Joshua M.
Guide
GuideOjo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Cant go wrong.
Nice campground in a Cottonwood Grove. Bathroom and showers were OK. Water and electricity at almost all sites.
Best Camping near Taos, New Mexico
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.
Campground Showdown near Taos, NM
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Best Camping Sites Near Taos, New Mexico (173)
1. Taos Valley RV Park & Campground
29 ReviewsRanchos de Taos, NM1 mileWebsite+1 (575) 758-4469"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."
2. Hotel Luna Mystica
15 ReviewsArroyo Hondo, NM7 milesWebsite+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 Lodge - Glamping & Taos RV Park
7 ReviewsRanchos de Taos, NM2 milesWebsite+1 (575) 201-3339$40 - $60 / 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."
4. Angel Fire RV Resort
16 ReviewsAngel Fire, NM15 milesWebsite+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!!"
"Spacious sites, great views of surrounding mountains. All RVs must be self contained (kitchen, bathroom, shower, etc.). Free activities each night at club house."
5. Taos Monte Bello RV Park
7 ReviewsArroyo Seco, NM6 milesWebsite+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."
"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."
6. Taos Junction Campground
8 ReviewsCarson, NM9 milesWebsite+1 (575) 758-8851"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."
7. BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area
10 ReviewsCarson, NM13 milesWebsite+1 (575) 758-8851$5 - $15 / night
"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."
8. Sierra Village Lodge & RV Park
7 ReviewsTaos, NM4 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsValdez, NM10 milesWebsite+1 (575) 758-6200"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"
10. Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite
9 ReviewsAngel Fire, NM13 milesWebsite"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Taos, NM
200 Photos of 173 Taos Campgrounds
Richard R.
Taos Valley RV Park & Campground
Michelle S.
Sierra Village Lodge & RV Park
Sarah S.
Hotel Luna Mystica
Walter T.
fs road 438
Shavit L.
Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
victoria P.
Oasis on the Mesa
Jason A.
Cuchilla Campground
Kris A.
Cuchilla Campground
Earl B.
Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite
Santino
Comales Campground
Name
High Heaven
Jamie L.
Enchanted Circle Campground E<< - #1 Campground in NM
Recent Reviews near Taos, NM
658 Reviews of 173 Taos Campgrounds
Kathy B.
LegendTaos Junction Campground
Taos Junction Campground
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. Bathrooms with running water and one water pump.
The unique thing about this campground is that each site has a shelter with a picnic table under it. You can see the structures off in the distance as you drive up the road.
Close to the Taos Junction Bridge. You've got a great view of the river and the bridge from the campground. Lots of hiking and white water rafting opportunities. A beautiful area.
- Kathy B.Legend
Rio Pueblo
Rio Bravo Orilla Verde
Orilla Verde Recreation Area Located along NM 570 is a beautiful area and this small campground is spread out in a remote canyon.
No water. Some pit toilets, but they're not very close to camping.
There are several trails that are close to the campground along with the Taos Junction bridge and day use area. There's a nearby boat launch and busy day use area.
A delightful waterfall is close to site #1. (Also a sign about poison ivy)
Includes many trails, seven campgrounds, boat launches, picnic tables, grills, drinking water, restrooms, and campground hosts
- Kathy B.Legend
Lone Juniper
Lone Juniper Campground - BLM
This is one of a series of campgrounds run by the BLM on the Rio Grande just outside of Taos, NM. A really beautiful area.
I stayed at a different campground but rode my bike up the road and stumbled upon this gem. Small campground with pit toilets and a boat ramp. No rafters there in April, but I imagine this is a popular place in the summer.
Only 2 campers there when rode through. I think there are 4 sites. No water or electric, but you're right on the river.
One of the sites is handicap accessible, but I couldn't tell if it was a day use or camp site.
johny R.LegendHotel Luna Mystica
Unique experience
Stay in a vintage camper with different names. Breathtaking views of mountains. Showers on sight along with electricity. Brewery right next door.
- johny R.Legend
Rio Grande Gorge BLM
Unique spot
Road is a little rough but manageable. Wouldn't want to do it with a trailer or in a car because the road is rutted and needs some clearance. 3 bar verizon signal. You go out a road and then you see a massive gourge open up out of the ground it looks like a mini grand canyon. Down in the deeps is the Rio grande river. Amazing views with high mountains off in the distance. Back behind you is rolling sagebrush. The road goes along the canyon a way andnthen hits backup onto anothet road. There are a few pull offs. Some are big enough you can double up and not bother anyone. The ground is SOFT be very careful about making your own spot or going off the road. You may get stuck in sand
- johny R.Legend
Taos Junction
Sandy road
Stay to the left when you first get on the dirt road it turns into a Y right away. These spots are just little clearings off the dirt road. It’s very secluded but has no view or cell signal. The locals like to party and burn trash here. Has a strange vibe
- Kathy B.Legend
Arroyo Hondo Campground
Arroyo Hondo Campground
Small BLM campground right on the Rio Grande river. Only 5 sites. No hook ups. Pit toilet. Dumpster available.
Sites are right on the road, but traffic really slows down at night. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit.
There's a trail to the river between sites 2 & 3 with a nice grassy area to hang out in or fish.
Hiking trail across the street that connects all the campgrounds in this corridor. Beautiful spot!
- Kathy B.Legend
Petacas Campground, Orilla Verde Recreation Area
Petaca Campground - BLM
Small campground right on the Rio Grande. 5 nice size sites right on the Rio Grande. Camp host on duty.
This is a BLM campground with 14 day stay limit. Was half empty midweek in April. Several cars drove in for day use to go fly fishing.
Pit toilets and potable water available. A nice sized accessible site with a covered picnic table.
About 6,000 feet elevation in a steep gorge. Cottonwood trees and lots of birds. Rafting on the river.
About 20 mins to Taos.
Guide to Taos
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
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?
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?
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?
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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