Best Campgrounds near Taos Ski Valley, NM
Camping options near Taos Ski Valley include established campgrounds and dispersed sites scattered throughout Carson National Forest. Columbine Campground offers tent and RV sites with picnic tables and vault toilets along Columbine Creek, while Cuchilla Campground (also called Cuchillo Del Medio) provides free riverside camping with basic amenities. For those seeking higher elevation camping, the Taos Ski Valley area itself offers RV parking with portable toilets within walking distance of the slopes. The region also features dispersed camping along Highway 150 at Arroyo Seco and Lower Hondo Campground.
The camping season near Taos Ski Valley runs primarily from May through September, with significant snow accumulation limiting winter access to many sites. "Unless you have a snow plow it's not accessible as the drifts do reach about 5ft+," noted one camper about Lower Hondo Campground. Most campgrounds are situated along creeks or rivers, providing scenic settings but sometimes creating drainage issues during rainstorms. Free dispersed camping allows stays up to 14 days with pit toilets available at designated sites, though visitors should be prepared to pack out all trash. The winding mountain roads to higher elevation sites require careful driving, particularly the steep route from Taos to the Ski Valley.
Streamside camping represents a major draw for visitors to the area. Multiple campers highlighted the peaceful sound of rushing water that helps mask nearby road noise. Sites at Columbine Campground receive consistently high ratings for their proximity to the creek and shaded settings. A visitor described it as having "a beautiful forest, nice campground" with "sites along the Columbine Creek prior to its entry into the Red River." The area experiences significant visitation during summer months, particularly from out-of-state visitors, which can impact solitude at popular sites. Campsites closest to flowing water tend to fill quickly, though they offer relief from summer heat with cool mountain temperatures even during the warmest months.
