Dispersed camping options surround Questa, New Mexico at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 8,500 feet. This high desert region experiences dramatic temperature shifts between day and night, with summer highs reaching 85°F and nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s even in July. Winter camping requires preparation for snow and temperatures well below freezing.
What to do
Fishing access: 850 feet above the Rio Grande Gorge. At Big Arsenic Springs Campground, campers can walk directly into the gorge for exceptional fly fishing. According to camper Robert R., "This is where the magic happens, beautiful moonrise's and sunrise, sunsets. Clean wasteland clean bathrooms. I camp here as often as I can."
Rio Grande trail hiking: 1.5 mile descent. Cebolla Mesa Campground offers direct trail access to the Rio Grande. "Long and slightly rough dirt road entry. If it rains or storms you'll have a tough time getting out with a camper if you don't have a 4x4. Amazing views and the campground is right on the edge of the gorge. There are trails down to the Rio Grande," notes camper Tyler S.
Trout fishing in stocked ponds: Nearby campgrounds feature dedicated fishing areas. Patrick M. found Columbine Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities: "All sites sit on a beautifully shaded Creek (Columbine Creek) that feeds the Red River. The vault bathrooms were extremely clean and even pleasant smelling."
What campers like
Riverside campsites with natural sound barriers. Columbine Campground offers sites directly on Columbine Creek. Camper Mike W. describes it as a "Small campground with some nice sites along the Columbine Creek prior to its entry into the Red River. Great creek access making for enjoyable moments sitting creekside."
Proximity to breweries and restaurants. Hotel Luna Mystica offers glamping near Questa with access to local food and drink. Dave L. shared, "This place is so cool. There is a 'hotel' made up of old airstreams and other RVs, a solid brewery and a music venue that brings pretty serious acts in. We paid $10 to park our van essentially."
Secluded sites with reliable facilities. The Rio Grande del Norte area offers multiple camping locations with basic amenities. According to one camper, the area provides "a lot of option for camping" with "clean campgrounds" throughout the region.
What you should know
Cell service varies dramatically by location. Near Taos, coverage can be reliable, but at Cabresto Lake Campground, signals disappear. Karen N. warns, "Definitely need an all terrain vehicle for the drive up to lake. Rough dirt road. Got a flat tire. Beautiful mountain lake."
Road conditions require preparation. Many glamping and camping areas around Questa have challenging access roads. Lila L. notes about Cabresto Lake: "So... luckily we have Jeep. The road up to the lake is pretty rocky so we had to air down our tires so that we don't get back aches after our day 4x4 goose lake trail getaway."
Seasonal considerations impact availability. Most campgrounds operate May through September. During peak seasons, popular sites fill quickly. At Columbine Campground, Robin T. observed, "This was our 3rd visit and this time we stayed at site #14. Beautiful forest, nice campground... however, this Red River area has been taken over by groups from Texas and Oklahoma primarily."
Tips for camping with families
Tent selection for privacy: Choose sites 13 and 15. When glamping near Questa at Columbine, site selection matters. John H. advises, "Not a terrible campground but, I would not make the drive to stay here again. In my mind there are two sites worth the drive and they are (drumroll please) 13 and 15."
Water play opportunities for children. Multiple campgrounds feature creeks and small ponds. Lisa C. from Cabresto Lake Campground recalls, "We spent most of our time on the water in kayaks, canoes and floating on inflatable flamingos. There were a lot of people fishing, so we tried to maintain a low noise level."
Consider RV locations carefully with kids. Sites vary significantly in quality and level ground. At Columbine Campground, Robert E. explains: "Some sites are short, very few are level, some have a steep slope. Good shade and sun mix, mature trees, nice creek flows through the campground, it's very pretty and relaxing."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs. Taos Valley RV Park accommodates various RV sizes with specific site layouts. Stefanie S. notes, "I like how their sites are arranged so that you are not looking and eating with your neighbors sewer. I guess technically, they are 'buddy sites,' but they have cleverly added angled dividers to maintain your privacy."
Leveling challenges at certain campgrounds. Many Questa area sites require careful setup. At Red River RV, andrew describes, "Simply amazing camp ground. The owner, George, was in the lot and guided us into our spot. #8 backed up to the river with a small grassy area right by the water."
Low water pressure situations. Some older campgrounds have infrastructure limitations. At Sierra Village, one reviewer mentioned: "This is an older unit with low water pressure. If you sites in virgin forest with a beautiful stream running through the facility."
