Borrego Mesa Campground sits at over 8,000 feet elevation in the Carson National Forest, offering equestrian-focused camping with direct trail access to the Rio Medio Trail. The campground features several primitive sites with small horse pens built into some locations, though users must create their own gates. Sites accommodate tent camping comfortably with limited options for small trailers on a well-maintained dirt road that doesn't require four-wheel drive, though larger living quarters horse trailers cannot fit due to space constraints.
What to do
Riverside recreation: Oak Point Campground provides excellent water access for fishing and floating. "Definitely have some sort of raft or kayak or SUP to put in the river upstream and float down to the boat ramp or to your campground. The dirt road is easy for all cars/trailers," notes Megan V.
Wilderness hiking: Iron Gate Campground serves as an excellent trailhead for backpacking trips. "We spent one night in Iron Gate before embarking on a three-day backpacking/camping adventure. Campground was well maintained, had plenty of clean restrooms and parking," shares Lisa C. The campground connects to trails leading into the Pecos Wilderness.
Fishing opportunities: Fenton Lake State Park offers stocked fishing waters at higher elevations. James F. notes, "Fenton Lake is usually busy and reserving months ahead of time is a good idea. Getting a fishing spot may be hard to find sometimes as the small lake is usually circled with people fishing. Fishing is usually good though as it is well stocked."
What campers like
Secluded forest settings: Ghost Ranch provides a unique camping experience among dramatic rock formations. Scott I. shares, "The scenery is beautiful and the people are nice. It's true they had meal plans, but we were prepared to camp off grid so we didn't need anything. Instead, we enjoyed the views and the museum and the swimming pool and horseback riding."
Cooler temperatures: Hopewell Lake Campground sits at approximately 9,500 feet elevation, offering relief from summer heat. "It is gorgeous! The views are spectacular. It's nice and cool even in summer. The trout fishing is fun and always a success at the lake," says Sara S. The high elevation creates comfortable camping conditions even during hot months.
Natural water features: Rio Chama Campground offers streamside camping with beach access. "We were able to find a very private spot with easy access to the river! We will be visiting again. Great for our dog too. Some spots are unshaded, so recommend you bring a tent cover or something," reports Joselyn A.
What you should know
Primitive conditions: For horse campgrounds near Medanales, New Mexico, expect limited facilities. "Mobile coverage was spotty, worked better if you went up to the nearby trailhead. The road up to the campground is in good shape, 4x4 not required. Overall traffic was very low," notes Timothy N. about Borrego Mesa.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require careful vehicle selection. "Absolutely do not try to take a camper of any size to this campground unless it's a legit overland type tear or squaredrop, ideally with an articulating hitch," warns Dorrs T. about Iron Gate Campground.
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites require advance planning. Lauren W. cautions about Fenton Lake: "The lake is gorgeous but despite what the board says on entry don't pay the camping fee! The ranger will kick you out for not reserving online... part of the new process that they've not informed anyone of."
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated family areas: Santa Barbara Campground offers family-friendly camping with river access. Donaji R. shares, "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 and then took a short hike up the river to some amazing river canyon views."
Find equestrian-friendly spaces: Equestrian campgrounds provide educational experiences for children. At Borrego Mesa, the horse pens allow families to bring their horses while the quiet atmosphere keeps horses calm. The trail access creates opportunities for family rides directly from camp.
Pack for temperature swings: When camping in Carson National Forest horse campgrounds near Medanales, prepare for significant temperature fluctuations. James F. notes, "Temperatures at Fenton Lake at night can get down in the low forties after being in the eighties during the day," a common pattern throughout the region's high-elevation campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Meal planning alternatives: Agua Piedra Campground offers proximity to restaurants when supplies run low. Carrie S. mentions, "Sipapu resort is very close, so I was able to take my kid for a break from camping to get some 'real food' at the cafe." This provides a convenient backup for RVers with limited storage.
Small trailer options: For equestrian campers with modest rigs, select sites that accommodate compact setups. Jeff K. advises about Borrego Mesa: "Good road all the way in. About a 15min drive from the highway. Only 5 or 6 sites... Worked great for tent camping. Sites have a small horse pen but you would need to make a gate on them. Not good for big LQ horse trailers."
Water management: Many campgrounds have limited water access. When staying at Oak Point, Hannah L. advises, "No water, no trash, no outhouses... only rock fire-pits, which were clutch. Beware of the dirt! We had a blanket of dirt/dust on our bedding until we sealed the tent shut." RVers should arrive with full water tanks when visiting most Carson National Forest camping areas.
Ranger
