Mountain pines filter the light at Agua Piedra Campground, where a trout stream runs alongside sites scattered through the Carson National Forest. Located just off Highway 518 near Tres Ritos, this Forest Service campground operates from late May through early September and accommodates RVs up to 40 feet.
The campground sits close enough to the highway for easy access but far enough back that road noise fades during quieter evening hours. Most sites include fire pits and picnic tables, with varying levels of privacy between neighbors. A large meadow anchors the group camping area, while individual sites spread through the forested sections. Vault toilets serve the campground, and a camp host maintains the facilities during peak season.
Trailheads begin directly from the campground, including a 2.5-mile route to Indian Lake and paths into the Pecos Wilderness. The stream provides fishing opportunities, and several reviewers mention catching trout during their stays. Water is available on-site, though multiple campers recommend bringing your own drinking water due to a strong sulfur taste and smell.
Robin T. notes the campground "has no cell/wifi service" but adds that Sipapu Ski Resort, a 10-minute drive away, offers free wifi at their cafe. The rough access road mentioned by several visitors requires careful driving but remains passable for standard vehicles and RVs within the length limit.
Description
Overview
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.
Facilities
The campground includes 40 single sites each with a table and fire ring, two double sites each with two tables and a fire ring, and two group shelters located west of the campground. Vault toilets, drinking water from faucets, and trash removal are provided. Firewood is available to purchase from the host. First-come, first-served sites are available. The group shelters (A and B), which are accessible, are located west of the campground and are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Trash service is provided in the campground. The accessible group shelter "A" can accommodate up to 50 people for overnight camping. Group shelter "B" can accommodate up to 100 people for overnight camping. Both group shelters are available by reservation.
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.
Fee Info
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAgua Piedra Campground is located in New Mexico near Llano
Directions
From Las Vegas, New Mexico, take State Highway 518 approximately 51 miles to the Agua Piera Campground. From Penasco, New Mexico, travel east on State Route 75 about 5 miles, to an intersection. Turn right, onto State Route 518 (unmarked) and continue about 7 miles to campground entrance. From Taos, head south on NM-68. Turn Left onto NM-518 and stay on it for 23 miles. Agua Piedra Campground will be on your right.
Address
5012 State Hwy 518
Tres Ritos, NM 87579
Coordinates
36.1352778 N
105.5291667 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/16/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 7 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 20 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 40 min from Farmington, NM


























