Taos, New Mexico sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet where the high desert meets the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating dramatic temperature swings throughout the day. The Rio Grande Gorge cuts through the landscape, with campgrounds positioned at various elevations around its rim and in nearby canyons. Winter temperatures can drop below 15°F while summer days reach the 80s, requiring campers to pack for multiple seasons even during summer stays.
What to do
Rio Grande hiking trails: Access the river via switchback trails at Cebolla Mesa Campground where you'll find paths leading 1.5 miles down to the water. One camper noted, "It is a tough switchback trail all the way down but not too long so you should be fine. Take your time if you need. It is rough terrain."
Mountain biking routes: Trails near Hotel Luna Mystica connect to larger networks through the mesa. A visitor shared, "Nearby activities include fishing, rafting, cycling, mountain biking, and skiing in winter. Across the road from the campground is the Taos Mesa Brewery where you can get amazing craft beers and some great food."
Mineral springs soaking: The natural hot springs at several locations maintain consistent temperatures year-round regardless of outside weather. A camper at Ojo Caliente explained, "We spent one whole day at the spa and was given a discount on its entrance price while staying at the RV park. There is also a great restaurant on site."
Trout fishing spots: Fish for trout in stocked ponds and natural waterways. A camper at Cimarron Canyon State Park observed, "This campsite sits on the edge of a road next to two little ponds that are great for trout fishing. The river runs next to the ponds and you can find a few fish there too."
What campers like
Early morning views: Many luxury glamping sites in Taos face east, providing unobstructed mountain sunrise views. A visitor to Cebolla Mesa Campground commented, "It was slow going getting back here. The sign says no passenger vehicles, but I made it just fine in my Subaru Forester."
Creek-side sites: Running water enhances the camping experience at several campgrounds. At Columbine Campground, "The vault bathrooms were extremely clean and even pleasant smelling. Pads are well maintained and each site I saw had multiple tent options. Even if your pad does not have shade, each site has ample shade to the back of the site along the Creek."
Private bathrooms: Some luxury yurt and glamping accommodations feature dedicated facilities. At Taos Valley RV Park, "The bathrooms are dated but cleaned daily. Staff was friendly and helpful. Overall the place could use a few upgrades but it's a quality location and I would stay here again."
Vintage trailer experiences: Unique glamping options include renovated vintage trailers. A guest at Hotel Luna Mystica shared, "This place is cool. Its made up of about 15 1960-70's trailers, all updated and stylish, on the wide open Taos Mess. There's also tent camping available for $10 a night."
What you should know
Weather preparation: Pack for both hot days and cold nights regardless of season. A visitor at Capulin Campground reported, "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."
Reservation timing: Peak season (May-September) campgrounds fill months in advance, especially holiday weekends. For glamping yurts and canvas tent accommodations, book 3-6 months ahead.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have minimal or no connectivity. A camper at Sierra Village noted, "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."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. A camper at Cebolla Mesa shared, "Long and slightly rough dirt road entry. If it rains or storms you'll have a tough time getting out with a camper if you don't have a 4x4."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly hot springs: Not all mineral springs allow children under 13. Research age restrictions before booking family glamping trips that include soaking activities. A camper at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa noted, "I would have given this property 5 stars but they've become unfriendly to families. Children under 13 are not allowed in the hot springs."
Educational hikes: Several trails include interpretive signs about local geology and history. At Cimarron Canyon State Park, "Clear creek hiking trail is a short drive away and was a beautiful and totally doable 3 mile trail for our 3 young girls."
Playground access: Some glamping sites include play areas near luxury accommodations. At Taos Valley RV Park, a visitor mentioned, "There is a dump station, a dishwashing area, bathrooms with very hot showers, a playground, and office."
Stream play areas: Look for shallow water access points for kids to explore. A camper at Red River RV shared, "Kids had a lot fun playing in creek and park very close to Red River, NM so there is a lot to do."
Tips from RVers
Campsite positioning: At Red River RV, "Our camp is right next to the river, there is a shuttle that takes you into town, the facilities are clean and close by, and the fishing is great."
Hookup placement: Several campgrounds have unusual utility setups. At Ojo Caliente, "The spaces only had electric and water. The electric and water outlets were placed in an odd location for the site and a dump station is available for extra $20."
Level considerations: At Columbine Campground, "Some sites are short, very few are level, some have a steep slope. Good shade and sun mix, mature trees, nice creek flows through the campground, it's very pretty and relaxing. The loop to the left side near the host is more level and can handle bigger RVs but overall this is not a big rig campground."
Supply planning: Most luxury glamping and campgrounds are 20-45 minutes from major shopping. A camper at Cimarron Canyon State Park advised, "You will need to bring everything you need. There are not any stores really close by, you will have to go to Cimarron or Eagle Nest to stock on supplies if you are missing anything and they can be 30 minutes away."
