Best Campgrounds near Llano, NM

Campgrounds near Llano, New Mexico provide access to the scenic Carson National Forest and Taos region, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks. The area includes established facilities like Agua Piedra Campground, which accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins, and Santa Barbara Campground, which offers more basic amenities. Several campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while others provide electric hookups, water, and shower facilities. Public lands near Taos support both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities.

Road conditions and seasonal availability significantly impact camping options in northern New Mexico. Many campgrounds, including Comales Campground and Santa Barbara, operate seasonally from late spring through early fall, with some closing after Labor Day. The higher elevation sites experience cool temperatures even in summer, with overnight lows requiring proper gear. Campgrounds along Highway 518 and in the Carson National Forest provide access to fishing streams and hiking trails, though some require high-clearance vehicles to reach. Cell service is limited or non-existent throughout much of the region, particularly in canyon areas. A camper noted, "The hiking and fishing are the highlights here along with the scenery. I also appreciated this was mostly empty in the peak summer season."

Campers report high satisfaction with sites located near mountain streams and rivers, which are common features in the region's campgrounds. Trout fishing opportunities draw many visitors to campgrounds like Comales and La Sombra, where sites are positioned along creeks. The proximity to outdoor recreation in Taos, Angel Fire, and the surrounding mountains makes these campgrounds popular bases for exploring northern New Mexico. Highway noise affects some roadside campgrounds, though many still offer privacy between sites. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the small, uncrowded nature of many campgrounds in the area, with one visitor describing Santa Barbara Campground as "a beautiful spot" with "beautiful trails throughout area." Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping are common, though amenities vary significantly between primitive forest service sites and more developed options.

Best Camping Sites Near Llano, New Mexico (187)

    1. Taos Valley RV Park & Campground

    28 Reviews
    Ranchos de Taos, NM
    17 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"

    2. Agua Piedra Campground

    10 Reviews
    Llano, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $40 / night

    "Tent camped at this location in the middle of September (a week before closing). Very beautiful place to watch the leaves change, trailheads close by and picnic tables at each site."

    "just went hiking in the surrounding area. But drove around and looked at the campsite looks like a nice place to go camping definitely willing to try it."

    3. Santa Barbara Campground

    8 Reviews
    Llano, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $22 - $70 / night

    "Stay at Santa Barbara Campground in Northern New Mexico. Was a beautiful spot. Road to Campground was well taken care of Beautiful trails throughout area"

    "This campground has a PERFECT location, right on the border of the Pecos wilderness with fabulous hiking.  There is also fantastic fishing there, which many guests took advantage of all weekend. "

    4. BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Carson, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    $5 - $15 / night

    "The RV sites are more private Than at Rio Bravo, but Rio Bravo is next to the river. We liked our location. The restrooms were immaculate and the camp host was very helpful."

    "Showers still aren't working but otherwise it's a quiet spot next to the river with plenty of hiking nearby. Shout out to the friendly and helpful camp host"

    5. Black Canyon Campground

    29 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 753-7331

    $20 / night

    "Driving into the camp, you have three options: Walk-In Camping, Camping With Parking Access & Limited Access."

    "To begin, the lots are far enough away from fellow campers that you're seldom disturbed by noise or movement."

    6. Borrego Mesa Campground

    6 Reviews
    Truchas, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 753-7331

    "Campground is a little off the beaten path, about 30m from the High Drive highway. Dirt roads were nothing to worry about, should be fine for any SUV or sedan."

    "About a 15min drive from the highway. Only 5 or 6 sites. Close to the Rio Mario Trail trailhead. Campsite is at elevation over 8,000ft so it can get chilly at night. Worked great for tent camping."

    7. Taos Junction Campground

    6 Reviews
    Carson, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    "Bathrooms were nice and clean and a close walk. With lots to do including fish and hiking trails. We look forward to going back."

    "They offer easy access to the river and gorge, running water with showers and a community kiva. Nice campground of the car camper."

    8. Trampas Trailhead Campground

    2 Reviews
    Llano, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 632-2956

    "The Trampas Trailhead campground gets 4 stars not because it's a great campground (it's good, don't get me wrong) but because it provides great access to an amazing trail."

    "Wonderful trails and mountain views, I have been there 2 times in the last 10 years..."

    9. LUXX - Taos RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Ranchos de Taos, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 201-3339

    $40 - $60 / night

    "It's located south of Taos on the main drag, hence NOISY. I say, watch this space for more improvements."

    10. Comales Campground

    2 Reviews
    Vadito, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    $7 - $14 / night

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Recent Reviews near Llano, NM

963 Reviews of 187 Llano Campgrounds


  • A
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Oasis on the Mesa

    Lovely spot with beautiful walks nearby

    The camp site is private and comfortable with lovely views of the mountains and sunsets. It has full hookups, a flagstone patio, and a partial fence for privacy. You can walk out the gate to trails that go along the Mesa overlooking the river canyon or down to the river and hot springs. Victoria is a kind and helpful host.

  • Angela L.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Titilla Peak

    I love beautiful views!

    Most of the sites on the outside overlook the Rio Grande or the Cochiti Lake. The views are amazing! Bathrooms and showers are available.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Mallette Creek North

    Beautiful Mt View

    This is what we wanted to find with dispersed camping! Beautiful view! A couple of neighbors but never heard them. Not the easiest piece of ground to get the trailer leveled but we made it work. Very pleased with our 3 nights there.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Sparkling Location!

    Spotless, spacious level concrete pads with barbecues and sheltered picnic tables. No campfires are permitted. Water views from many sites. Boat launch and swimming beach are both less than a mile from the lower loop and available for day use as well as two campers. Dump station, free, hot showers, dumpster, portable water, and electric available at various sites. There is a Ranger on duty at the visitor center up the hill and a good walking/hiking trail that begins near the boat launch. Some steep spots so don’t forget that you’re at over 5000’ here.

  • K
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Santa Fe Skies RV Park

    Clean, Friendly, Seamless

    Needed a place to stay while passing through Santa Fe. Found this place on the Dyrt and was able to call and get a full hookup site for our after hours arrival. Easy to find, very clean facilities, and friendly and accommodating staff.

  • Curtis D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Tolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park

    To close for comfort

    This is a really nice camping ground. It has flush toilets and an electric plug in the bathroom also. There's drinkable water spigot all around. The bad thing about this place is that the sites are too close for comfort. That's why it's my title. Otherwise, it's pretty nice. Great view of a mountain right in front of you. The mountain is so close, you can count the trees. There's also the Cimarron River that runs through. Stay one night if you like it, stay longer. 🤷‍♂️

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Sierra Bonita Cabins & RV Park

    It's very run down

    We stayed in the cabins. They are very ran down. The sink plumbing leaks. Utility closet has a hole in the door about 7 in in diameter and there is an animal that lives in there and scratches on the wall at night. The furniture is old and decrepid. The people that run it are as sweet as can be. The place is terribly ran down.

  • B
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Beautiful area

    We stayed at Cochiti to be close to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The area is beautiful and the campground is great. Sites are spacious with paved pads and a parking spot next to your RV sites it has a concrete area with a covered picnic table. We stayed in the Buffalo loop and had 50 amp electric as well as water. The bathhouse was near and was clean and nice


Guide to Llano

Camping spots near Llano, New Mexico sit at elevations between 8,000-9,000 feet in the Carson National Forest, creating cool summer nights even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s. The camping season typically runs from late May through early September, with most forest service campgrounds closing after Labor Day due to early snowfall at higher elevations.

What to do

Trout fishing in mountain streams: Multiple campgrounds near Llano feature direct access to fishing opportunities. At Comales Campground, campers can fish in the adjacent mountain stream. One visitor noted, "The hiking and fishing are the highlights here along with the scenery."

Hiking mountain trails: The region offers trails suitable for different skill levels. At Agua Piedra Campground, "Great hiking trail leads into Pecos wilderness, another trail leads up to Indian lake. Trailhead is right in the campground, so hike right from your campsite. Perfect."

Wildlife viewing: The Rio Grande Gorge area provides opportunities to see native wildlife. A visitor to Taos Junction Campground mentioned, "breathtaking views, big horn sheep elk." Many campgrounds throughout the area offer chances to spot local wildlife, particularly in early morning or evening hours.

What campers like

Riverside camping locations: Many campers appreciate sites positioned along water. A visitor to Santa Barbara Campground shared, "Santa Barbara river runs right by and can really flow fast in the spring (watch your kids!)." The sound of flowing water adds to the camping experience.

Elevation and temperature: The higher elevation campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. A camper at Black Canyon Campground noted, "In the evening, the temps were fantastic. It was actually chilly enough that my wife had to put on a small wrap while we ate dinner outside."

Less crowded camping options: Several campgrounds remain relatively uncrowded even in peak season. A visitor mentioned that Comales Campground "was mostly empty in the peak summer season," making it a good option for those wanting to avoid crowds.

What you should know

Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the region have no connectivity. One camper at Agua Piedra stated, "It has no cell/wifi service. BUT what it does have is quiet, and peacefulness, and charm, and views views views." Plan accordingly and download maps before arrival.

Variable road conditions: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. At Borrego Mesa Campground, a visitor noted, "The road is rather arduous especially because of the fairly recent fire damage." High-clearance vehicles may be necessary for certain locations.

Seasonal water availability: Water systems at campgrounds may be unreliable or shut off. A camper at BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area reported, "Showers still aren't working but otherwise it's a quiet spot next to the river with plenty of hiking nearby."

Tips for camping with families

Look for stream-adjacent sites: Children enjoy water access for play. At Santa Barbara Campground, "Such a nice well maintained campground. Stayed here in a single tent site which was large enough for 6 adults and three kids to hang out comfortably. Went exploring in the river next to the campground."

Consider sites with playgrounds: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation facilities. At Taos Valley RV Park, a reviewer mentioned they have "a playground, and office. No open fires are allowed only propane or other contained fires."

Scout for level tent sites: Many mountain campgrounds have sloped terrain. At Black Canyon, "Some sites weren't level, so if you're in a RTT or RV, be sure to have plenty of leveling tools." Arrive early to secure the flatter spots for easier family setup.

Tips from RVers

Limited large rig access: Most forest campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. At Taos Valley RV Park & Campground, "There are several pull-thru sites for big rigs, many back-in sites with water/elec. hookups, and some tent sites in the back of the campground."

Highway noise considerations: Roadside campgrounds experience traffic noise. One RVer at Comales noted, "The site was nice, and the sound and site of the stream below was perfect, but the traffic on the road was a bit annoying."

Seasonal bathroom closures: Be prepared for limited facilities. A reviewer at Borrego Mesa observed, "Bathroom is very much out of order." Many campgrounds reduce services in shoulder seasons or during maintenance periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Llano, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Llano, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 187 campgrounds and RV parks near Llano, NM and 41 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Llano, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Llano, NM is Taos Valley RV Park & Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Llano, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 41 free dispersed camping spots near Llano, NM.

What parks are near Llano, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Llano, NM that allow camping, notably Carson National Forest and Santa Fe National Forest.