Equestrian camping near Taos, New Mexico offers access to extensive trail networks at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 9,500 feet. The region encompasses three distinct ecosystems: alpine mountains, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and sagebrush plateaus. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during the day, dropping to 40-50°F at night, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Trail riding at Rio Costilla Park: Located about an hour north of Taos, this 10,000-acre park offers extensive riding opportunities with meadow and forest terrain. "The camp sites are spread apart so much that it feels like dispersed camping. Portable toilets are close to all sites, but no running water," notes Terry who visited in 2022.
Fishing at high-elevation lakes: Many campgrounds near Taos provide fishing access at 8,000+ feet elevation. At Agua Piedra Campground, "There is a trail head with 2 trails, one atv accessible and one hiking/horse that goes up to Indian Lake. Beautiful views and about 1200' elevation change," according to Tammy V.
Multi-day wilderness exploration: The Carson National Forest offers overnight backcountry routes for experienced riders. Santa Barbara Campground serves as a gateway to these trails, with one visitor noting, "This campground is the entry point to the NORTHERN end of Pecos wilderness with access to amazing backpacking, high mountain peaks, and literally dozens of groups of backpackers daily going up the trail."
What campers like
High altitude temperatures: The region's elevation provides relief from summer heat. At Cimarron Campground (8,900 feet), "We stayed July 1st-5th, 2021. Beautiful location in a place I wasn't expecting it to be sooo green! Very relaxing and remote as there is zero service," reports Jade T.
Solitude on weekdays: Many campgrounds see lower usage mid-week. At Agua Piedra, one camper observed, "Quiet weekdays. Busy weekends. Vault toilets pretty decent. Site quality varies but most look pretty level. Most have some shade. Sites are gravel and well spaced."
Access to water features: Streams and lakes offer both recreation and ambiance. At Hopewell Lake Campground, "The trout fishing is fun and always a success at the lake. We've only stayed at the developed camp ground once, and it was nice especially with the toilets," according to Sara S.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads with challenging sections. For Iron Gate Campground, one reviewer warns, "Absolutely do not try to take a camper of any size to this campground unless it's a legit overland type tear or squaredrop, ideally with an articulating hitch."
Cell service limitations: Most areas have minimal or no connectivity. At Mallette Creek North, a camper reported: "Cell service drops completely pretty soon after leaving the highway. I sporadically received some messages at my camp site but not reliably."
Weather patterns: Afternoon storms are common during summer months. "It will drizzle regularly and sometimes pours so prepare for that," advises a visitor to Rio Costilla Park, while another notes, "It got cold at night, like 27°F" at a Carson National Forest dispersed site in April.
Tips for camping with families
Stream exploration opportunities: Children often enjoy playing in the shallow waterways. At Santa Barbara Campground, a visitor shared: "Stayed here in a single tent site which was large enough for 6 adults and three kids to hang out comfortably. Went exploring in the river next to the campground and then took a short hike up the river to some amazing river canyon views."
Fishing for beginners: Several stocked lakes provide reliable catches for young anglers. "The smaller [pond at Shuree] was reserved for kids's fishing. Both are classied as 'Green Chile' waters so only flies or artificial lures with a single, barbless hook are allowed. 2 fish limit," notes a Cimarron Campground visitor.
Wildlife viewing potential: The region offers opportunities to spot deer, elk, and other animals. At Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578, a camper reported, "I saw two elk across a swath of sage. I could see the snow capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range on the eastern horizon when I walked farther up the road."
Tips from RVers
Water availability challenges: Most campgrounds have limited or sulfur-affected water. At Agua Piedra, "Water on site is listed as potable but smells and tastes so strongly of sulphur that it cannot be tolerated for drinking or cooking. Make sure to haul in water."
Site leveling requirements: The mountainous terrain creates sloped sites at many campgrounds. A visitor to Borrego Mesa Campground noted, "Very small, but quiet and secluded primitive campground. Several sites appear to be overgrown or have too much debris to be usable. There are a couple sites that could fit a small trailer."
Limited hookup options: Almost no sites near Taos offer power or sewer connections. According to one Hopewell Lake camper, "None of the sites have hook ups so you will be boon docking. There are vault toilets and water available. Sign on the water spigot said not to connect a hose though so filling your rv or trailer is not what they were intended for."
