Horse camping and equestrian trails near Peñasco, New Mexico offer direct access to high-elevation wilderness with primitive facilities at elevations up to 8,900 feet. Equestrian campers find access points throughout Carson National Forest and the Pecos Wilderness with seasonal availability from May through October at most locations. Winter closures affect the majority of horse-accessible sites as snowfall makes roads impassable.
What to do
Trail riding into Pecos Wilderness: Trailheads at Iron Gate Campground connect to extensive backcountry routes. "We camp here as often as possible! Often we use it as a base camp to start over night backpacking trips in the Pecos. It's tucked away, so there are usually few other campers," notes Dean K. about Iron Gate Campground.
Fishing while camping: Trout fishing opportunities exist at multiple locations. "There is a trail head with 2 trails, one atv accessible and one hiking/horse that goes up to Indian Lake. Beautiful views and about 1200' elevation change," reports Tammy V. about Agua Piedra Campground.
Mountain hiking: Equestrian trails connect to hiking routes for mixed-use recreation. "The hiking was AMAZING. Views AMAZING.... This campground has a huge backpacker parking lot and when we arrived on Friday it was overflowing out onto the main road," states Robin T. about Santa Barbara Campground.
What campers like
Isolation and quiet: Many horse campers appreciate the remote nature of camping areas. "The 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," says Robin T. about Santa Barbara Campground.
Stream access: Creek proximity provides water sources and natural features. "Great campground right off the road with lots of hikes nearby. Zero cell service. Water was not available. Very peaceful and quiet with lots of great views," notes Julie F. from Agua Piedra Campground.
Trail connectivity: Direct access to wilderness areas without trailering. "We explored Cave Creek Trail in one direction as well as rode up to Round Mountain in the other direction. Round Mountain offers superb views and a nice trail through the aspens," shares Gretchen N. about Jacks Creek Horse Camp.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. "Site isn't easy to get to for low clearance vehicles. During rainy seasons, ruts form with deep mud on some spots driving up," cautions Cory M. about Iron Gate Campground.
Livestock encounters: Cattle may share camping areas in certain locations. "Everyone, this is a beautiful site with lots of trees. The camp ground is nestled up in the mountains several miles from town. The stream is nice and comforting and the camp host was very informative and helpful. HOWEVER, there are herds of cows that roam the campground," warns Phillip A. about Santa Barbara Campground.
Dispersed options: Forest service roads offer alternative horse camping. "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. Please pick up extra trash if you use," suggests Ian O. about Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578.
Tips for camping with families
Water availability: Bring additional water even at campgrounds with service. "Potable water available at camp host's location. It has sulfer but the smell cleared after half a day sitting in the sun. We brought our own to drink though," advises Tammy V. from Agua Piedra Campground.
River access points: Streams provide recreation but require caution. "Santa Barbara river runs right by and can really flow fast in the spring (watch your kids!). Water at spigots spaced throughout campground is cold and fresh-tasting," notes Barbara H. about Rio Costilla Park.
Site selection considerations: Choose camping spots strategically. "Some campsites were more separated and others were close together if you were with a group. River runs along the camp for fishing, and they were catching fish," reports Tammy V. about Agua Piedra Campground.
Tips from RVers
RV size limits: Most equestrian sites accommodate only smaller rigs. "The sites on the outside of the loops are decently wooded, smaller and not well suited to RVs. The sites on the inside of the loops have longer, RV sized pull in and little trees," explains Allison C. about Jacks Creek Group Area.
Limited hookups: Horse camps prioritize equestrian facilities over RV amenities. "This is a great National Forest Campground south of Taos in the Carson Forest. The campground is just off the highway and situated in a beautiful mountain pine forest and next to a great trout stream," says Steve & Ashley G. about Agua Piedra Campground.
Camp host assistance: Seek help from onsite staff for RV positioning. "Vault toilets are well maintained by the very active camp host, Mark. There is potable water from a well two miles down the mountain and trash, but packing out much that can't be burned is encouraged," mentions Allison C. about Jacks Creek Horse Camp.
