Best Tent Camping near Peñasco, NM

Carson National Forest surrounding Peñasco, New Mexico offers several tent-only campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Trampas Trailhead Campground, located about 20 miles northwest of Peñasco, provides free primitive tent camping with established fire rings and vault toilets. Hodges Camp near Vadito offers basic tent campsites with toilet facilities but no drinking water. For tent campers seeking more developed options, Taos Junction Campground provides drinking water, toilets, and trash service while maintaining a natural setting. These campgrounds serve as gateways to wilderness areas and hiking trails throughout the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Most tent campgrounds in the Peñasco region feature dirt or gravel tent pads with minimal grading. Access roads to backcountry tent sites often require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain or snowmelt. According to campers at Trampas Medio Campground, Forest Road 639 requires "high clearance, good shocks, and would be difficult after rains because of some muddy areas." Vault toilets are available at most established campgrounds, though drinking water is limited. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and a standard 14-day stay limit applies to most primitive tent camping areas. Bear-resistant food storage is recommended or required at all tent campsites.

In early summer, creekside tent sites provide natural white noise and cooler temperatures. One camper at Cuchilla Campground noted, "Sites are right on a creek and have picnic tables. Camping is free at this campground for up to two weeks." Walk-in tent sites at Panchuela Campground and Trailhead offer greater seclusion but require carrying gear uphill. These backcountry tent camping areas fill quickly on weekends during peak season (May-September). Tent campers frequently use these areas as staging points for longer backpacking trips into the Pecos Wilderness. Most primitive tent camping areas lack cell service, so bringing physical maps and alternative campground information is essential when seeking places to tent camp near Peñasco.

Best Tent Sites Near Peñasco, New Mexico (36)

    1. Taos Junction Campground

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

    "They have nice grills at the tent sites along 28th tables. Bathrooms were nice and clean and a close walk. With lots to do including fish and hiking trails. We look forward to going back."

    "The shelter provides nice shade. Bugs & dust were only real drawback. Oh, and it was hot!"

    2. Trampas Trailhead Campground

    2 Reviews
    Llano, NM
    9 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..."

    3. Trampas Medio Campground

    1 Review
    Llano, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 438-5300

    4. Capulin Campground

    3 Reviews
    Taos, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 587-2255

    $6 - $12 / night

    "About 10 first come first serve primitive campsites next to the road and creek. The trees give some privacy in between the campsites and road."

    "Not too primitive."

    5. Enchanted Circle Campground E<< - #1 Campground in NM

    7 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    25 miles
    +1 (254) 434-8657

    $75 / night

    "You will feel like you are alone in the back woods where someone set up a great camping site. The fire pit is huge and has benches all around."

    "No electricity but water is available near the owners home. This is boondocking in a very safe environment! You do not have to worry about anything."

    6. Hodges Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Llano, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 587-2255

    7. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    8 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    "Right off the road, literally. it hidden behind some trees so the barrier between the site and road makes for a little privacy. Great spot for a day or two right next to a creek so you fall asleep to"

    "First coms first served with mostly tenting spaces."

    9. Big Tesuque Campground

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

    "- Nice babbling brook alongside campsites, fun for kids to play in (COLD, but shallow), and makes for great white noise.

    • Convenient to Santa Fe (20-25 min from downtown)
    • drive up the mountain 4"

    "If you're tent camping, Big Tesuque is AMAZING!! It's small, but absolutely beautiful. Each site has a picknick table and a tent pad. There are basic toilets. No showers, no sinks."

    10. Panchuela Campground and Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Tererro, NM
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 757-6121

    "We drove out to the Pecos Wildness and decided to backpack a trail called Cave Creek, this is a mild trail about 2.8 miles in and 2.8 out."

    "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. Some shelters."

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Showing results 1-10 of 36 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Peñasco, NM

741 Reviews of 36 Peñasco Campgrounds



Guide to Peñasco

Tent camping near Peñasco, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out Taos Junction Campground

  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the Rio Grande while camping at Taos Junction Campground, where you can swim in the refreshing waters and soak in the scenery.
  • This well-reviewed site features amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and clean toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay at Taos Junction Campground.
  • With a low camping fee of just $6, Taos Junction Campground is an affordable option for families and solo campers alike.

Tips for tent camping near Peñasco

  • Be prepared for a rustic experience at Capulin Campground, which offers basic amenities but no drinking water or electric hookups.
  • Arrive early to secure a spot at Cowles Campground, as it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
  • Bring your own water and supplies when visiting El Nogal Campground, as it lacks potable water and other amenities.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Explore the scenic trails around Panchuela Campground and Trailhead, which provides access to beautiful hiking routes and stunning views.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of Cowles Campground to local fishing ponds, perfect for a family outing.
  • Experience the thrill of rafting and kayaking on the Rio Grande, with guided tours available near Taos Junction Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Peñasco, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Peñasco, NM is Taos Junction Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Peñasco, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Peñasco, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.