Best Campgrounds near Ranchos de Taos, NM

The Carson National Forest and Rio Grande Gorge areas provide diverse camping options around Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico. Several established campgrounds such as LUXX - Taos RV Park and Monte Bello RV Park serve RV travelers with full hookups, while Taos Valley RV Park & Campground accommodates tent campers and RVs with standard amenities including showers, picnic tables, and trash service. For those seeking more primitive experiences, dispersed camping is available at locations like Arroyo Seco and Forest Road 5, where free camping is permitted on public lands. The BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area offers an alternative with basic facilities in a scenic setting along the Rio Grande, approximately 25 miles west of Ranchos de Taos.

Road conditions and seasonal weather patterns significantly impact camping in northern New Mexico. Most developed RV parks remain open year-round, while dispersed camping areas and higher-elevation sites may be inaccessible during winter months due to snow. Summer brings monsoon season with afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in July and August. The elevation range around Taos (6,900-8,000+ feet) means temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, even in summer months. Visitors should check current conditions before venturing to remote sites, as some forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. A camper noted, "Pecos national forest is by far one of the best places to camp in northern New Mexico. Great fishing, amazing hiking and views for days."

Campers consistently praise the mountain views and river access available at sites throughout the region. The Cimarron River and Rio Grande provide popular fishing opportunities, with several campgrounds positioned directly along these waterways. According to one visitor, "The sites all have fire rings and picnic tables. We camped here for one night on our way back to Texas. The road noise is the only downside." Many campers mention the convenience of staying at RV parks near Taos for exploring the historic downtown area while maintaining proximity to outdoor recreation. Another camper observed that Monte Bello RV Park offers "spacious sites" with "wide spaces and good views." For those seeking solitude, the dispersed camping areas farther from town provide quiet surroundings but typically lack amenities such as drinking water, requiring campers to be self-sufficient.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico (164)

    1. Taos Valley RV Park & Campground

    28 Reviews
    Ranchos de Taos, NM
    1 mile
    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. Hotel Luna Mystica

    14 Reviews
    Arroyo Hondo, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 613-1411

    $25 / night

    "Hamlet went to visit his fun cousins for the weekend -- Diego, Thelma, Louise, Frida, Ralphie, Sunnie, and others– all vintage campers available for rent at this amazingly cool space just outside of Taos"

    "$10 tent camping in desert behind groovy glamper park. Fantastic people. In walking distance to Taos brewery Oasis. On the road to the gorge. Cool summer nights"

    3. LUXX - Taos RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Ranchos de Taos, NM
    0 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."

    4. Taos Monte Bello RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Arroyo Seco, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 751-0774

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Laundry, restrooms and convenience store are still closed due to Covid - much of New Mexico is still this way."

    "This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."

    5. Angel Fire RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 377-4471

    $60 - $96 / night

    "Our first time in New Mexico and obviously Angel Fire! Stayed here with friends that have been coming since it opened! Highly recommend!!"

    "Walking distance to coffee, shops, and restaurants but still tucked away in quiet enough location."

    6. Taos Junction Campground

    6 Reviews
    Carson, NM
    8 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."

    7. BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Carson, NM
    11 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"

    8. Sierra Village Lodge & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Taos, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-3660

    "We had great rain both evenings and sat under the awning and just relaxed after a long day on the trails.

    The location of this park is its best feature, I have to say."

    "Spaces are really close to each other.

    However, the bathrooms/showers (Qty 3) were always very clean. The camp host/owner and employees were very friendly and accommodating."

    9. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    8 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    12 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"

    "Great hikes nearby & close to Arroyo Seco for a good market too."

    10. Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    9 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    15 miles
    Website

    "Woke up to a little creek behind us. More people were camping on down the road. And had a few people show up in the morning to go on a walk."

    "Stunning canyon forest with beautiful open areas, an easy walk forest road, more difficult hikes if you’re willing. Stayed 2 weeks as our journey continues . . ."

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Recent Reviews near Ranchos de Taos, NM

621 Reviews of 164 Ranchos de Taos Campgrounds


  • Kara C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Carson national forest

    Great Views, Right on the Rio

    We drove around Forest Trail 9 (FT9) until we found a great spot on the edge overlooking the Rio. Nestled in some trees, it was flat for our tent, awesome views, fires were allowed and already had an established rock ring.

  • Colbey M.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Morphy Lake State Park Campground

    Awesome campground

    Great camp sites with beautiful views! Had such a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Game warden was nice and respectful. Shout out to Debra who works for the campground. She was super helpful. Unable to follow hiking trail completely- I believe it's grown up.

    3G phone service with Verizon, was able to make phone calls only.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Cuchilla Campground

    Busy and spots are too close

    Area is beautiful but it’s right off the main road and all the spots are too close. Good for a one night

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Angel Fire RV Resort

    Great Location

    This RV resort has beautiful views of the mountains. Angel Fire RV Resort has beautiful grounds, the bath houses and very nice and modern, very nice hot tub, beautiful clubhouse. The resort has fire pits, pickleball courts, large dog park, putting range, walking path, laundry facilities. It is also close to several towns. One that you can ride your bike too. This is a A+ resort for TV camping.

  • shannon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

    Weekend hot springs with wife !

    Nice little campground next to hot springs . Nice level site . Hook up were on passenger side and towards front of TT we had enough hose and cords to reach . It says they have loaners if needed . 20% discount if you camp and visit hot springs. Hot springs were very relaxing. No fire or outside smoking . On site bathroom and shower however we didn’t use or check them out . Had a great week end with wife

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Taos Canyon Stop RV Park

    Best Little Campground Ever

    Camp host is a very sweet and helpful lady. She takes great pride in her park. Very clean site. Located next to a golf coarse that also has a club house. Cute little store on site with thoughtful items for sale

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Taos Valley RV Park & Campground

    Nice clean park

    After 3 nights in the mountains this was a great place to shower and do laundry. Easy walk to 2 gray New Mexican restaurants. Easy walk to auto parts store for preventative maintenance supplies on trailer. Great view of Wheelers Peak.

  • Jonathan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Capulin Campground

    Decent spot close to Taos

    Came here after getting creeped out by the skivy vibe at Los petakas campground a couple miles west. This was a nice basic spot, close to highway 64 so you get some traffic noise, but that goes away after dark for the most part. When you come in, cross the bridge over the small stream, that's where the better campsites are, and the trees around the creek screen the road noise a bit. Just two other campers here on a summer weekday evening. At the end of the road near site number one is a trailhead for the Capulin ice cave trail.

  • Jonathan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Las Petacas Campground

    Got bad vibes from this site

    We pulled in around 5:00 on a weekday and none of the 10 or so sites was occupied. Campground looked run down and almost abandoned. We got a real skivy vibe when we saw there were no cars in any of the campsites and no tents pitched anywhere, but people were coming in and out of the woods. I suspect it being so close to Taos it's being used as a de facto homeless encampment. Moved up the road a couple of miles to capulin campground, which was way nicer.


Guide to Ranchos de Taos

Camping options near Ranchos de Taos range from 6,900 to over 8,000 feet in elevation, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region. The area sits at the convergence of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and high desert plains, with camping areas experiencing temperature differences of up to 30°F between day and night even during summer. Access roads to some dispersed camping areas require high clearance vehicles, particularly after precipitation.

What to do

Fishing the Rio Grande: Access prime fishing spots at BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area where sites are positioned along the water. "We stayed at Pilar CG with an RV. The RV sites are more private Than at Rio Bravo, but Rio Bravo is next to the river. Great birding, stargazing and nice trails to hike," notes one camper.

Visit Earthship Biotecture: Located near Hotel Luna Mystica, these sustainable homes are open for tours. "Close to town, the Rio Grande Gorge and hot springs as well as ski valley. Awesome food, drink and music next door at Taos Brewing Mothership. Earthship Biotecture is down the road as well," shares a visitor.

Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to spot native animals. At Taos Junction Campground, visitors report "breathtaking views, big horn sheep elk" during their stays. The best wildlife viewing times are early morning or evening when animals are most active.

Winter activities: Snow transforms the landscape from December through March. "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," mentions a camper at Taos Valley RV Park.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: At Taos Monte Bello RV Park, the layout maximizes personal space. "We really like this RV Park! The spaces are wide and angled enough to allow for great views! There are no trees, so you will be using your AC and awning when it's hot out," reports a camper.

Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms. At LUXX - Taos RV Park, visitors note the "modern and very clean bathrooms and showers! Dog friendly, with a small dog park to boot. Easy in and out, hooks ups and wifi."

Riverside camping: Free sites along streams are popular with tent campers. "Dispersed camping along the road (though it's not a busy one, especially not at night so not noisy) right on the river. First comes first served with mostly tenting spaces," explains a camper at Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping.

Mountain views: The surrounding terrain provides scenic backdrops at most camping areas. "Beautiful views, friendly staff. Well maintained landscape and facilities. Lots of amenities," notes a visitor at Angel Fire RV Resort, which sits at a higher elevation than Taos.

What you should know

Cell service and internet: Connectivity varies dramatically by location. At Hotel Luna Mystica, "our starlink really works super fast here." However, at Sierra Village Lodge & RV Park, "There is NO cell service. Not a bar to be found. And the wifi (free) is REALLY spotty."

Reservation systems: Some campgrounds have limited online booking. "I had a little trouble making a reservation as they don't currently accept online reservations and getting ahold of them via phone or email took constant attempts over the course of 24 hours," reported a Taos Monte Bello RV Park visitor.

Weather preparedness: Spring and fall bring unpredictable conditions. A camper at Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite shared, "Early May. Got caught up in a spring snowstorm of several feet. Tent was buried two nights running."

Water access: Stream levels fluctuate seasonally. "Loved this area! I think it being early-May and the snow melt that's happening makes the camping experience quite unique: the sounds of rushing water, the birds and frogs chirping," notes a Forest Road 5 camper.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated facilities. "They have pickleball, bocce ball, a playground, dog park, nice laundry and RR/showers. They also had fun activities (even during COVID) like weekend morning waffles and Friday night s'mores," shares an Angel Fire RV Resort visitor.

Water play opportunities: Streams provide natural recreation for children. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping, "There are so many campsites to choose from, all along the Hondo Rio. It's peaceful and quiet. We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. The dogs love the river and to run through it."

Educational opportunities: The area offers cultural and historical sites. At Taos Valley RV Park, "This location is so prime for visiting all the sights in Taos, and there are many. Old Town Taos is 3 miles away."

Traffic safety: Some campsites are directly adjacent to roads. "GPS will bring you to the bottom of the road to the Ski Valley. There are campsites all along the lower part of the road. They aren't super private, but everyone was quiet & respectful," reports an Arroyo Seco camper.

Tips from RVers

Site angles and access: Campground entrances can be challenging. At LUXX - Taos RV Park, "The single entrance is a high center risk with lots of scrape marks from RV dragging. Lot is very large gravel and a bit difficult to walk upon."

Utility service quality: Water pressure varies by location. A camper at Taos Junction Campground observed the "Bathroom has clean running water" while at Sierra Village Lodge & RV Park, visitors noted "The park water pressure was very low."

Road conditions: Dispersed sites often require careful navigation. "The road can be a little bumpy, but there was numerous spots along the way. Decently sized, mostly flat areas to set up for the night. Some spots the entrance is steep, so be wary of small cars if it's muddy," advises a Forest Road 5 visitor.

Temperature management: Higher elevations experience significant fluctuations. "Temps got down into the mid-40s -- even in July," reports a camper at Forest Road 5, highlighting the need for adequate heating and cooling systems even during summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ranchos de Taos, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ranchos de Taos, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 164 campgrounds and RV parks near Ranchos de Taos, NM and 32 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ranchos de Taos, NM?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ranchos de Taos, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 free dispersed camping spots near Ranchos de Taos, NM.

What parks are near Ranchos de Taos, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Ranchos de Taos, NM that allow camping, notably Carson National Forest and Abiquiu Lake.