Tent campsites near Las Vegas, New Mexico provide primitive camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 7,000 to nearly 10,000 feet within the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during daytime with nighttime lows dropping to 40-50°F even in July. Most dispersed camping areas require campers to pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
What to do
Fishing nearby creeks: Several campgrounds offer streamside tent sites with excellent fishing access. At Cowles Campground, campers can fish in the adjacent creek or walk to nearby fishing ponds. As one camper mentioned, "A short walk takes you to the fishing ponds (one specifically for kids and disabled folks) which were really cool for the kids."
Hiking trail access: Many tent camping areas serve as trailheads for backcountry exploration. Panchuela Campground and Trailhead provides immediate access to Cave Creek Trail. One visitor noted, "Campsite is situated at the Cave Creek trailhead, a cool hike to some local caves. It's 5 bucks for the night, 2 dollars day use, all backpacking tent sites."
Fall foliage viewing: The aspen groves around tent campsites near Las Vegas transform with vibrant colors from mid-September through mid-October. A camper at Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area shared, "There are a few tent spots and car camping spots, and it's right along a creek where you can fly fish. It was a longer drive out there than expected, but there's a sign that lets you know your in the National Forest and out of peoples private property."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: The sound of running water enhances many tent sites in the region. According to a visitor at Big Tesuque Campground, "This campground is beautiful and has two creeks running along either side. There aren't many spots but it is free and there is a toilet."
Shelter structures: Some established campgrounds provide unique shelter options. A visitor at Cowles noted, "These are walk-in sites except for the 2 next to the parking lot. The sites by the trees have at least partial shade almost all day, and the creek sites have no shade at any time."
Winter camping opportunities: While many sites close seasonally, some remain accessible year-round. A camper at Big Tesuque 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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many tent campsites requires navigating unpaved roads. A camper at Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area advised, "You probably want 4WD because the road was rough, but definitely worth it with the fall colors! We loved this spot!"
Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas offer minimal amenities. At Trampas Trailhead Campground, "The campground isn't exactly 'dispersed', but there are no official campsite. Folks have set up rock rings in a number of places and there are a few picnic tables."
Seasonal access: High-elevation tent sites may be inaccessible in winter. Carson National Forest's La Junta Canyon is typically open "May to October" according to forest service information, with one visitor noting, "Beautiful forest with aspen, pine, fir, and spruce trees. The forest road is in good shape with several well spaced out dispersed camping sites."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: Choose established campgrounds with designated facilities when camping with children. A visitor at Aspen Basin Campground noted, "My wife and I stayed during the week and almost had the camp to ourselves! It's a small quiet camp ground, but there's a river that runs right through camp which was a bonus for us!"
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer more accessible options for families with younger children or mobility concerns. At Big Tesuque, a camper advised, "Essential hike in, uphill, have to carry your gear. The further in your campsite, the more hiking you will do (we chose one close to the parking lot, but sacrificed privacy)."
Temperature preparation: Mountain nights get cold even in summer. A family camping at Big Tesuque warned, "Chilly, even in July, just FYI, come prepared. Picnic table, fire ring provided."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent campsites near Las Vegas, NM cannot accommodate large RVs. At Trampas Trailhead Campground, campers noted access is "either from FR 207, a well-maintained dirt road, or FR 639 which requires high clearance, good shocks, and would be difficult after rains because of some muddy areas."
Trailer accessibility: Few dispersed tent camping areas can accommodate trailers. A visitor to Cow Creek observed, "There were two campsites that could possible fit a larger trailer, but again, you will be right next to the road. The road is bumpy and narrow at times but serviceable."
Parking limitations: Even campgrounds that allow RVs often have very limited parking. At Cowles Campground, a visitor noted, "One thing that surprised me was 2 cars are allowed per site. The parking lot is small, so that was interesting."
