San Cristobal, New Mexico camping areas sit at elevations between 7,500-8,500 feet in the Carson National Forest. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing with snow accumulation closing many camping areas from October through April. Summer brings cooler mountain temperatures averaging 75°F during the day with significant drops at night, requiring campers to pack layers even during July and August.
What to do
Fishing spots: Cabresto Lake offers clear mountain water where campers can try to catch trout. A visitor noted, "The water was so clear, you could see to the bottom in most parts of the tiny lake. The marsh on the east end provided plenty of bugs and worms for bait. The lake provided enough trout for a dinner."
Hiking trails: La Junta Campground provides access to multiple trails along the river. While some campers report "no luck fishing," the proximity to hiking makes it worthwhile, as it's "only 2 miles to Sipaupu with a nice little store with firewood and necessities."
River swimming: During summer months, the Rio Grande provides cooling relief despite its chilly temperatures. One visitor to Taos Junction Campground shared, "The Rio grande was cold but worth the swim. We had a great time and only saw a few other people."
Wildlife viewing: The Rio Grande corridor hosts numerous animal species including bighorn sheep. A visitor to Taos Junction noted "breathtaking views, big horn sheep elk" among the wildlife spotted during their stay.
What campers like
River sounds: Cuchilla Campground sites along Highway 150 feature natural sound barriers. As one camper described, "While next to the Highway, the highway sounds are mostly drowned out due to the beautiful sounds of the river flowing."
Accessibility to towns: Many dispersed camping areas maintain proximity to small communities for supply runs. Arroyo Seco Dispersed camping provides access to local provisions, as one camper noted: "Great hikes nearby & close to Arroyo Seco for a good market too."
Affordability: Most forest service campgrounds in the area charge minimal fees or are completely free. A Taos Junction visitor highlighted, "Very cheap only $6 to camp all ages all year. They have nice grills at the tent sites along with tables."
Shade availability: Mature pine forests provide natural temperature regulation during summer months. One visitor to Taos Junction Campground mentioned, "The shelter provides nice shade," an important feature when temperatures climb during summer days.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds require vehicles with higher clearance. Cabresto Lake Campground access requires careful driving as "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."
Road noise: Some campsites sit close to roadways. One camper at Goat Hill Campground observed, "This is small campground near the Questa Ranger station in the Carson National forest. There are not many amenities and the campground is located right off the side of the road so there is a lot of road noise."
Limited flat tent sites: Finding level ground for tent setup can be challenging. A visitor to Cabresto Lake noted, "The challenge was finding enough flat land for three tents. We managed and created quite a nice little spot."
Cell service variability: Mobile coverage varies significantly across the region. A visitor to Goat Hill Campground reported, "I consistently had 2 bars for AT&T," but many other locations have no service whatsoever, particularly in canyon areas.
Tips for camping with families
River safety: The Rio Hondo runs cold even in summer and can have swift currents. Supervise children closely near water. One camper noted, "I car-camped here just before Labor Day weekend and while it wasn't the most private camping area, I was able to snag a spot along the river and had a nice time."
Kid-friendly activities: Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping provides natural play areas. A family visitor shared, "We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. There's so much to do to keep them busy. The dogs love the river and to run through it."
Weather preparation: Mountain conditions change rapidly, requiring proper clothing and gear. A camper at Cuchilla Campground advised, "In the fall and winter pack as warm as possible" due to significant temperature drops after sunset.
Weekend planning: Secure sites early on busy weekends, especially during summer. One camper at Cabresto Lake observed, "The area is surprisingly busy and the parking lot often becomes pretty crowded, but not full, by morning."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller rigs only. At Dispersed Camping Near Taos, a camper with a larger setup advised, "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."
Solar options: Many sites provide good solar exposure for off-grid power. At Cuchillo del Medio, a camper noted, "We pulled our 19' RV with solar right up to the river and our dog was in and out of the river all day."
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as most sites feature uneven terrain. One RVer at Cuchilla Campground mentioned, "The spot was clean and easy to get to in the truck out for most standard vehicles," but finding level parking requires planning.
Water access points: No hookups exist, but rivers provide filtering options. A camper at Cuchilla noted, "This is a wonderful little campground on the way to Taos Ski Valley. Sites are right on a creek & have picnic tables," providing access to water if you bring filtration equipment.
