Tent camping near Taos, New Mexico offers access to the Rio Grande Gorge with dramatic 800-foot canyon walls and diverse ecosystems. The Carson National Forest surrounding Taos contains both alpine and desert environments, with summer camping elevations typically ranging from 6,500 to 8,500 feet. Temperatures can drop 30+ degrees from day to night even during summer months.
What to do
**Gorge exploration: Follow trails at Taos Junction Campground where visitors report "breathtaking views, big horn sheep elk" during their stays. The campground's proximity to the Rio Grande provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
**Kayaking and rafting: Take advantage of river access near Taos for water activities. As one camper noted, "The best part about camping here is you can kayak down the river. We always rent from a local rafting business. The tour guides have never failed to impress. They are only 15 minutes from the camp ground."
**Hiking the Capulin Ice Cave Trail: Access this unique trail directly from Capulin Campground. A visitor mentioned, "At the end of the road near site number one is a trailhead for the Capulin ice cave trail," making this campground convenient for hikers interested in exploring cave systems.
What campers like
**Riverside sites: Many campers appreciate the waterfront locations. At Cuchilla Campground, one visitor mentioned it's a "wonderful little campground on the way to Taos Ski Valley" with "sites right on a creek & have picnic tables." Camping is free for up to two weeks.
**Clean facilities: Basic but well-maintained amenities receive positive mentions. At Lower Hondo Campground, a camper noted they "have nice latrine commode and that is all. There are no specific sites. Just find a place and set up." Another mentioned it has "the most fresh pit toilet compared to the others along the road to the ski valley."
**Privacy and space: Despite roadside locations, many campsites offer good separation. In Arroyo Seco Dispersed Camping, one reviewer found "campsites all along the lower part of the road. They aren't super private, but we stayed at a few different ones over the week & everyone was quiet & respectful."
What you should know
**Road access challenges: Some dispersed camping areas have tricky approaches. Near Dispersed Camping Near Taos, a camper advised, "MUST approach from the west, you can't get here coming from the east over John dun bridge." Another warned, "Don't drive to the John dun bridge from Taos use the longer route instead. The switch back road is blocked off now."
**Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds close during winter. Lower Hondo Campground becomes inaccessible in winter as "drifts 3-5 ft deep" form. The photographer camping there noted "2X per week he would get a shower in town somewhere" during extended stays.
**Limited amenities: Most sites lack drinking water and other facilities. Capulin Campground offers "about a dozen small campsites along the creek with privacy between the sites. The sites are very basic and come equipped with fire pits and picnic tables." Campers should plan to bring all necessary supplies.
Tips for camping with families
**River-accessible sites: Look for camping spots where children can safely access water. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping, a family noted, "There are so many campsites to choose from, all along the Hondo Rio. It's peaceful and quiet. We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. There's so much to do to keep them busy."
**Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to see local animals. One camper mentioned their site was "Beautiful and free river side camping" with "no amenities except some great river side places."
**Consider noise factors: Some campgrounds have road noise that diminishes at night. A visitor to Capulin Campground noted it was "close to highway 64 so you get some traffic noise, but that goes away after dark for the most part."
Tips from RVers
**Site access assessment: Check road conditions carefully before bringing larger vehicles. At Carson National Forest La Junta Canyon, a reviewer noted "The forest road is in good shape with several well spaced out dispersed camping sites," making it accessible for smaller RVs.
**Limited hookups: No established campgrounds in the immediate Taos area offer RV hookups. One camper at Cuchillo del Medio Campground mentioned, "We pulled our 19' RV with solar right up to the river and our dog was in and out of the river all day," indicating solar power is a good alternative for RVers.
**Creek proximity advantage: Waterfront sites provide both aesthetics and practical benefits. A reviewer noted the "Beautiful, easily accessible spot" along the highway where "highway sounds are mostly drowned out due to the beautiful sounds of the river flowing. The spot was clean and easy to get to in the truck out for most standard vehicles."
