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Best Campgrounds near Eagle Nest, NM

464 Reviews

Camping near Eagle Nest, New Mexico centers around the pristine mountain lake and surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains at 8,200 feet elevation. The area features a mix of state park campgrounds, private RV resorts, and dispersed camping options in the nearby Carson National Forest. Eagle Nest Lake State Park offers spacious lakeside campsites with mountain views, while Cimarron Canyon State Park provides several campgrounds along Highway 64, including Tolby, Maverick, and Ponderosa. Private options include Angel Nest RV Retreat and Weathers RV Park, both within walking distance of Eagle Nest Lake and offering full hookups for RVs.

The camping season in Eagle Nest varies by location, with some sites open year-round while others operate seasonally from May through October. Summer temperatures remain moderate due to the high elevation, with cool nights even during peak season. Winter brings snow and freezing conditions, making Eagle Nest Lake a frozen winter park near downhill skiing areas. Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends and holidays, particularly at Eagle Nest Lake State Park, which fills quickly. Campers should come prepared with supplies as local stores have limited hours and selection. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, especially in late spring and early summer.

Camping styles vary significantly throughout the area. RV parks in town provide convenient access to Eagle Nest Lake and amenities, while state park campgrounds offer more natural settings with fewer services. According to reviews, Eagle Nest Lake State Park sites are "wide open like the valley it is in" with "gravel pads, covered picnic tables, and fire pits" but limited shade. Cimarron Canyon campgrounds provide a more traditional forest camping experience along the Cimarron River with good fishing opportunities. Visitors note that "some sites are immediately adjacent to the river" in Tolby Campground, making it popular for anglers. The area serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations including Angel Fire, Red River, and Taos, all within an hour's drive.

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Best Camping Sites Near Eagle Nest, New Mexico (133)

    1. Tolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park

    15 Reviews
    Eagle Nest, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 377-6271

    $15 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Eagle Nest, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 377-1594

    $25 / night

    "Eagles Nest is about 19 miles west of Taos near the Carson National Forest. The campground is on the west side of a beautiful lake I the town of Eagles Nest."

    "Amost all the sites have a lake view, with little obstruction from other sites. There is plenty of room between sites, allowing for a level of privacy. There are no trees, but the views make that OK."

    3. Angel Fire RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 377-4471

    $60 - $96 / night

    "Our first time in New Mexico and obviously Angel Fire! Stayed here with friends that have been coming since it opened! Highly recommend!!"

    "Walking distance to coffee, shops, and restaurants but still tucked away in quiet enough location."

    4. Ponderosa Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park

    6 Reviews
    Ute Park, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 377-6271

    $15 / night

    "Beautiful spot next to a stream and within short walk of maverick trail. Fire ban right now."

    "The campground itself is nothing to write Mother about, but the short walks in and around it are beautiful!"

    5. Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    7 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    10 miles
    Website

    "Woke up to a little creek behind us. More people were camping on down the road. And had a few people show up in the morning to go on a walk."

    "Stunning canyon forest with beautiful open areas, an easy walk forest road, more difficult hikes if you’re willing. Stayed 2 weeks as our journey continues . . ."

    6. Angel Nest RV Retreat

    4 Reviews
    Eagle Nest, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 377-0533

    $25 - $65 / night

    "Minutes from state park, lake access, and Eagle Nest.  Close to Angel Fire as well.

    Owner was super nice and invited me to come to the clubhouse for some chili - which was excellent!"

    "Was not busy when we were here, so we did not have anyone next to us, but the sites are very close to each other. The lake and boat launch are just down the road."

    7. Road Runner RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Red River, NM
    13 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."

    8. Junebug Campground

    9 Reviews
    Red River, NM
    15 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."

    9. Cimarron Campground

    10 Reviews
    Red River, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 586-0520

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Beautiful location in a place I wasn’t expecting it to be sooo green! Very relaxing and remote as there is zero service. It was perfect & exactly what we were looking for."

    "There is a walking trail at the back of the campground to get to Surree Ponds."

    10. Columbine Campground (NM)

    12 Reviews
    Questa, NM
    17 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Eagle Nest, NM

148 Photos of 133 Eagle Nest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Eagle Nest, NM

464 Reviews of 133 Eagle Nest Campgrounds

Guide to Eagle Nest

Camping near Eagle Nest, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and unique campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Eagle Nest Lake is a great spot for fishing. Many campers enjoy casting their lines here. One visitor mentioned, "The fishing in the area was very popular and it seemed like everyone was catching fish" at Tolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park.
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. A camper at Cimarron Campground noted, "A short beautiful hike to the ponds allowed for some fishing for the kids."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. One reviewer at Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground shared, "Awesome wildlife in the area. The deer would come by every evening."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. A visitor at Coyote Creek State Park Campground said, "Cute campground and they are doing a lot of work to the streets and tent sites."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A reviewer at Angel Fire RV Resort mentioned, "The park was clean with much attention paid to the aesthetic."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive high praise. One camper at Hotel Luna Mystica noted, "Funky vibe, cool staff, indoor plumbing, showers, and Wi-Fi."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "No shade, no potable water, no electric, no sewer."
  • Road Conditions: Access to some campgrounds can be tricky. A reviewer at Cimarron Campground warned, "The road to get here from Amalia becomes very wash boarded."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One camper at Coyote Creek State Park Campground noted, "The electric hookup RV sites are right on top of each other."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A family at Columbine Campground enjoyed, "We had a great spot for the kids to play plus a wooded spot for our tent."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. One camper at Agua Piedra Campground mentioned, "The creek is very close and accessible, which is probably the highlight."
  • Check for Kid-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby hiking trails. A visitor at Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground said, "There is a boat launch for aquatic activities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A reviewer at Angel Fire RV Resort noted, "Spacious sites, great views of surrounding mountains."
  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Coyote Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "They have electric and water (one spicket shared between 2 sites)."
  • Be Prepared for Weather Changes: The weather can shift quickly in the mountains. One visitor at Tolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park shared, "It’s been 80s in the day and 50s at night which is amazing."

Camping near Eagle Nest, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Eagle Nest, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Eagle Nest, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 133 campgrounds and RV parks near Eagle Nest, NM and 27 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Eagle Nest, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Eagle Nest, NM is Tolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park with a 3.7-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Eagle Nest, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 free dispersed camping spots near Eagle Nest, NM.

What parks are near Eagle Nest, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Eagle Nest, NM that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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