4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Camping near Taos, New Mexico spans from primitive riverside sites to campgrounds with mountain views and fishing access. Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground sits about 20 miles from Taos with mountain views that make it worth the drive. You can fish or take boats out on the lake from the well-kept camping areas. About 13 miles from town, the BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area has sites right along the Rio Grande, which works well if you want to be near the water or hike nearby trails. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains form the backdrop for camping in this area, where you might spot wildlife while walking around with your camera. Most people camp here during spring and fall when temperatures stay comfortable for sleeping outdoors. Summer gets hot in lower areas, though higher spots stay cooler. Winter camping happens too, but snow blocks some roads to camping areas. Campground amenities differ between locations - some just have basic toilets and tables. The Taos area offers campgrounds for every preference, from primitive sites to those with more comprehensive facilities. Always check if areas are open before driving out, especially during shoulder seasons. Taos-area camping works for different interests, from fishing to hiking to just sitting around a fire at night.
"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"
"This is a great place to stay if you want to explore Taos. Much more vegetation than you would expect from a campground close to town. The staff are friendly. The facilities were clean."
"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"
from $25 / night
"Our first time in New Mexico and obviously Angel Fire! Stayed here with friends that have been coming since it opened! Highly recommend!!"
"Spacious sites, great views of surrounding mountains. All RVs must be self contained (kitchen, bathroom, shower, etc.). Free activities each night at club house."
from $60 - $96 / night
"Taos RV Park is a work in progress. It's not finished yet, but when it is, it should be very nice indeed."
"Taos RV Park is a beautiful RV park in a cool artsy town. Its design is clever."
Available this weekend
from $40 - $70 / night
"Its a bit of a drive from Taos on US 64 as the roads are twisty and you can't go fast. Much easier drive from Eagle's Nest. Multiple sites, we picked one on the left side of the road and aways a bit."
"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."
"Laundry, restrooms and convenience store are still closed due to Covid - much of New Mexico is still this way."
"Pretty good location with nice views. For us we were visiting family and they were close by. Not far at all from downtown Taos. CE, the owner was probably one of the nicest people you will ever meet."
from $30 - $50 / night
"A small campground overlooking the Rio Grand River in the Orilla Verde Recreation area just outside of Taos. There are only 4 sites, plus a camp host."
"Taos has the perfect vibe whether you're in the city plaza, at the ski resort or exploring the gorge."
"As a dead end (there is the Taos ski resort up further, the best spots are before the ski resort) there wasn’t much traffic. One of the cleanest campsites off a road I’ve been to!"
"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"
"We stayed at a primitive area right at Taos Junction. Clean bathrooms—great camp host. Very hot during the day so make sure you have some shade, no shelters. Beautiful camping right next to the river!"
"It’s beautiful, has great amenities, and it’s a cheap way to stay near Taos. You are camping right next to the Rio Grande River in the awe-inspiring gorge."
from $5 - $15 / night
"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."
TravelerThere are many dispersed camping spots along this stretch of road. I was lucky enough to grab a spot next to the river where I could fish. No water or facilities were available due to campground closures so bring your own water. However if it’s in open season you should be fine. There are large beaver dams, pines, small trout, and true nature escape. The road is an easy drive.
TravelerStayed here for 3 nights because our campsite had water and electricity. The sunsets were really nice, and has a hiking trail connecting to the other campgrounds. Each site had a fire ring and picnic table. I was able to ride my bike and fish near by. Downside is there was no dump station anywhere nearby and the shower facilities were not working, and there wasn’t a notice online.
TravelerGreat view out our window. Great place to just sit and vegetate or explore the area of Red River NM. Weather is mild in the summer but cold in the fall and winter. Sites aren’t level but manageable in an Rv if you’re prepared for it.
GuideClean pit toilet. Water was off for the season. Set up for tent camping. Nice paved road to the campground. Beautiful view of the gorge with trails. Muddy when wet.
TravelerAbout 10 walk-in tent sites, grungy pit toilets and a small paved parking area off a curve in the road. Surprisingly large amount of traffic for a cold, rainy night near the end of a dead end road. I would not return unless unavoidable. UPDATE: van suffered rodent damage to wiring; almost certainly happened when here overnight. $700 and a hotel stay. At least we got to see lots of Santa Fe!
GuideCamping spots are close and tight. But nice to be on the grounds of Ojo Caliente Resort
TravelerThere is so much construction. And there seems to be a construction war between the travel center and the tribe. The travel center is truly bad. It is NOT a travel center. The buffet at the casino sounds delicious, but there is.no where to wait for Friday. I don't need hook-ups. I just needed a travel center. And I don't want to get fully dressed for a casino everyday. Thus thw ine star. And don't use google maps to get here. It takws you through a lot of unnecessary construction zones.
GuideGreat views of lake and surrounding mountains. Washrooms are very clean with great showers
GuideI came a day earlier to Ojo Caliente and needed a place to stay. This is just 10 minutes drive from the Hot Spring. A lot of camp spots available, all Free, Forest Road. Not the cleanest spots but also not too bad. A lot of broken glass which is hard to remove. Amazing stargazing at night. This road could be tricky after a big rain – there was a big groove in the middle of the road when I was here.
Dispersed camping near Taos, New Mexico provides access to both high-elevation pine forests and desert terrain in the Rio Grande Valley. The area's elevations range from 6,000 to 8,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates with temperature differences of 10-15°F between locations. Winter camping requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that often drop below freezing even when daytime temperatures reach 60°F.
Rio Grande fishing access: BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area offers direct access to the Rio Grande for anglers. "Such a great spot! Several small camp loops along the river. Each offers different amenities. We were in the arroyo hondo loop and it was primitive camping...no water access, no power, pit toilet," explains reviewer Delite P.
Mountain biking trails: Angel Fire offers trails for riders of all levels with its bike park. "Angel Fire RV Resort is an excellent place to stay in the middle of it all. Their sites are very wide and spacious, the views are outstanding," notes kristin S. about nearby accommodations.
Explore Earthship Biotecture: While staying at Hotel Luna Mystica, visit this sustainable building community. "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 Mary C.
Natural stream settings: Sierra Village Lodge & RV Park offers camping alongside a mountain stream. "We stayed here for two nights in mid-June, 2020...so grateful to have an RV so we can travel during this time of COVID. We had great rain both evenings and sat under the awning and just relaxed. The location of this park is its best feature, nestled right against the mountain. Lots of trees and shade. There is a little stream, which is nice to listen to," writes Reuben.
Access to Taos amenities: Taos Valley RV Park & Campground provides convenience to town attractions. "I loved my stay here. This location is so prime for visiting all the sights in Taos, and there are many. The campground is compact but still, private," explains Judy B.
Night sky viewing: The clear mountain air allows for excellent stargazing at many sites. "Parking my vintage Shasta on the mesa of Luna Mystica is like no other place I've ever parked. Rustic site with a nearly 360 view to die for, I just picked a place and parked. We could see a million stars at night, and we loved our time there," shares Cheryl E.
Weather variability: Mountain elevations mean rapid changes in conditions. "Snowstorm two days after I arrived. Tent reduced by half. No other people for 4 days. Suns out, snow is melting, can't ask for more," reports Earl B. about Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite.
Cell service limitations: Many forest campsites lack connectivity. "There is NO cell service. Not a bar to be found. And the wifi (free) is REALLY spotty. I had very minimal luck just checking email. Forget about streaming anything," warns Reuben about Sierra Village Lodge.
Roadway considerations: Some camping areas require careful driving. "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," notes Lumpie C. about Taos RV Park.
Stream play areas: Children can enjoy water access at certain sites. "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, and the elk walking through--it's really special right now," reports Meghan B. about Forest Road 5.
Playground access: LUXX - Taos RV Park provides modern facilities for kids. "Smaller camp ground, with modern and very clean bathrooms and showers! Dog friendly, with a small dog park to boot," shares Jane G.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer chances to see local animals. "I've seen Bighorn sheep every time I've been. There are hiking trails in and at the top of the gorge," explains Max M. about camping in the Rio Grande Gorge.
Hookup reliability: Check which services each park consistently offers. "We had a full service site, and everything worked fine. Water pressure is a smidge low, but not a big deal," notes Reuben about Sierra Village Lodge.
Winter preparations: If camping during cold months, prepare for freezing. "During especially chilly nights be prepared to fill up your fresh water tank and turn off and disconnect the hose from the external water supply! If it is frozen overnight, you will be subject to $150 fee," warns Alan about Angel Fire RV Resort.
Site spacing: Some of the best places to camp near Taos, New Mexico offer privacy between RVs. "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. Sites were quite level and hookups are easy access," explains Melody M. about Monte Bello RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Taos, New Mexico?
The Taos area offers exceptional camping options with stunning views. La Junta - Wild Rivers Rec Area stands out with its spectacular vistas overlooking the confluence of the Red River and Rio Grande. Though it's a drive from Taos, the primitive sites and access to hiking trails make it worth the journey. For a closer option, Cebolla Mesa Campground provides shaded sites, clean bathrooms, and a 1.25-mile trail to the river, all just 30 minutes from town. Both offer peaceful settings and access to natural beauty that define the Taos camping experience.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Taos?
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the most pleasant camping conditions in Taos, with warm days and cool nights. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite is accessible during these months, offering peaceful sites along the route from Taos, though easier to access from Eagle's Nest. Cimarron Canyon State Park provides excellent summer camping with riverside sites perfect for fishing. Fall brings spectacular foliage, while winter camping requires specialized gear due to significant snowfall and cold temperatures, especially in higher elevations.
Is RV camping available at Taos campgrounds?
Taos Valley RV Park & Campground offers full-service RV camping with hookups and amenities, making it an excellent base for exploring the area. It's conveniently located for accessing Taos and surrounding attractions. For those seeking a more natural setting, LUXX - Taos RV Park provides RV-friendly sites near Ranchos de Taos with necessary facilities while maintaining a more rustic atmosphere. Most dispersed camping areas around Taos can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers, but typically lack hookups and may have challenging access roads requiring high clearance vehicles.
Where can I find tent camping sites in Taos?
Tent campers have numerous options around Taos. Forest Road 438 Dispersed offers secluded spots with established fire rings along a small creek about a half-mile past the bridge. For tent campers seeking more amenities, Comales Campground in Carson National Forest features 10 sites along a mountain stream about 30 miles south of Taos on Highway 518. Many dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout Carson National Forest, with sites along Forest Service Roads that provide flat terrain, privacy, and natural settings ideal for tent camping, though you'll need to bring your own water and practice Leave No Trace principles.
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