Best Campgrounds near Taos, NM

Campers looking for spots around Taos, New Mexico, can find good sites that balance natural settings with decent facilities. 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. 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.

Best Camping Sites Near Taos, New Mexico (160)

    1. Taos Valley RV Park & Campground

    28 Reviews
    Ranchos de Taos, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +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

    14 Reviews
    Arroyo Hondo, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +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 - Taos RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Ranchos de Taos, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Arroyo Seco, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +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. Sierra Village Lodge & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Taos, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    8 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +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"

    8. Taos Junction Campground

    6 Reviews
    Carson, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    "Taos has the perfect vibe whether you're in the city plaza, at the ski resort or exploring the gorge."

    "Bathrooms were nice and clean and a close walk. With lots to do including fish and hiking trails. We look forward to going back."

    9. Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    9 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    13 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Carson, NM
    13 miles
    Website
    +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."

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Recent Reviews near Taos, NM

623 Reviews of 160 Taos Campgrounds


  • Curtis D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Tolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park

    To close for comfort

    This is a really nice camping ground. It has flush toilets and an electric plug in the bathroom also. There's drinkable water spigot all around. The bad thing about this place is that the sites are too close for comfort. That's why it's my title. Otherwise, it's pretty nice. Great view of a mountain right in front of you. The mountain is so close, you can count the trees. There's also the Cimarron River that runs through. Stay one night if you like it, stay longer. 🤷‍♂️

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Sierra Bonita Cabins & RV Park

    It's very run down

    We stayed in the cabins. They are very ran down. The sink plumbing leaks. Utility closet has a hole in the door about 7 in in diameter and there is an animal that lives in there and scratches on the wall at night. The furniture is old and decrepid. The people that run it are as sweet as can be. The place is terribly ran down.

  • Kara C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Carson national forest

    Great Views, Right on the Rio

    We drove around Forest Trail 9 (FT9) until we found a great spot on the edge overlooking the Rio. Nestled in some trees, it was flat for our tent, awesome views, fires were allowed and already had an established rock ring.

  • Colbey M.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Morphy Lake State Park Campground

    Awesome campground

    Great camp sites with beautiful views! Had such a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Game warden was nice and respectful. Shout out to Debra who works for the campground. She was super helpful. Unable to follow hiking trail completely- I believe it's grown up.

    3G phone service with Verizon, was able to make phone calls only.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Cuchilla Campground

    Busy and spots are too close

    Area is beautiful but it’s right off the main road and all the spots are too close. Good for a one night

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Angel Fire RV Resort

    Great Location

    This RV resort has beautiful views of the mountains. Angel Fire RV Resort has beautiful grounds, the bath houses and very nice and modern, very nice hot tub, beautiful clubhouse. The resort has fire pits, pickleball courts, large dog park, putting range, walking path, laundry facilities. It is also close to several towns. One that you can ride your bike too. This is a A+ resort for TV camping.

  • shannon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

    Weekend hot springs with wife !

    Nice little campground next to hot springs . Nice level site . Hook up were on passenger side and towards front of TT we had enough hose and cords to reach . It says they have loaners if needed . 20% discount if you camp and visit hot springs. Hot springs were very relaxing. No fire or outside smoking . On site bathroom and shower however we didn’t use or check them out . Had a great week end with wife

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Taos Canyon Stop RV Park

    Best Little Campground Ever

    Camp host is a very sweet and helpful lady. She takes great pride in her park. Very clean site. Located next to a golf coarse that also has a club house. Cute little store on site with thoughtful items for sale

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Taos Valley RV Park & Campground

    Nice clean park

    After 3 nights in the mountains this was a great place to shower and do laundry. Easy walk to 2 gray New Mexican restaurants. Easy walk to auto parts store for preventative maintenance supplies on trailer. Great view of Wheelers Peak.


Guide to Taos

Camping near Taos, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly spot, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking trails, with one reviewer from Cimarron Campground mentioning, "There’s a nice easy/moderate half mile hike down to the Shuree Ponds which were stocked with trout."
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes in the area are great for fishing. A visitor at Tolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park noted, "The fishing in the area was very popular and it seemed like everyone was catching fish."
  • Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. One camper shared, "The hot springs are amazing and you can leave and come back."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Angel Fire RV Resort highlighted, "Resort is beautiful, well maintained, plenty of amenities."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites with some privacy. A visitor at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground mentioned, "Spaces were spacious with vegetation in between them."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the welcoming atmosphere. One reviewer at Hotel Luna Mystica said, "Funky vibe, cool staff, indoor plumbing, showers, and Wi-Fi."

What you should know:

  • Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "There is no water or electricity on site but water is available in the park."
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can lead to some noise. A visitor at Coyote Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Couldn’t set up my awning as the ground was extremely rocky and cement-like."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Agua Piedra Campground advised, "We enjoyed our weekend. The creek is very close and accessible."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby trails and fishing spots. A family at Columbine Campground enjoyed, "With the creek running through the middle of the campground, we had a great spot for the kids to play."
  • Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. A camper at Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has back-in & short pull-thru sites."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy during hikes. One visitor at Cimarron Campground shared, "It’s not glamping but is some great camping!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground noted, "Our 18-foot campervan fit in Site 19 but there was not a lot of room left over."
  • Bring Extra Cords: If you need electricity, ensure your cords reach the hookups. A camper at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa mentioned, "Make sure you have enough power cord and hose."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. A visitor at Angel Fire RV Resort said, "Close to Taos and various ski resorts in the area."

Camping around Taos, New Mexico, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

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.