area is beautiful but it’s right off the main road and all the spots are too close. Good for a one night

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Angel Fire RV Resort

    Great Location

    This RV resort has beautiful views of the mountains. Angel Fire RV Resort has beautiful grounds, the bath houses and very nice and modern, very nice hot tub, beautiful clubhouse. The resort has fire pits, pickleball courts, large dog park, putting range, walking path, laundry facilities. It is also close to several towns. One that you can ride your bike too. This is a A+ resort for TV camping.

  • D
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Cordova Pass

    Astonishing views

    Had my gear and saw a sign, so decided to drive up the mountain to this campsite from the Highway of Legends. There’s a six mile drive up a dirt road with some great vistas on the way up. It was totally manageable in my sedan.

    There are only a handful of sites and they are first-come-first-serve. Only three sites were taken when we arrived and the available sites were still great.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Taos Canyon Stop RV Park

    Best Little Campground Ever

    Camp host is a very sweet and helpful lady. She takes great pride in her park. Very clean site. Located next to a golf coarse that also has a club house. Cute little store on site with thoughtful items for sale

  • Julissa M.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    North Fork Purgatiore River

    I wish I had more time to stay

    Words can't begin to describe this place. Simply beautiful, peaceful, and one with nature. We stayed right next to the river. We sat by the fire and just enjoyed the sounds of the river.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Taos Valley RV Park & Campground

    Nice clean park

    After 3 nights in the mountains this was a great place to shower and do laundry. Easy walk to 2 gray New Mexican restaurants. Easy walk to auto parts store for preventative maintenance supplies on trailer. Great view of Wheelers Peak.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Sacred White Shell Dispersed Camping

    Great spots, amazing views

    Camping here now, be prepared there is no anything. Wonderful views of multiple 14ers, and the sand dunes very close by.


Guide to Costilla

Camping near Costilla, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Fishing: The area is great for fishing, especially at Cimarron Campground. One camper mentioned, "The fishing in the area was very popular and it seemed like everyone was catching fish."
  • Hiking: Explore nearby trails, like the one leading to Shuree Ponds from Cimarron Campground. A reviewer noted, "There’s a nice easy/moderate half mile hike down to the Shuree Ponds which were stocked with trout."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot deer and other wildlife. One visitor shared, "We had deer roam through our campsite; they could care less that we were even there."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground states, "Perfectly located on a picturesque lake with the Sangre de Cristo mountains as a backdrop."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Cimarron Campground said, "It stayed quiet even when full."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a plus. A visitor at Junebug Campground mentioned, "The vault toilets were adequate, and each site I saw had multiple tent options."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Cimarron Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers. A camper noted, "It’s not glamping but is some great camping!"
  • Road Conditions: Some roads can be rough, especially for larger vehicles. A review for Cebolla Mesa Campground warned, "It takes about half an hour to drive in, through rutted, dirt roads."
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is abundant, keep an eye on your pets. One camper at Home Mountain Reservoir SWA advised, "I recommend keeping a close eye on your dogs here, especially dogs that like to get into things they shouldn’t."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby fishing and hiking. A parent at Cimarron Campground shared, "A short beautiful hike to the ponds allowed for some fishing for the kids."
  • Space for Play: Choose sites with enough room for kids to play. A reviewer at Junebug Campground mentioned, "You can hear the river running all day; it’s so relaxing."
  • Plan for No Cell Service: Many campgrounds have limited or no cell service. One camper at Cimarron Campground noted, "No cell service at the camp site but a short 5 min drive back allowed for service to multiple cell providers."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Alamosa KOA advised, "If resort camping is your thing, this one is clean, has showers, and pancake breakfast on Saturdays."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be close to roads. A visitor at Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Can be noisy at times."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with amenities like water and dump stations. A camper at Alamosa KOA said, "There is a well-stocked store with ice, propane, firewood, etc."

Camping near Costilla, New Mexico, offers a unique experience with its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rio Costilla Park & Campground located in New Mexico?

Rio Costilla Park & Campground is located in northern New Mexico, near the Colorado border in Costilla County. The area sits along Highway 64, in the scenic region between Cimarron and Taos. This puts it within driving distance of Maverick Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park, which is situated along Highway 64 in Cimarron Canyon. The Rio Costilla area is also accessible from Taos Valley RV Park & Campground, making it convenient for those exploring the broader Taos region. The location offers beautiful mountain views typical of northern New Mexico's high country.

What amenities are available at Rio Costilla camping spots?

Rio Costilla camping spots typically offer basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. For a similar experience nearby, La Sombra Campground provides fire rings and picnic tables alongside a trout stream for fishing and access to hiking trails. Another option in the region, Capulin Campground, offers small campsites with privacy between sites, located near a creek. Most Rio Costilla area camping is rustic, with limited or no hookups, making it ideal for tent camping or self-contained RVs. Water availability is seasonal, so bringing your own supply is recommended.

Is there a map available for Rio Costilla Park and surrounding camping areas?

Maps for Rio Costilla Park and surrounding camping areas are available through several sources. The National Forest Service provides maps for campgrounds in the region, including nearby options like Hopewell Lake Campground and Cabresto Lake Campground. These maps typically show facilities, trails, and fishing areas. You can obtain physical maps at local ranger stations in Taos or Questa. Additionally, The Dyrt app offers digital maps of the area with campground locations, reviews, and photos. For the most detailed topographical information, the Carson National Forest visitor center provides comprehensive maps covering the entire Rio Costilla watershed and camping options.