Best Equestrian Camping near Truchas, NM
Looking for a place to camp near Truchas with your horse? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Truchas campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Truchas, NM (10)
1. Santa Barbara Campground
Llano, New Mexico8 Reviews•20 Photos•82 SavesOverview
Santa Barbara Campground is situated nicely on the edge of the Pecos Wilderness area and next to Rio Santa Barbara, a beautiful and healthy trout stream.
Recreation
This is a great drop off point for hikers and horseback riders seeking close access to the Pecos Wilderness and Jicarita Peak.
Natural Features
Santa Barbara is located in a mixed forest of spruce, fir and aspen trees, which provide some shade throughout the day. At an altitude of 8,900 feet, temperatures can cool off during the summer nights.
Nearby Attractions
Trail access to Jicarita Peak, with close access to North Truchas Peak, Sipapu Ski Resort, the town of Vadito, and the town of Penasco are all nearby. All are within 8-15 miles from the campground. Most services are available in Taos, NM, 25 miles north of the campground or Espanola, NM, 45 miles southwest.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
$70 / night
2. Agua Piedra Campground
Llano, New Mexico9 Reviews•45 Photos•177 SavesOverview
Agua Piedra, located in the Carson National Forest, is nestled near the Rio Pueblo and Agua Piedra Creek. The campground contains many shaded areas to camp, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.
Recreation
Visitors to the Agua Piedra campground and group shelters can also enjoy fishing in the Rio Pueblo River, which is a tributary of the mighty Rio Grande. The river is stocked with rainbow trout and there is a small pier in the day use area.Hiking to Serpent Lake and Cordova Canyon, which are both within seven miles of the campground and group shelters, are also favorite activities for visitors. Also popular is further exploration of points of interest in the Pecos Wilderness, as well as within the Sangre De Cristos Mountains, the southernmost Rocky Mountain range.
Natural Features
Agua Piedra campground and group shelters are located in a mixed forest of spruce, fir and aspen trees, which provide some shade throughout the day. At an altitude of 8,100 feet, temperatures can cool off during the summer nights.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
Nearby Attractions
Sipapu Ski Resort, the town of Vadito, and the town of Penasco is within 3 - 17 miles from the campground and group shelter. Most services are available in Taos, NM, 25 miles north of the campground or Espanola, NM, 45 miles southwest.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$150 / night
3. Borrego Mesa Campground
Truchas, New Mexico6 Reviews•8 Photos•46 SavesThe Borrego Mesa Campground is located close to several trailheads leading into the north half of the Pecos Wilderness. Amenitites include picnic tables, firepits and small corrals at each site suitable for one or two horses. The Vaulted toilet is currently not in service. Adjacent to and south of the campground is the Rio Medio Trailhead, one of the major trailheads into the Pecos Wilderness. The campground is rather primitive and little used, and is much less developed than most. It is primarily used for picnicking by locals from nearby communities, and also serves those who use it for an overnight stay before embarking on a horsepack or backpack into the Pecos. There is ample space for trailer/RV camping, but no dump station is available. There is no potable water and no Campground Host.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
4. Iron Gate Campground
Tererro, New Mexico7 Reviews•9 Photos•139 SavesLocated above 9,000 feet, Iron Gate Campground is an excellent spot to access the Pecos Wilderness for day hiking and horseback riding. Uses: camping, hiking, horseback riding. Facilities: 14 units, vaulted toilets, trash bin, tables, fire pit/grill, 4 horse corrals. NO WATER. Special Instructions: Maximum recommended length for vehicle and horse trailer is 30 feet. Forest Road 223 very rough and not recemmeded for low clearance vehicles. Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org. NO ATVs ALLOWED IN CAMPGROUND
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
5. Jacks Creek Horse Camp
Tererro, New Mexico3 Reviews•9 Photos•54 SavesThe Jacks Creek Trailhead__is located 21 miles on NM 63. Uses: Trailhead parking and access for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding. Facilities: Vault toilets, trash bins, drinking water. Special Instructions: Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcounty and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org.
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
6. Jacks Creek Group Area
Tererro, New Mexico1 Review•14 Photos•38 SavesOverview
Jack's Creek Group Area is a picturesque, high-elevation campground situated just 50 miles from Santa Fe. Set at an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet within the Santa Fe National Forest, visitors can enjoy moderate temperatures and invigorating mountain breezes. Perfect for family reunions, recreational events, and large gatherings, it features 2 spacious group units to rent (Group A and Group B), each accommodating up to 40 guests. Open from mid-April to mid-November, this campground provides stunning views of the surrounding wilderness, making it an ideal retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.
Recreation
The campground's close proximity to the popular Jacks Creek Trail is an added bonus. Jacks Creek Trail #257 is 14.3 miles long, starting at Trail 25 and ending at Trail 251. This trail is best for experienced hikers and horseback riders, making it a great option for those seeking a challenge. The trail is open for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. A common route leads to Pecos Baldy Lake, where overnight camping is allowed, with campfires permitted 200 feet from the water. For more information about the Jacks Creek Trail and its offerings, visit the Jacks Creek Trailhead website. Fishermen can enjoy catching rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout in Jacks Creek. Although Jacks creek is not regularly stocked, you can visit New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for weekly stocking reports and fishing regulations.
Natural Features
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Jack's Creek Group Campground is located on the edge of the Pecos Wilderness, which encompasses 160,000 acres of mountain landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and the Pecos River. The campground is richly forested, featuring a mix of firs and aspens that showcase golden foliage in the fall. Down the road from to the group campground, Jack's Creek enhances the areas natural beauty, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation and great trout fishing. The region teems with diverse wildlife, including elk, mule deer, and migratory birds. In winter, bald eagles and other raptors can be spotted, making Jack's Creek a great destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Nearby Attractions
There are many hiking and fishing areas along the Pecos River, offering great opportunities for anglers and hikers alike. Just 50 minutes away, Pecos National Historical Park features prehistoric archaeological ruins, 19th-century ranches, and a Civil War battlefield, providing a rich glimpse into the areas history. The town of Pecos is located about 21 miles south of the campground. The City of Santa Fe is just over an hour drive away.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
$50 / night
7. Las Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey
Las Vegas, New Mexico14 Reviews•38 Photos•12 SavesTravelers along the Santa Fe Trail used to arrive on horseback or by wagon to this lawless frontier town, where Billy the Kid once evaded a lynch mob. Today, travelers enjoy a more civilized reception at this KOA, tucked into the pinon- and juniper-scented foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Wagon-wheel ruts, 900 historic buildings and the Fort Union National Monument highlight the area's past. Lakes and a national wildlife refuge showcase its natural wonders. Come in for our tasty breakfast buffet from 7:30 am to 9:00 am at a bargain price of only $6.00 plus tax per person. Find Southwest items in the campground store. Pool: May 15 - September 15. Max pull thru: 110 feet.
50 Max Amp 110' Max Length Wi-Fi Pool (5/29 - 9/15) Snack Bar Firewood PavilionUnique Amenities
Families Military Clubs Motorcycle Clubs RV Clubs & Rallies- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
$45 - $75 / night
8. Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
Carson National Forest, New Mexico5 Reviews•13 Photos•87 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Ghost Ranch
Cañones, New Mexico6 Reviews•29 Photos•92 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
10. RV Park at HIPICO Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico1 Review•15 Photos- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
$55 / night
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Truchas
65 Reviews of 10 Truchas Campgrounds
Timothy N.
Guide
Borrego Mesa Campground
Quiet and small campground
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. All are suitable for tents or a van. The bathroom is still out of order. Mobile coverage was spotty, worked better if you went up to the nearby trailhead. The road up to the campground is in good shape, 4x4 not required. Overall traffic was very low. There was a little bit of firewood cutting nearby, with a few trucks making multiple trips. A few families were up on Sat for picnics. UTVs were minimal. There are a few dispersed options in the area.
- Mary T.Guide
Las Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey
Older but very nice
Really like this KOA. At first thought it was out of the way but really like it. Just off I25. Nice Big Rig friendly. Some of the sites I went by thought was not level but then you look closer the pad itself was very level. Nice pool.
- sscott I.
Traveler
Ghost Ranch
Great Vibes
Our truck broke down 1 mile from the ranch and we weren’t sure what to do so I hopped on my mountain bike and rode to the welcome center. I met a wonderful lady who offered a gentleman who worked there to help me. He grabbed his truck and towed me and my trailer to the campsite. We ended up staying there for about five or six days while the truck was being fixed in Albuquerque. Couldn’t have broken down in a better place. The scenery is beautiful and the people are nice. It’s true they had meal plans, but we were prepared to camp off grid so we didn’t need anything. Instead, we enjoyed the views and the museum and the, swimming pool and horseback riding. Completely unplanned. It’s probably important to know this is not a remote campsite because there’s lots of amenities and if you’re the kind of person looking for a flat asphalt pad to park is your camper on them, you might wanna move on. We definitely love this place and would recommend it to anyone looking for secret little area to chill out. The vibe was perfect. looking forward to coming back.
Phillip A.
Scout
Santa Barbara Campground
Cows everywhere!!!
Everyone, this is a beautiful site with Lots of trees. The camp ground is nestled up in the mountains several miles from town. The stream is nice and comforting and the camp host was very informative and helpful.**** HOWEVER, there are herds of cows that roam the campground. They defecate EVERYWHERE!!! The cows keep you up all matters of the night. You can’t take 4 steps without stepping in poop-It’s EVERYWHERE!!!( Flies included) This site would be so perfect but you can’t eat or cook around the pit because it is surrounded by cow poop. We cut our camping trip short because it was just too much.
- MMissy A.Traveler
Las Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey
Good for a couple of nights
We stayed here in June for two nights. The days were warm, but the nights were lovely. We were in spot 53 which was a long pull through, but very narrow and close to the neighboring spots. We were lucky that they were not reserved so we had a little more room. We were glad we were in the trees due to the daytime temps. If you need a large spot, 1 through 7 have a nice view of the valley, but no trees. Resident and neighboring dogs and cats roam throughout and may come visit your campsite. The county road to the campground is nice and quiet and makes for a good place to go for long walks.
marine J.Guide
RV Park at HIPICO Santa Fe
Great location close to Santa Fe
This is a very spacious private campground southwest of Santa Fe with access to public land. Located 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. There are probably 50 sites with restrooms and showers. I saw a few tent but this is really geared toward RVs. They have discounts if you stay 4 to 6 days it is 10% off and 7 to 14 days it is 15% off. There is really nothing to it but it is so spacious and quiet, great vibe and the staff is super nice and helpful. They offer overnight stabling for horses too.
Mike B.GuideGhost Ranch
Get the meal plan!
If you're in the area and they have availability, it's hard to beat Ghost Ranch for value. RV spots with hookups are $45 a night!
Most guests stay in housing/lodging, so the ranch has a dining hall that serves three meals a day. $16 per person per meal but $30 for three meals on a "meal plan" whe you book, and kids eat for free! All in all we got three meals for our family of 4 and a nights stay while we hiked around trails on the property for less than $100 all in, and the food (upscale summer camp type) was very good.
Georgia O'Keefe lived in the property for a while, so there's a lot of history about her, and there's a small dinosaur and anthropology museum on site.
Chimney Rock hike is not to be missed!
James P.
LegendLas Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey
Country Setting
Easy off/on I25. Campsites are spread out with trees separating sites. The only bad is water pressure; very low. We slowly filled tank and used our pump.
Jennifer H.Guide
Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
Cold and quiet with good views
There are a bunch of different roads you can turn off to camp on if you’re driving from Taos to Durango. We mapped Forest Road 578 and it took us to a dirt road with a lot of flat spots you can camp on. We spent the night there and it was very quiet and peaceful. If you keep going to Durango you’ll get to Carson National Forest, which is not too far from the coordinates on The Dyrt. That’s where more people are camping, you can pull off right before the 64H road marker. You’ll keep passing camping spots as you drive to Durango so you can really go almost anywhere!
Jacqueline D.ScoutSanta Barbara Campground
Quiet and beautiful
Visited late September, about a quarter of the sites were occupied. All sites are close enough to the river to hear it from a tent. The site has drinking water and pit toilets, but no cell service. Overall, stay was very peaceful and relaxing.
Karen N.GuideSanta Barbara Campground
Beautiful weekend
Stay at Santa Barbara Campground in Northern New Mexico. Was a beautiful spot. Road to Campground was well taken care of Beautiful trails throughout area
Butler L.Scout
Iron Gate Campground
Wonderful experiement
This is a great place for couples who want to camp
Katherine C.TravelerBorrego Mesa Campground
Solid Spot
Campground is a little off the beaten path, about 30m from the High Drive highway. Dirt roads were nothing to worry about, should be fine for any SUV or sedan. Campground itself is on ranch land (keep an eye out for cows) and does have trash around, but nothing too bad. Bathroom is very much out of order.
Nikola Y.ScoutLas Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey
Привет, где вы играете в казино а как долго?
Привет, где вы играете в казино а как долго? Я хочу узнать для себя новое казино и попробывать что то новое
- Nikola Y.Scout
Las Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey
Привет, вы любите казино ?
Привет, я хочу услышать как вы относитесь к казино и мне интересно где вы играете ?
Ron G.ScoutCarson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
Tres Piedras area
The location on Dyrt maps is wrong, forest service is NW of 285 & 64. Beautiful dispersed camping spots plentiful. Park ranger Melissa was the top notch. Couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly. Definitely stay there again.
- KKala J.Traveler
Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
Private and beautiful
A nice secluded little forest road. RVs will not make it, so it's nice and quiet.
AWD/4WD needed on the rutted rocky road.
Stayed one night and saw no one else.
Multiple pulloffs for unmarked campsites, but the one I picked was right off the road.
Cell service drops completely pretty soon after leaving the highway. I sporadically received some messages at my camp site but not reliably.
Sara B.
RangerLas Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey
It may have been the weather, but we wouldn't stay here again
Made a last-minute reservation here for an overnight stay and we wouldn't be back. The sites were cramped and surrounded by bare dirt that rainstorms turn into mud holes. My impression may have been colored by the weather, but we were underwhelmed (especially given the price--for $70 a night, I expect the property to be in much better shape). Regrading the drives and adding fresh gravel would go a long way to improving the look and feel of the campground. As one of the higher priced KOA's we've visited, we expected the property to be better maintained.
- BBob W.Guide
Las Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey
Nice place quiet
Our stay was just 3 nights but it was in the right place at the right time. Many trees and not too far from Santa Fe and Taos and Chimayo.
Mike L.TravelerGhost Ranch
Peaceful
Stopped at Ghost Ranch for a quick night to catch some sleep, wish we had more time really great location!
- eevelynTraveler
Ghost Ranch
Beautiful site - decent camping
This is a beautiful campground in a unique spot with incredible hike. Great amenities - showers, ice, refrigerator, sink for washing dishes - only downside is that the sites themselves seem a bit crowded in and not all have cover. Some are larger than others and it’s a bit of a pint what you will get. Recommend arriving not too late to see if you can get a good spot, we didn’t have shade so had to go find a nice shady bench away from our site for eating lunch / relaxing after our hike.
Ian O.ScoutCarson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
Secluded Camp Area
Many open areas to camp right off the highway. The views of the mountains across the valley are best after the fork in the road. Please pick up extra trash if you use
- JJIllGuide
Borrego Mesa Campground
a bit beat up
This is a great spot with wonderful huge ponderosa pines all around, but there has been a bunch of shooting up the toilets and there is a fair amount of trash around. Still we had it to ourselves during the week, and could find a spot that was clean and fit our teardrop trailer. it would be difficult to get an fullsize RV up there at all. The road is rather arduous especially because of the fairly recent fire damage. Still is was a peaceful place with lots of nice walking around.
Jacob W.RangerCarson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
Primitive dispersed camping
I tent-camped off of Carson NF Forest Service Road 578 in mid April 2022. FS 578 is south of Tres Piedras about 5 miles on the west side of Hwy 285. There are several dirt road turn offs but FS 578 is clearly marked with a brown NFS sign (see photo) and has no gate but there is a cattle guard/grate. Here is a NFS road use map that shows dispersed camping along FS 578 and many other NFS roads: https://www.fs.fed.us/r3/gis/mvum/Carson/CarsonTresPiedrasCanjilonElRito.pdf (see also screenshot). My Tacoma had no problem on the dirt road, which has ruts and might be tough for an RV. There were few clearings suitable for dispersed camping but I found a nice spot with a small fire circle in a small clearing on the south side of the road just past a fork in the road. I carried two black boulders over to serve as a table and chair. I didn’t see anyone else camping or driving by. The forest is a nice mix of sage, juniper, and pine trees. 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. It got cold at night, like 27 F. It was a nice waypoint on my trip between Gunnison CO and El Paso TX but it didn’t look like many people camped there. I had intended to drive to Taos the next day on Hwy 64, but didn’t.
Frank and Olga C.GuideIron Gate Campground
Ruff road ahead
It's a nice little place tucked away in the woods. The road to get there is a bit rough, hence the title. By no means, Not a road for a large trailer or 5th wheel. Wild life everywhere..
- SScott S.Guide
Las Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey
Great Grounds
Pulled in and got a nice treed site. Most natural and beautiful KOA I’ve been to. The owner was friendly and accommodating.
- sshakibaScout
Santa Barbara Campground
Overcrowded but nice getaway
This campground is always overcrowded, and the camping sites are too close to each other but it’s located between trees and is really close to trail heads. There is a river nearby but not to close to the camping sites that you can overlook the river. Sadly, bathroom facilities are not clean
Guide to Truchas
Horse camping in New Mexico offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.
Equestrian campers like these nearby activities
- At Agua Piedra Campground, you can enjoy hiking trails that lead directly into the Pecos Wilderness, providing ample opportunities for exploration.
- Jacks Creek Horse Camp serves as an excellent base for trail riding, with multiple trails accessible right from the campground.
- The scenic routes around Iron Gate Campground are perfect for horseback riding, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities
- Santa Barbara Campground features drinking water and pit toilets, making it a convenient stop for horse campers.
- At Jacks Creek Group Area, you'll find well-maintained vault toilets and trash disposal, ensuring a clean and comfortable stay.
- Ghost Ranch offers electric hookups and a dining hall, providing additional comfort for those traveling with horses.
Tips for equestrian camping near Truchas, New Mexico
- When visiting Borrego Mesa Campground, be prepared for a primitive experience, as it lacks drinking water and trash services, making it essential to pack out what you bring in.
- At RV Park at HIPICO Santa Fe, you can take advantage of spacious sites and nearby public land for riding and exploring.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife while camping at Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578, as the area is known for its serene environment and natural beauty, perfect for a peaceful getaway with your horse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Truchas, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Truchas, NM is Santa Barbara Campground with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Truchas, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Truchas, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.