Carson National Forest provides diverse tent campsites near Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico across elevations ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 feet. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with summer daytime highs averaging 80°F dropping to 40°F at night. Camping season typically runs from mid-May through October, though higher elevation sites may remain inaccessible until late June due to snow.
What to do
Fishing in mountain streams: Rio Hondo provides accessible fishing spots at Cuchilla Campground, where campers can enjoy creek-side tent sites. One visitor shared, "We pulled our 19' RV with solar right up to the river and our dog was in and out of the river all day."
Hiking to Capulin ice caves: Access this trail from Capulin Campground where a trailhead at site #1 leads to natural ice formations. "At the end of the road near site number one is a trailhead for the Capulin ice cave trail," noted a camper who appreciated the easy access.
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse wildlife including bighorn sheep and elk. At Taos Junction Campground, visitors regularly spot large mammals. As one camper reported, "breathtaking views, big horn sheep elk."
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: Many tent campers value the creek sounds for sleeping. A visitor at Enchanted Circle Campground noted, "We heard a family of owls while we enjoyed a nice campfire."
Temperature variation: Higher elevation sites offer cooler summer camping. Sites along Highway 150 toward Taos Ski Valley provide relief from heat. A camper advised, "In the fall and winter pack as warm as possible."
Affordability: Many tent sites are free or low-cost. Taos Junction Campground charges minimal fees, with a camper noting, "Very cheap only $6 to camp all ages all year. They have nice grills at the tent sites along with tables."
What you should know
Road access considerations: Some roads to dispersed sites require careful navigation. When camping near Dispersed Camping Near Taos, a visitor warned, "Bridge is open as of June 2025 so this spot is accessible via east or west. The west access is not for the faint hearted but still doable in any AWD."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans affect cooking options at tent sites. A camper at Arroyo Seco noted, "Fire pits but they were off limits due to fire season."
Site privacy varies: Tent sites along popular routes offer limited seclusion. A camper at Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping observed, "It's not truly 'dispersed' camping because there aren't many sites and you're pretty close to your neighbors."
Water availability: Most tent camping areas near Ranchos de Taos lack potable water. At Cuchilla Campground, campers must bring drinking water despite the creek access.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly wildlife viewing. At Lower Hondo Campground, families can enjoy the river: "Tent camped in July and could not get into the water; but did freeze my ankles off."
Campground amenities: Some sites include family-friendly features. Enchanted Circle Campground offers extras like "a pergola, many solar lights, two fire pits, two hammocks, a charcoal grill, log benches, fire tongs, hand sanitizer, a first aid kit, cooking utensils."
Safety considerations: Some tent areas have terrain hazards for small children. At Enchanted Circle Campground, one site comes with a caution: "I would recommend site #3. Just be careful about the nearby cliff. No small children recommended for that site."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Many tent camping areas can accommodate small RVs. At La Junta Canyon, "The forest road is in good shape with several well spaced out dispersed camping sites."
Leveling challenges: Finding flat tent and small RV sites requires scouting. At Dispersed Camping Near Taos, a camper with a 24-foot trailer noted, "Dirt road but we did it with no problem with our 24ft trailer. Make sure you go all the way to the coordinates as there are a ton of great spots off to the left of the road, plenty of room to spread out and some solidly flat spots."
Water access: Camping near water provides cooling opportunities during hot days. At Cuchilla Campground, one RVer shared, "The sites are right on a creek & have picnic tables... I took a dip in the creek in the morning. Refreshing!"
