Glamping near Ute Park, New Mexico offers visitors access to the high desert terrain of northern New Mexico at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations with summer days reaching the 80s and nights dropping into the 50s even during peak season. Cell service remains limited or nonexistent at many sites, particularly those along the Rio Grande Gorge.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cimarron Canyon State Park provides excellent trout fishing in both streams and stocked ponds. "The campsite was a bit of a disappointment after so many get camps in Colorado. The highlight here is the trout stream that runs through the camp," reports one visitor to Tolby Campground.
Rio Grande hiking: Access the Rio Grande via a steep trail from Cebolla Mesa Campground. "There is a 1.5 mile hike down to the river below. The road is fine in dry weather but can be treacherous when wet," notes a camper at Cebolla Mesa Campground. The switchback trail descends 850 feet to the river junction.
Craft beer tasting: The Taos Mesa Brewing Company operates adjacent to glamping accommodations. "Across the road from the campground is the Taos Mesa Brewery where you can get amazing craft beers and some great food. It was the perfect place to hang out on a cold, wintery night," shares a visitor at Hotel Luna Mystica.
What campers like
Riverside relaxation: Many campgrounds feature creekside sites that provide natural sound barriers from road noise. "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," explains a visitor to Red River RV.
Dark night skies: The limited light pollution creates ideal stargazing conditions. "It's a great place to base your Taos adventures, hiking near the Rio Grande Gorge, or going further up into the mountains. The campground is ideal for solar power, as is the New Mexico weather," reports a camper at Hotel Luna Mystica.
Wilderness solitude: Many sites offer surprising privacy despite being accessible by vehicle. "There are six free first-come-first-served campsites 3.24 miles down a dirt road. Nice view of gorge with pit toilet, table, and fire pit," notes a camper at Cebolla Mesa Campground.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly year-round. "It's been 80s in the day and 50s at night which is amazing. I have one bar with T-mobile cell phone so I can text and get a little internet - enough to stay connected with the world," shares a visitor at Columbine Campground.
Supply limitations: Services remain minimal or nonexistent at many campgrounds. "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," warns a camper at Tolby Campground.
Road conditions: Many glamping destinations require travel on unpaved roads. "A vehicle with off-road capabilities is recommended if you want to reach this campground. While not impossible with a regular sedan, it does take navigating up some unpaved switchbacks," notes a visitor to Cabresto Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Children enjoy playing in the shallow waterways that run through many campgrounds. "There was plenty of peace and quiet. There was plenty of fire wood to gather. I don't trout fish but there was tons of fish in the stream. Great hiking best of all it was relaxing," reports a camper at Tolby Campground.
Hiking accessibility: Multiple campgrounds connect directly to trail systems. "Clear creek hiking trail is a short drive away and was a beautiful and totally doable 3 mile trail for our 3 young girls. The fishing in the area was very popular and it seemed like everyone was catching fish," shares a visitor at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground.
Multiple accommodation options: Many locations offer a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and glamping facilities. "This place is cool. Its made up of about 15 1960-70's trailers, all updated and stylish, on the wide open Taos Mesa. There's also tent camping available for $10 a night," notes a camper at Hotel Luna Mystica.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Carefully research individual sites before booking as many have significant limitations. "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. Some rigs could not get level," advises an RVer at Columbine Campground.
Water management: Limited water hookups mean planning ahead. "No hookups and no water but we have solar. The facilities are nice enough as well. This campsite sits on the edge of a road next to two little ponds that are great for trout fishing," reports a visitor to Tolby Campground.
Town accessibility: RV parks closer to towns provide more amenities but less seclusion. "The area is quiet and peaceful, there were some tiny trees for shade, they helped tremendously. The only downside for this spot is the cell service and wifi - it's super spotty," notes a camper at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground.
