Dispersed tent camping areas scatter throughout Carson National Forest near Costilla, New Mexico, offering primitive sites between 8,000-10,000 feet elevation. Summer daytime temperatures typically range 65-80°F with overnight lows sometimes dropping to 40-45°F even in July. Weather patterns often include afternoon thunderstorms, particularly during monsoon season from mid-July through early September.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Cabresto Lake Campground, visitors can spend time fishing for trout. According to one camper, "The water was so clear, you could see to the bottom in most parts of the tiny lake. The marsh on the east end provided plenty of bugs and worms for bait. The lake provided enough trout for a dinner."
Canyon hiking: The trails near La Junta - Wild Rivers Rec Area provide challenging terrain for hiking enthusiasts. One visitor noted, "If you like canyon hikes (steeeeep trails) or whitewater, this is a great place for you to explore. There are a lot of outfitters in the area that will take you down the rivers."
Mountain biking: Forest service roads throughout the region offer mountain biking routes with varying difficulty. A camper at Cuchilla Campground shared, "Awesome campground on the road up to Taos Ski Resort. Tons of hiking/biking access."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Cuchilla Campground receives consistently high ratings for its creek-side spots. One camper reported, "This is a wonderful little campground on the way to Taos Ski Valley. Sites are right on a creek & have picnic tables."
Panoramic vistas: The Little Arsenic Springs Campground offers exceptional views from certain sites. A visitor mentioned, "There are two campsites I3 and I2 that are cliffside campsites with amazing views."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot wildlife. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping, visitors reported, "We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. There's so much to do to keep them busy. The dogs love the river and to run through it."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many of the best tent camping near Costilla require vehicles with higher clearance. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping, a camper advised, "GPS will bring you to the bottom of the road to the Ski Valley. There are campsites all along the lower part of the road. They aren't super private, but we stayed at a few different ones over the week & everyone was quiet & respectful."
Site availability: Most campgrounds operate on a first-come basis with limited sites. One visitor to Cabresto Lake noted, "Great spot to camp. There aren't many spots though. There are about 5 by the lake and then 3 on the trail up."
Weather preparedness: Quick-changing mountain weather requires proper gear. A camper at Cuchilla Campground shared, "My tent got rained out but I just haven't had the opportunity to waterproof the tent. When it's not wet season I'm sure this would be just even more magical."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible water activities: Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir offers good options for families. A visitor noted, "Clean washrooms. Cement picnic tables. About 4 nice camping sites around the lake."
Safety near water: Creeks can run high during certain seasons. At Cuchilla Campground, campers reported, "The dogs love the river and to run through it. No one really bothers anyone. There are toilets at some of the sites."
Short hiking options: Several campgrounds offer shorter trails suitable for children. A reviewer at La Junta mentioned, "Even if you don't want to do a long hike there are some great places for views."
Tips from RVers
Level parking challenges: Many sites require careful selection for level placement. At Great Sand Dunes Dispersed, an RVer explained, "We selected this location because it got so many great reviews. I don't expect perfection in dispersed locations but, I was pretty disappointed in the quality of the established areas. They were very difficult to level our smallish travel trailer."
Self-contained requirements: RVers should plan to be fully self-sufficient. At Goat Hill Campground, visitors noted the limited amenities: "This park is located between Red River and Questa, so if you are in need of groceries or hot food, it is not far down the road."
Dispersed options: Forest roads offer pull-off spots for smaller RVs. A camper at Cuchilla Campground shared, "Probably about 15 or so dispersed spots along HWY 150, on the river, in the trees, with one really nice beach spot. One out-house bathroom. We pulled our 19' RV with solar right up to the river."
