Dispersed camping opportunities for equestrians extend beyond Carson National Forest near Valdez. The region sits at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet with significant temperature fluctuations typical of northern New Mexico's high desert climate. Several camping areas throughout this region provide accommodations specifically designed for visitors traveling with horses, offering everything from corrals to access to riding trails.
What to do
Trail riding access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct access to wilderness trails. At Rio Costilla Park, "Awesome hiking trails for avid fishermen and hikers alike. From the 9 Lakes or Latier lakes however you prefer to call them to the hidden Little Blue Lake. A must visit for nature enthusiasts!" Many equestrians use these same trails for riding.
Fishing opportunities: Most water sources in the area support trout fishing. Hopewell Lake Campground offers "trout fishing is fun and always a success at the lake." The campground provides both developed sites and nearby dispersed camping areas suitable for horse trailers.
Exploring wildlife habitats: The meadows and valleys surrounding Valdez host substantial elk populations. One camper at Cimarron Campground reported: "We watched several herds of Elk down in the valley on one of our hikes. We had deer roam through our campsite, they could care less that we were even there."
What campers like
Seclusion and quiet: Forest Service roads leading to horse-friendly sites often limit traffic. A camper at Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 noted: "A nice secluded little forest road. RVs will not make it, so it's nice and quiet. Stayed one night and saw no one else."
Natural water features: Creeks and rivers provide water for horses and add to the camping experience. At Agua Piedra Campground, "The creek is very close and accessible, which is probably the highlight. There are plenty of hammock and shade trees."
Diverse terrain: The mix of forest, meadow and mountain environments creates varied riding experiences. "This is what we wanted to find with dispersed camping! Beautiful view! A couple of neighbors but never heard them. Not the easiest piece of ground to get the trailer leveled but we made it work," reported a visitor at Mallette Creek North.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most horse camping areas have minimal infrastructure. At Borrego Mesa Campground, "Sites have a small horse pen but you would need to make a gate on them. Not good for big LQ horse trailers."
Road conditions: Access to prime horse camping spots requires appropriate vehicles. A Carson National Forest camper explained: "AWD/4WD needed on the rutted rocky road... Cell service drops completely pretty soon after leaving the highway."
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings are common at these elevations. One Cimarron Campground visitor advised: "It will also be cold at night, so be prepared. Great spot!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water areas: Look for sites with safe creek access for children. A Rio Costilla Park visitor shared: "The camp sites were nicely spaced, so we felt like we were primitive camping, but it was nice to have a picnic table, especially because we have a small child."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Plan morning wildlife observation outings. "We had no issues. It is a long way down a dirt road but well worth the drive to be remote. No cell service at the camp site but a short 5 min drive back to the first cattle guard allowed for service to multiple cell providers."
Elevation considerations: High elevation affects children differently than adults. "A must visit for nature enthusiasts!" noted a Rio Costilla camper, but remember children may need more time to acclimate to elevations above 8,000 feet.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Horse-friendly dispersed sites rarely accommodate large rigs. "The sites didn't have an actual tent pad but we easily found a spot to pitch a tent," reported an Agua Piedra visitor, highlighting the focus on tent and small trailer camping at many equestrian sites.
Water accessibility: Plan to haul water for both people and horses. At Rio Costilla, "There is no running water at this campground, so bring plenty. They have port-o-potties by every camping site and they keep them clean."
Parking configurations: Position vehicles and trailers strategically. "Multiple pulloffs for unmarked campsites" exist throughout the forest roads, but as one Carson National Forest camper noted, some sites are "right off the road" while others require more careful navigation.
