Dave B.
Guide
GuideEagle Nest Lake State Park Campground
Nice
Great views of lake and surrounding mountains. Washrooms are very clean with great showers
Tent Camping near Taos, NM
1 campground with availability next weekend
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Carson National Forest surrounding Taos, New Mexico offers tent campsites ranging from developed sites with drinking water and toilets to primitive backcountry locations with no facilities. Tent campers can choose from creekside locations like Cuchilla Campground and Lower Hondo Campground near Arroyo Seco, or more remote dispersed camping along Forest Service roads. Taos Junction Campground provides year-round tent sites with basic amenities including drinking water and toilets, while La Junta in the Wild Rivers Recreation Area offers tent-only camping with stunning views of the Rio Grande gorge. Most tent campgrounds are accessible from May through September, with higher elevation sites closing during winter months due to snow.
Sites in the region typically feature natural terrain with minimal development, making them ideal for primitive tent camping experiences. Many campgrounds provide vault toilets but lack potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. The 14-day stay limit applies to most free dispersed camping areas in Carson National Forest. Road access varies significantly, with some tent-only sites requiring high-clearance vehicles to navigate unpaved forest roads. Several walk-in tent sites near creeks offer natural white noise and cooler temperatures during summer months. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly from June through August, so campers should check current regulations before arrival.
Tent campers frequently mention the solitude and natural settings as highlights of the area. According to reviews, dispersed camping near Taos offers "quiet and peaceful" nights with views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. One visitor noted that Capulin Campground provides "about 10 first come first serve primitive campsites next to the road and creek" with trees creating privacy between sites. The creekside locations are particularly valued, with campers at Cuchilla Campground appreciating the "wonderful little campground on the way to Taos Ski Valley" with free camping for up to two weeks. Backcountry tent camping areas farther from highways provide deeper seclusion, though temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Taos (37)
1. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
"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"
"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!"
2. Cuchilla Campground
"This is a wonderful little campground on the way to Taos Ski Valley. Sites are right on a creek & have picnic tables."
"Picnic tables were marked up, but the sound of the River was so worth all of it."
3. Dispersed Camping Near Taos
"Don’t drive to the John dun bridge from Taos use the longer route instead. The switch back road is blocked off now."
"This is primitive, so bring all your amenities."
4. Capulin Campground
"This was a nice basic spot, close to highway 64 so you get some traffic noise, but that goes away after dark for the most part."
"Stayed here while traveling through Taos. About 10 first come first serve primitive campsites next to the road and creek. The trees give some privacy in between the campsites and road."
Check Availabilityfrom $6 - $12 / night
5. Enchanted Circle Campground E<< - #1 Campground in NM
"You will feel like you are alone in the back woods where someone set up a great camping site. The fire pit is huge and has benches all around."
"No electricity but water is available near the owners home. This is boondocking in a very safe environment! You do not have to worry about anything."
from $75 / night
6. El Nogal Campground
"But the lot opens to 3 trails that take you through the beautiful Carson National Forest"
7. Lower Hondo Campground
"Tent camped in July and could not get into the water; but did freeze my ankles off. Have nice latrine commode and that is all. There are no specific sites. Just find a place and set up."
"The Hondo River runs right next to the campground so you have easy access to water."
8. La Junta - Wild Rivers Rec Area
"The sites are fairly primitive but the location is one of the greatest around. It’s a decent drive up here from Taos but you won’t be disappointed once you get here."
"Each campsite had a concrete pad and awning."
9. Cebolla Mesa
"There was not a lot spots here, but these spots are tucked right beside a big gorge with a trail down to the river. The trail leads down to the Rio Grande and is challenging. Peaceful and good views."
"Beware drive in can be muddy if raining 4wd recommended and AWD is fine too. Front or Rwd is doable but at your own risk. Bathroom Firepit Table There are only 4 available spots."
10. Carson National Forest La Junta Canyon
"The forest road is in good shape with several well spaced out dispersed camping sites."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 16 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 5 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 2 hrs 49 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 31 min from Farmington, NM
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Taos, NM
32 Photos of 37 Taos Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Capulin Campground
fs road 438
Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
Cuchilla Campground
Enchanted Circle Campground E<< - #1 Campground in NM
Cebolla Mesa
Goat Hill CampgroundA
Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
Blackjack Tent Area — Cimarron Canyon State ParkJ
Vaca Camp
Aspen Basin Campground
Big Tesuque Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Taos, NM
652 Reviews of 37 Taos Campgrounds
- Mike M.
TravelerOjo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Awesome campground at one of the nicest hot springs you’ll ever visit. Great farm to table restaurant and wine bar. New Mexico at its best.
- JJohn L.Guide
Questa Lodge & RV Resort
Good spot for campingn
Limited review due to rains. Nice area for quiet camping or for access to wilderness areas, hiking. Taos and Red River are 1/2 hour away for touristy stuff. During heavy rains river did not leave its banks. Sites are tight, best ones are by the river. Nice walking path by river but noticed many dog walkers not picking up after their dogs. Clean bathroom and laundry facilities. Some septic drains too high to drain properly, should be fixed. Had to move in order to dump tanks.
- RRoy R.Guide
Free Dispersed Camping
Free Dispersed Camping
This easy to miss spot is a free camping area near the ranger station. The road to get to the sites is probably only a couple hundred meters from the ranger station so slow down if you are going West on 64 and turn around if you reach the station going East on 64.
The actual camping spots are towards the very end of the road where they form a sort of triangle. There are three picnic tables with what look like fire rings. But there is a lot of open space around those three tables if they happen to be taken by any chance. I did notice that most boondockers would just park their vehicles on the side of the road along the way. So basically the entire area seems to be available for boondocking. There are no trash cans, water, more vault toilets. It's packed everything out. There are a couple of vault toilets at the ranger station and you can actually walk from the campsite area because there are trails that lead to the ranger station.
Very pretty area. Very quiet. Few vehicles on the nearby road.
Ben F.TravelerBig Arsenic Springs Campground
Amazing views, no water
All the campgrounds in the wild rivers area are very well maintained, the sites have sturdy pavilions, picnic tables and grills. Sites are nicely spaced and some have amazing canyon views. Vault-style toilets that are kept clean and stocked. Bring your own water, their "well is broken" as of Oct. 2026, so if you run out you're looking at a 20 mile drive round trip to buy a couple gallons at the local grocery store.
- NNathaniel S.Traveler
Ghost Ranch
Beautiful area; challenging camping
The campground is situated in a beautiful setting and area right at Ghost Ranch. Campground has sites that are gravel and not very level, as others have noted, making it a bit of a challenge (site 16 in particular). Also note that some electric hookups are 20A only, not 30A. Full hookups at front of campground; tent only at rear. Showers were great and heated; laundry and bathrooms clean. Host and staff friendly. Lots of great hiking trails within walking distance of the campground. 2 small museums worth visiting. We paid $50 for electric hookup. Meal plan is now $50.
Jeff V.GuideBlack Canyon Campground
Good but not as good as free camping just a few miles further
Hyde Memorial State Park, like many NM state parks, is more campground than park. There are additional campsites, some with 3 walled shelters at the park, so you're not limited to this particular campground, whose only real advantage is an illegal trailhead to the city reservoir, left by firefighters a couple of decades ago (look for a trail near the top off the campground loop hike).
It's illegal to go to the reservoir, but enough folks do it to keep the use trail well trodden. It's doubtful you'd be cited, but possible.
Personally I'm allergic to paying for camping if I can and still sore about paying $70 a night in Big Sur a decade ago when everything but a private campground was fully booked. So here's my cheap advice:
Drive another 6 miles to Big Tesuque, a free Forest Service campground with picnic tables, vault toilets, fire rings and a stream for water and enjoy the freedom from fees. If Big Tesuque is packed, drive up to the Ski Basin at the top and camp there, it never fills up for some reason, and also has picnic tables, vault toilets and fire rings.
There's also a dirt USFS road off the north side of Artist Road just above Hyde Park and a trailhead at the eastern edge of the stat epark that leads to the stream: this means shelpping your stuff a couple of miles though, downhill on the way in.
Point is, you can pay for camping here, but you need not if your prefer holding onto your cash, by driving just a few miles further.
Bill R.
RangerLittle Arsenic Springs Campground
Remote, wild, beautiful and small.
We stayed here for two nights in early May, 2026. Camped back from the rim ,wanting shelter from the wind/rain/snow rather than the view. Really enjoyed the area, walked some of the rim trail, stopped by the visitor center(limited hours) and hiked to the river at the bottom of the gorge. The hike was spectacular and the weather was as wild as the gorge. Rain, wind and snow battered us as we climbed back out.
No water(they're working on restoring it) and a long way from anything like gas, supplies, etc.
Would definitely like to return in the future.
- MMark M.
LegendGhost Ranch
Campground avg but overall lots of things to do
Some good hikes, corral (horseback rides), museum, pack in pack out, & bring your own water (drought conditions; there is water available but don't rely on their water if for no other reason to support their conservation of it--don't recall any water hookups). Friendly staff. Did not avail ourselves of meal plan. Beautiful night skies. Still in mid to upper 90s in September (hot in afternoon). Beware that winds can gust suddenly & hard, including strong dust devils (a devil came through & tore up some tents & sunshades including mangling aluminum frames of some shades).
Guide to Taos
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Taos, NM?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Taos, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Taos, NM is Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Taos, NM?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Taos, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Taos, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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