Trout fishing and hiking opportunities draw campers to Tolby Campground, where the Cimarron River flows directly through the grounds. The campground sits alongside Highway 64 in Cimarron Canyon State Park, with retention ponds and river access creating multiple fishing spots within walking distance of most sites.
Sites cluster closely together, with many reviewers noting the lack of privacy between neighbors. Max M. explains that "some of the sites are immediately adjacent to the river," while others face the nearby mountain slopes. The campground operates as the park's main hub, housing the ranger station and information center where camp hosts provide area guidance and sell firewood.
Full hookups accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, though several campers report tight maneuvering in some spots. Flush toilets and potable water spigots serve the campground, but no shower facilities exist on-site. The Tolby Trailhead sits directly across Highway 64, providing access to backcountry hiking toward Tolby Meadow. Road noise from the adjacent highway affects some sites, particularly during daytime truck traffic.
Wildlife sightings include deer and turkey moving through the canyon, while trout populate both the river and stocked retention ponds. Cell coverage remains limited, with T-Mobile providing one bar of service for basic texting. The campground stays open year-round at $15 per night, though summer months see heavier use from families and fishing enthusiasts. Reservations help secure riverside sites during peak periods.
Campers seeking additional options in the region can explore campsites near Eagle Nest, located minutes away for supply runs and alternative accommodations.
Description
EAGLE NEST LAKE STATE PARK - 5 MILES WEST US HWY 64
New Mexico is beginning our Outdoor Recreation Plan and needs your input! The plan will:
- Address the state and nation's outdoor recreation trends and their economic impacts
- Inventory the state's resources and address how best to protect them
- Help determine the state's priorities for awarding federal funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The use of off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) is prohibited in New Mexico State Parks, as stipulated by the NM OHV Act and State Park Regulations (NMSA 66-3-1011, 16-2-33 19 NMAC Ch 5 Sec 2.16 A).
To ensure compliance with ADA regulations, vehicles parked at handicap campsites must visibly display a valid handicapped placard or possess a license plate indicating handicapped status; otherwise, relocation will be required.
Make it your goal to extinguish hot coals. If your campfire is too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Drown it with water, stir it with a shovel, and repeat until your campfire is out cold! Learn more from Smokey Bear.
Please bring proof of your reservation with you to your campsite.
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove is prohibited. The use of devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
Cimarron Canyon State Park will be closed from September 1st until further notice, due to campground renovations and facility system upgrades. If conditions allow, campgrounds will be open first come, first serve.
THE CUSTOMER MUST CONTACT THE PARK TO ADVISE THEM OF LATE ARRIVAL THE SITE WILL BE RELEASED FOR RESERVATIONS / FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER 4:00 P.M.. NO REFUND WILL BE DUE.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundTolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park is located in New Mexico
Directions
FROM NORTHEAST: EXIT I-25 AT EXIT 446 SOUTH OF RATON AND TAKE US 64, 50 MILES TO PARK. FROM SOUTHEAST: EXIT I-25 AT EXIT 418, NORTH OF SPRINGER, AND TAKE HWY 56 TO CIMARRON, TURN LEFT AND TAKE US 64, 15 MILES TO PARK. FROM WEST: TAKE US 64 FROM TAOS, 35 MILES TO PARK. ALL CAMPGROUNDS OFF US 64, TOLBY CAMPGROUND IS JUST EAST OF MILEPOST 288; MAVERICK AND PONDEROSA CAMPGROUNDS ARE JUST EAST OF MILEPOST 295.
Address
PO BOX 185
Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Coordinates
36.53804946 N
105.2232644 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 5/2/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/2/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 5/2/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/2/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 10 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 32 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 12 min from Colorado Springs, CO



























