Tent camping options near Youngsville, New Mexico offer solitude at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet in the mountains of northern New Mexico. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-80°F with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Most camping areas require visitors to carry out all trash and bring sufficient water supplies as natural sources are limited or unreliable.
What to do
Fishing access: At Lower Lagunitas Campground, several small ponds provide trout fishing opportunities. A camper notes, "The area is small but there a few ponds I wouldn't call them lakes full of trout." Access roads can be problematic after rain as they become "washboard and washed out in places."
Wildlife viewing: American Springs offers opportunities to spot local wildlife. One visitor reported, "Very peaceful with a nice view down the canyon. Elk grazing below were the cherry on top." The area sits in burned forest from the 2011 fires but still provides habitat for numerous species.
River activities: Taos Junction Campground provides Rio Grande access for water recreation. A camper mentioned, "The Rio grande was cold but worth the swim. We had a great time and only saw a few other people." Several rafting companies operate within 15 minutes of the campground for guided river trips.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 offers multiple dispersed camping options. A camper observed, "Multiple pulloffs for unmarked campsites, but the one I picked was right off the road." The mixture of sage, juniper, and pine creates natural site separation.
Natural features: Resumidero Camping Area balances open and forested camping. A visitor noted, "The camp sites were far apart and you could chose between open meadows or in the trees. Hiking trails from the campground." The varied terrain provides different camping experiences within one area.
Mountain views: High elevation sites provide scenic vistas across valleys. A camper at Forest Service Road 578 reported, "I could see the snow capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range on the eastern horizon when I walked farther up the road." Most sites above 8,000 feet maintain cooler temperatures even in summer.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many tent camping areas require careful vehicle selection. At Road 378, Fenton Lake, "The road is a bit rough, but easy access and close enough to the lake that I drove over to kayak after setting up camp." Several sites need high-clearance vehicles to access.
Sanitation issues: Human waste management varies across locations. One camper at Road 378 mentioned, "The poop that littered this campsite made this site basically uninhabitable. A bummer but when nature calls, literally, you gotta do what you gotta do." Pack-out waste systems are recommended where facilities are absent.
Weather preparation: Temperatures drop significantly at night due to elevation. A Forest Service Road 578 camper reported, "It got cold at night, like 27 F." Bring appropriate clothing and sleeping gear rated for freezing temperatures even in summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Swimming opportunities exist despite the arid environment. At Taos Junction, a visitor shared, "We had a great time camping here. Very cheap only $6 to camp all ages all year. They have nice grills at the tent sites along with tables." The nearby river provides cooling recreation on hot days.
Site selection: For larger family groups, seek established sites. As one Resumidero visitor noted, "We expected a campground that was spread out, fire rings and vault toilets. It was perfect." Sites with toilets reduce logistics challenges for families with younger children.
Shade access: Afternoon temperatures can reach the 80s in summer months. At Forest Service Road 578, natural cover provides relief as "The forest is a nice mix of sage, juniper, and pine trees." Seek partially shaded sites for midday comfort.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Youngsville have significant RV access challenges. At American Springs, a camper advised, "Probably not a must have, but I highly recommend a four-wheel-drive high clearance to get back into the camp spots here, but there are a handful of spots."
Alternative locations: For RVs, consider Star Dance which offers cabin and glamping options when RV camping proves difficult. Though a developed campground rather than dispersed camping, visitors find "This campground is beautiful beyond words. It's an enchanting, magical healing place that was very hard to leave."
Dispersed sites: Cuba Highway pulloff on Forest Road 88 accommodates smaller rigs. A visitor reported, "The road in is steep for long rigs. It's a bummer people throw so much trash and glass bottles around. Very pretty site otherwise and nice trails to walk." Access requires careful navigation for anything beyond small trailers.
