Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy Santa Fe National Forest. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Welcome to the Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site, a hidden gem near Albuquerque, NM. This spot is perfect for those who love a bit of adventure and don't mind roughing it. The area is wide open, offering stunning views, especially at sunset. You might even catch a glimpse of wild horses roaming around, which adds a magical touch to your stay.
Getting here can be a bit tricky. You'll need to navigate through a residential area and find your way up a winding road. But once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with a vast, open space where you can set up camp pretty much anywhere. Just be mindful of the fragile vegetation and stick to existing paths to help preserve the natural beauty.
One thing to note: it's windy up here. Almost every visitor mentions it, so come prepared. The wind can be a bit of a challenge, but it also keeps things cool during the day. And trust me, the sunsets are worth it. They're absolutely breathtaking.
There are no amenities like toilets, showers, or drinking water, so you'll need to bring everything you need and pack out all your trash. Fires are allowed, but given the dry conditions, it's best to be cautious and maybe skip the campfire altogether.
Pets are welcome, but keep them leashed or under voice command. The area is popular with local walkers, and no one wants a surprise encounter with an unleashed dog.
In short, if you're looking for a peaceful, scenic spot with a touch of wild, this is the place for you. Just come prepared, respect the land, and enjoy the incredible views.
The Borrego Mesa Campground is located close to several trailheads leading into the north half of the Pecos Wilderness. Amenitites include picnic tables, firepits and small corrals at each site suitable for one or two horses. The Vaulted toilet is currently not in service. Adjacent to and south of the campground is the Rio Medio Trailhead, one of the major trailheads into the Pecos Wilderness. The campground is rather primitive and little used, and is much less developed than most. It is primarily used for picnicking by locals from nearby communities, and also serves those who use it for an overnight stay before embarking on a horsepack or backpack into the Pecos. There is ample space for trailer/RV camping, but no dump station is available. There is no potable water and no Campground Host.
Located above 9,000 feet, Iron Gate Campground is an excellent spot to access the Pecos Wilderness for day hiking and horseback riding. Uses: camping, hiking, horseback riding. Facilities: 14 units, vaulted toilets, trash bin, tables, fire pit/grill, 4 horse corrals. NO WATER. Special Instructions: Maximum recommended length for vehicle and horse trailer is 30 feet. Forest Road 223 very rough and not recemmeded for low clearance vehicles. Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org. NO ATVs ALLOWED IN CAMPGROUND
Campground is closed for current season of use. Coyote Ranger District @ 575-638-5526 for current status
The Rio Chama is a developed no-fee campground where reservations are not required. Located along the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River, the developed campground offers a great place for families,
Ten individual campsites each include a picnic table and a campfire ring. RV's up to 20 feet can be accommodated in only a few sites. No potable water, or hookups.
Santa Barbara Campground is situated nicely on the edge of the Pecos Wilderness area and next to Rio Santa Barbara, a beautiful and healthy trout stream.
This is a great drop off point for hikers and horseback riders seeking close access to the Pecos Wilderness and Jicarita Peak.
This is a great drop off point for hikers and horseback riders seeking close access to the Pecos Wilderness and Jicarita Peak.
Santa Barbara is located in a mixed forest of spruce, fir and aspen trees, which provide some shade throughout the day. At an altitude of 8,900 feet, temperatures can cool off during the summer nights.
Trail access to Jicarita Peak, with close access to North Truchas Peak, Sipapu Ski Resort, the town of Vadito, and the town of Penasco are all nearby. All are within 8-15 miles from the campground. Most services are available in Taos, NM, 25 miles north of the campground or Espanola, NM, 45 miles southwest.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
$70 / night
$55 / night
The Jacks Creek Trailhead is located 21 miles on NM 63. Uses : Trailhead parking and access for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding. Facilities : Vault toilets, trash bins, drinking water. Special Instructions : Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcounty and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org.
Agua Piedra, located in the Carson National Forest, is nestled near the Rio Pueblo and Agua Piedra Creek. The campground contains many shaded areas to camp, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.
Visitors to the Agua Piedra campground and group shelters can also enjoy fishing in the Rio Pueblo River, which is a tributary of the mighty Rio Grande. The river is stocked with rainbow trout and there is a small pier in the day use area.Hiking to Serpent Lake and Cordova Canyon, which are both within seven miles of the campground and group shelters, are also favorite activities for visitors. Also popular is further exploration of points of interest in the Pecos Wilderness, as well as within the Sangre De Cristos Mountains, the southernmost Rocky Mountain range.
Visitors to the Agua Piedra campground and group shelters can also enjoy fishing in the Rio Pueblo River, which is a tributary of the mighty Rio Grande. The river is stocked with rainbow trout and there is a small pier in the day use area.Hiking to Serpent Lake and Cordova Canyon, which are both within seven miles of the campground and group shelters, are also favorite activities for visitors. Also popular is further exploration of points of interest in the Pecos Wilderness, as well as within the Sangre De Cristos Mountains, the southernmost Rocky Mountain range.
Agua Piedra campground and group shelters are located in a mixed forest of spruce, fir and aspen trees, which provide some shade throughout the day. At an altitude of 8,100 feet, temperatures can cool off during the summer nights.
Sipapu Ski Resort, the town of Vadito, and the town of Penasco is within 3 - 17 miles from the campground and group shelter. Most services are available in Taos, NM, 25 miles north of the campground or Espanola, NM, 45 miles southwest.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
$150 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Santa Fe National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Santa Fe National Forest is Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site with a 4.8-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Santa Fe National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Santa Fe National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
