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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Eagle Nest, NM

494 Reviews

Angel Nest RV Retreat accommodates campers with pets year-round near Eagle Nest Lake State Park. Located at 28418 Highway 64, the retreat offers full hookup RV sites and cabins where pets are welcome. Ponderosa Campground in Cimarron Canyon State Park similarly allows pets with tent and RV camping options. Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground maintains pet-friendly policies across its drive-in and walk-in sites, with picnic tables and vault toilets available for visitors with dogs. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to be leashed at all times, with owners responsible for cleanup. The campsites provide ample space between sites, allowing for a level of privacy even with pets. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful setting with mountain views that make for enjoyable dog walks.

Forest Road 5 offers free dispersed camping with no restrictions on pets, making it popular for those camping with dogs who prefer more secluded settings. Hiking trails around Eagle Nest Lake provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with the lake accessible for pets that enjoy water. The Eagle Nest area experiences cool nights even in summer at its 8,000+ foot elevation, so packing appropriate gear for pets is essential during all seasons. Wildlife including prairie dogs, rabbits, and deer are common in the area, so keeping dogs leashed helps protect local fauna. The nearby towns of Eagle Nest, Angel Fire, and Red River offer limited veterinary services and pet supplies, so campers should bring essentials for their pets. The hiking trail near Eagle Nest Lake State Park is worth checking out with dogs for a relatively short, scenic walk with mountain views.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Eagle Nest, New Mexico (97)

    1. Tolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park

    16 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. Angel Fire RV Resort

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

    $60 - $96 / night

    "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."

    "We enjoyed the dog park with our furry buds and enjoyed the hikes around AF. So much to do in this area. Some of it was shut down during the pandemic, but this place is top notch!!"

    3. 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."

    4. Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    9 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    10 miles
    Website

    "Its a bit of a drive from Taos on US 64 as the roads are twisty and you can't go fast. Much easier drive from Eagle's Nest. Multiple sites, we picked one on the left side of the road and aways a bit."

    "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."

    5. Ponderosa Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park

    7 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!"

    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

    "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."

    "Stayed here for a weekend, this place is tucked away and quiet. Spots are well spaced and grass all around. The river runs through the park."

    8. Taos Valley RV Park & Campground

    28 Reviews
    Ranchos de Taos, NM
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-4469

    "Much more vegetation than you would expect from a campground close to town. The staff are friendly. The facilities were clean. The park is older but in an charming New Mexico way."

    "If your wanting to get out and play in the snow or explore more in depth the beautiful culture of New Mexico, Taos has a little for everyone"

    9. Columbine Campground (NM)

    13 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."

    10. 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."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Eagle Nest, NM

72 Photos of 97 Eagle Nest Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Eagle Nest, NM

494 Reviews of 97 Eagle Nest Campgrounds

  • Max M.
    Jul. 31, 2020

    Tolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park

    Beautiful Cimarron Canyon

    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.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    Great Area

    Its a bit of a drive from Taos on US 64 as the roads are twisty and you can't go fast. Much easier drive from Eagle's Nest. Multiple sites, we picked one on the left side of the road and aways a bit. Had a fire ring and no restrictions but we didn't have a fire as we didn't want to gather fire wood. Spot was level enough for us to make it work. Temps got down into the mid-40s -- even in July. You could kinda hear other campers in other sites but it wasn't invasive or anything. Area was very green and clean. Would camp here again.

  • PJ M.
    Jul. 8, 2023

    Angel Nest RV Retreat

    Great Views and Chili

    I had been boondocking up in the mountains in the rain all week and needed FHU to recharge.

    Can't remember the price I paid, but it was very reasonable.  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!

    Views were shockingly good.  Because of the weather I felt like I was in the Scottish highlands or something, not New Mexico lol.

    Could use this as a stopover or a legit home base to explore surrounding areas.

  • Steve & Ashley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground

    Beautiful Mountain Lake

    This is one of the nicest state parks we have visited. 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. This is one of the most beautiful places in Northern New Mexico and well worth the visit. The campground caters to the RV and boating community. They have first class facilities including two boat launches, group meeting venues, and a huge visitors center. The facilities are well maintained and have been recently upgraded. The sites are spacious but exposed with no tree cover or privacy. The view more than makes up for these negatives. The altitude of the site provides for a nice summer climate and a frozen winter park near top class downhill skiing. You will need to make reservations well in advance to get a spot at this popular venue. They are typically full throughout the weak. They have fresh water taps throughout the site, a dump station, and nice site toilets and showers.

  • Steve & Ashley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2019

    Capulin Campground

    Basic Roadside Campground Near Taos

    The National Forest Service campground is located on highway 64 between Angel Fire and Taos New Mexico. The site is just a few feet off the highway next to a small creek. They have about a dozen small campsites along the creek with privacy between the sites. The sites are very basic and come equipped with fire pits and picnic tables. The location had availability during the summer peak season. The site is self serve pay and does not have a camp host. The location may be a good option for those looking to visit Taos which is about 30 minutes away. I gave this a low rating due to the condition of the sites which needed basic maintenance and cleanup. The site was also far to close to the highway to enjoy a good camping experience. I think this is the type of place you use as a last resort while in transit to Taos or Eagles nest.

  • Larry S.
    Jun. 6, 2025

    Angels Nest RV resort

    Peaceful

    Best RV campground friendly staff and owner very quiet and peaceful with a beautiful view of the mountains free WiFi and walking distance to Eagle Nest lake

  • K
    Jun. 28, 2019

    Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet, clean and beautiful

    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. If you want to fish, go to the marina on 64 ( leave the park and turn Left…on the left side about 1/4 mile down). You'll pay $17 for a day, but you can buy more days. Don't think you can get a way with no license, you can't! Even on weekdays, the officers checked. Still, great fishing and almost a guarantee that you will catch at least one trout.  

    As for hiking there are great hikes within 45 minutes, toward Taos and Angel Fire. Stop by the Eagle Nest Visitor center off 64 for a map or two. We hiked the South Boundary Trail, off the El Nogal trailhead just outside of Taos, off 64 W. 

    I recommend the Taos Mothership Brewery in El Prado (20 min drive from the trailhead) for a beer and nachos. If you have a dog with you, great patio area. 

    We enjoyed the quiet of Eagle Nest Lake and the availability of a nice walking trail and great trout fishing. We will go back!

  • Gabe G.
    May. 16, 2023

    Weathers RV Park

    Peaceful Lakeside at 8000 Feet

    Mostly pull through sites with full hookups, looking out on the Eagle Nest Lake and the mountains around you. Gravel roads, with sites sharing utilities between them. Only twenty sites or so. Laundry available. Marti is a great owner/host. Views are awesome, price is reasonable at under $200/week.

  • Ricky B.
    Jun. 20, 2016

    Tolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park

    Amazing!

    I 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.

Guide to Eagle Nest

Camping near Eagle Nest occurs at elevations over 8,000 feet, producing cooler temperatures even during summer months when daytime highs typically reach 70-80°F. The area sits within Carson National Forest and offers access to Cimarron Canyon's volcanic rock formations. Winter camping requires preparation for below-freezing nighttime temperatures, often dropping into the 20s.

What to do

Fishing at stocked ponds: Head to Shuree Ponds near Cimarron Campground for fishing with specific regulations. "There's a nice easy/moderate half mile hike down to the Shuree Ponds which were stocked with trout... Both are classied as 'Green Chile' waters so only flies or artificial lures with a single, barbless hook are allowed. 2 fish limit," notes Stephen K.

Hiking local trails: Clear Creek Trail provides family-friendly hiking options near Tolby Campground. "Clear creek hiking trail is a short drive away and was a beautiful and totally doable 3 mile trail for our 3 young girls," shares Tony M. about his experience at Tolby Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Many campers report wildlife sightings throughout the area. "We had deer roam through our campsite, they could care less that we were even there," describes Terry R. about staying at Cimarron Campground. Multiple visitors mention elk herds visible from valley viewpoints.

What campers like

Mountain-valley vistas: The landscape provides panoramic views across valleys and mountains. "Eagles Nest Lake State park campsites are pretty wide open like the valley it is in. The sky was beautiful at night with the milky way visible," reports James F. about Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground.

Running water sounds: Many sites feature creeks or streams that enhance the camping experience. At Columbine Campground, "All sites sit on a beautifully shaded Creek (Columbine Creek) that feeds the Red River," according to Patrick M. Another camper mentioned, "Great shaded site with water flowing behind it, which made for great sleeping."

Dog friendly campgrounds near Eagle Nest: Most area campgrounds welcome pets with minimal restrictions. At Forest Road 5 dispersed camping, pets roam freely with campers noting "lots of wildlife, mostly elk and some deer" for dogs to potentially encounter. These pet-welcoming sites provide easier options for those traveling with four-legged companions.

What you should know

Limited services and supplies: Come prepared with essentials as services are limited. "You will need to bring everything you need. There are not any stores really close by, you will have to go to Cimarron or Eagle Nest to stock on supplies if you are missing anything and they can be 30 minutes away," advises Ricky B. about Ponderosa Campground.

Weather changes rapidly: The high elevation creates unpredictable conditions. "Snowstorm two days after I arrived. Tent reduced by half. No other people for 4 days. Suns out, snow is melting, can't ask for more," reported Earl B. about camping at Forest Road 5 in early May. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Eagle Nest, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Eagle Nest, NM is Tolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park with a 3.7-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Eagle Nest, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 97 dog-friendly camping locations near Eagle Nest, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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