Carson National Forest near Embudo provides tent camping options at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature shifts between day and night. The region features juniper and pine forests intersected by small streams, with most tent sites located on uneven terrain that requires careful placement. Many campsites remain accessible through mid-October when aspens display fall colors.
What to do
Stargazing at higher elevations: Forest Service Road 578 offers exceptional night sky viewing at its higher elevation points. "I could see the snow capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range on the eastern horizon when I walked farther up the road," notes one camper at Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578.
Fishing along creek access points: Multiple tent campsites near Embudo, New Mexico provide direct water access. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping, campers appreciate how "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."
Wildlife spotting opportunities: The Carson National Forest area hosts diverse wildlife including elk and bighorn sheep. A camper at Taos Junction Campground remarked about the "breathtaking views, big horn sheep elk."
What campers like
Creek sound for sleeping: Many tent campers specifically mention the white noise from water features. At Cuchilla Campground, a reviewer notes "The highway sounds are mostly drowned out due to the beautiful sounds of the river flowing."
Accessibility of basic facilities: Despite being remote, several campgrounds maintain basic services. A camper at Big Tesuque Campground appreciates that "Highly recommend for folks who are less physically abled; I developed a heart condition which limits my abilities most days and the ease of access to these sites and close parking is great."
Affordability factor: Most tent camping areas near Embudo offer low or no fees. At Taos Junction Campground, a camper mentions it's "Very cheap only $6 to camp all ages all year. They have nice grills at the tent sites along 28th tables."
What you should know
Temperature extremes: High elevation camping means significant temperature variations. At Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578, one camper reported "It got cold at night, like 27 F."
Road access challenges: Many tent sites require traversing difficult roads. One camper at Dispersed Camping Near Taos advises "One thing is that you MUST approach from the west, you can't get here coming from the east over John dun bridge."
Limited cell service: Connectivity is spotty throughout the region. A camper at Forest Service Road 578 noted "Cell service drops completely pretty soon after leaving the highway. I sporadically received some messages at my camp site but not reliably."
Seasonal crowding patterns: Weekends see significantly higher usage. For Big Tesuque Campground, a camper suggests "Recommend going during the week as it's very busy on the weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Water play opportunities: Stream access provides natural entertainment for children. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed Camping, "There are so many campsites to choose from, all along the Hondo Rio. It's peaceful and quiet. We brought our four dogs and 13 year old."
Short hiking options: Many areas feature accessible trails for various ages. At Taos Junction Campground, a visitor mentions "With lots to do including fish and hiking trails. We look forward to going back."
Off-season camping benefits: Winter camping offers unique experiences. At Big Tesuque Campground, a camper shared "Fantastic. Easy to access. Road is paved all the way and regularly plowed during the cold seasons. I'm sure this is very busy during the warm seasons but we had the place to ourselves during the week in early December."
Tips from RVers
Dispersed RV site selection: Many areas can accommodate small to medium RVs despite not being designated RV campgrounds. At Cuchilla Campground, one RVer shared "We pulled our 19' RV with solar right up to the river and our dog was in and out of the river all day."
Clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are often necessary. A visitor to Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 notes "My Tacoma had no problem on the dirt road, which has ruts and might be tough for an RV."
Site flatness assessment: Finding level spots can be challenging. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping, a camper mentioned "We were able to find a level place to park the van & I took a dip in the creek in the morning."
