Equestrian camping near Embudo, New Mexico centers around Carson National Forest's diverse terrain at elevations typically above 8,000 feet. Summer daytime temperatures often reach the 70s-80s with nighttime lows dropping to the 40s even in warmer months. The forest offers several campgrounds catering to horse owners with varying levels of facilities, though most sites require visitors to bring water for their animals.
What to do
Trout fishing at high elevation lakes: Hopewell Lake Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities at 9,500 feet. "Hopewell Lake has tables for day picnics and is a popular fishing location. Be prepared for summer monsoon rains," notes Megan E. Fishing is particularly productive here as "several people around us were catching very nice sized trout," according to Karen N.
Mountain hiking from base camps: The trails from Santa Barbara Campground connect to the Pecos Wilderness with multiple difficulty levels. "This campground is the entry point to the NORTHERN end of Pecos wilderness with access to amazing backpacking, high mountain peaks, and literally dozens of groups of backpackers daily going up the trail," explains Robin T. For those seeking shorter excursions, "the trails are absolutely wonderful and well worth taking a few hours to walk part of them," says James F.
River activities and clay crafting: At Rio Chama Campground, visitors can enjoy unique riverside activities beyond typical camping. "We even made objects from the clay in the river. Then fired them in the camp fire," shares Carolyn H. Many sites feature "a sort of 'beach front' type inlet to the river. Definitely a place to launch kayaks or rafts," according to Ellie S.
What campers like
Secluded forest settings: Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 offers true wilderness camping with minimal infrastructure. "The forest is a nice mix of sage, juniper, and pine trees. I saw two elk across a swath of sage," reports Jacob W. Another camper valued that "there are many open areas to camp right off the highway. The views of the mountains across the valley are best after the fork in the road," says Ian O.
Historic facilities with modern amenities: Ghost Ranch combines cultural history with camping facilities. "Georgia O'Keefe lived in the property for a while, so there's a lot of history about her, and there's a small dinosaur and anthropology museum on site," explains Mike B. The ranch "includes a bath house with laundry room and electric hookups if needed," adds Megan E., making it suitable for various camping styles.
Variety of horse-friendly options: Equestrian campers appreciate the different facilities available at campgrounds like Borrego Mesa Campground. "Sites have a small horse pen but you would need to make a gate on them. Not good for big LQ horse trailers," advises Jeff K. This creates options for riders with different needs than those served by Jacks Creek Horse Camp.
What you should know
Weather changes rapidly: The high elevation means unpredictable conditions year-round. "Prepare for cold nights and intermittent rain, hail, and high winds, even during the 'summer' season. We experienced day time temps of 70s-80s and nighttime drops to the low 40s," warns Nicole B. at Fenton Lake State Park Campground. These conditions require proper planning for both humans and horses.
Access road challenges: Many forest campgrounds have difficult approach roads. At Iron Gate Campground, "the road to get there is a bit rough. By no means, Not a road for a large trailer or 5th wheel," cautions Frank and Olga C. Similarly, for Forest Service Road 578, "My Tacoma had no problem on the dirt road, which has ruts and might be tough for an RV," notes Jacob W.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in this region lack connectivity. At Agua Piedra Campground, there's "zero cell service" according to Julie F. This isolation is appreciated by some but requires advance planning for safety and coordination with fellow travelers.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites with kid-friendly features: Some campgrounds offer specific amenities for children. "Loop 2 - there's a playground next to site 14 and this is a GREAT loop for folks with kids," recommends Nicole B. at Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Plan for moderate hiking options: Santa Barbara Campground provides access to trails appropriate for various ages. "Went exploring in the river next to the campground and then took a short hike up the river to some amazing river canyon views," shares Donaji R., making it suitable for family exploration.
Consider noise levels at busier sites: Popular campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. "There were huge parties at many of the campsites all weekend, with cards zooming around all day. IT was NOISY and CROWDED," cautions Robin T. about Santa Barbara Campground. Families seeking quiet might prefer less-visited sites.
Tips from RVers
Check length restrictions carefully: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Borrego Mesa Campground, "it would be difficult to get a fullsize RV up there at all," observes JIll. Most sites in the area are better suited to smaller trailers or tent camping.
Use designated spots for rig size: At Agua Piedra Campground, the campgrounds accommodate different vehicle types in separate areas. "The one loop with electric sites is a bit back from the water, but there is still LOTS of shade," notes Reuben, indicating these sites are designed specifically for RVs.
Water and dump stations may be distant: Most camping areas have limited services. "No dump station on site (another drawback). Decent water pressure," mentions Reuben about Fenton Lake, highlighting the need to plan accordingly for longer stays.
Ranger
