SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo

Cowles Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Santa Fe National Forest's Cowles Campground sits at the end of the road into the Pecos Wilderness, where sites line up between a tree corridor on one side and a creek on the other. No reservations are accepted. The campground fills fast on summer weekends, sometimes reaching capacity by Friday afternoon, and a 14-day stay limit applies. Sites near the trees get partial shade through most of the day; creek-side sites have none. A handful of sites include three-sided log shelter structures. Two sites sit directly next to the parking lot; the rest are walk-in. Fishing ponds, including one designated for children and those with mobility needs, are a short walk away. Cell service is unavailable for roughly 30 minutes in any direction, so carry printed directions to campgrounds around Santa Fe National Forest before leaving home. Panchuela Campground and Trailhead is about 1.2 miles north and serves as a reasonable backup if Cowles is full.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsCowles Campground is located in New Mexico near Tererro

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

20 miles north of Pecos on Highway 63

Coordinates

35.81300035 N
105.66400036 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Cowles Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
50%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2020

Great family campground

$6 per night. Stay limit: 14 days

This spot really has a lot to offer. There are trees on one side, a creek on the other, and 2 sites with shelters directly next to the parking lot. The sites by the trees have at least partial shade almost all day, and the creek sites have no shade at any time. There are trees over the creek so we just walked across a log to cross the creek into the shade. The tree sites had great hammock trees! One thing that surprised me was 2 cars are allowed per site. The parking lot is small, so that was interesting.

A short walk takes you to the fishing ponds (one specifically for kids and disabled folks) which were really cool for the kids. The walk was technical in at least 1 spot, so I would walk on the road which led into the campground or drive over to the pond if you have mobility issues.

You can’t make reservations, and the area was already pretty busy Friday at noon when we arrived. We found 4 sites open when we arrived and the campground was full before dark. People need to be out of their space by 2.

The cons (in my book): There is no potable water, but the stream was running. These are walk-in sites except for the 2 next to the parking lot. There is no cell service for 30 minutes drive, so be prepared with directions to alternate campgrounds in case you can’t get a spot here.

We will absolutely be back!

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2016

Alpine Wilderness Beauty in the Southwest

Cowles campground in the Pecos Wilderness area is a launching point for the Windsor Trail which travels alongside beautiful Windsor Creek to Stewart Lake and Pecos Falls. More Yosemite than Yosemite Sam, this area is shaded by massive pines, fir and aspen with plenty of grassy meadows, rock formations and mini waterfalls provided by the creek. The campground itself is spare, but it does have a some three-sided, log cabin-style shelters, a unique feature. Camping is fairly unstructured, and there are several campgrounds nearby, if you get there on the 4th of July and all the sites are full. A recently transplanted California resident, I was taken aback by the beauty of this backcountry which doesn't seem like Southwest scenery at all, more like Mount Whitney or Yosemite.

  • Review photo of Cowles Campground by Warren K., August 13, 2016
  • Review photo of Cowles Campground by Warren K., August 13, 2016
  • Review photo of Cowles Campground by Warren K., August 13, 2016
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Cowles Campground?

Cowles Campground offers basic amenities for a true wilderness camping experience. The campground features multiple sites with varying levels of shade - some sites are nestled among trees providing partial shade throughout the day, while others are located near the creek with no shade coverage. Two sites include shelters directly adjacent to the parking lot. The campground costs $6 per night with a 14-day maximum stay limit. Visitors should bring their own water and supplies as facilities are minimal, typical of a rustic forest service campground.

What fishing opportunities are available at Cowles Ponds near the campground?

Fishing enthusiasts visiting Cowles Campground can enjoy excellent opportunities along Windsor Creek, which runs adjacent to the campground. While specific information about Cowles Ponds is limited, the Pecos Wilderness area is known for its quality trout fishing in streams and small mountain lakes. The nearby Windsor Creek likely offers fishing for native trout species. For the most current fishing conditions and regulations, check with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish before your trip, as permits are typically required and seasonal restrictions may apply.

Where is Cowles Campground located in New Mexico?

Cowles Campground is located in the beautiful Pecos Wilderness area of New Mexico. This picturesque campground serves as a gateway to the Windsor Trail and sits alongside Windsor Creek. The area is characterized by massive pines, fir, and aspen trees, with scenic grassy meadows and rock formations throughout. It's situated in a mountainous forest setting that offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers seeking to explore the Pecos wilderness region.

Are there photos of Cowles Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Cowles Campground are available online. You can find images showcasing the campground's natural setting with its massive pines, fir and aspen trees, grassy meadows, and rock formations. Photos typically highlight the creek that runs alongside some campsites and the wooded areas that provide shade for other sites. For the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check the official Forest Service website or camping platforms like The Dyrt before planning your visit.

Are there cabins available at or near Cowles Campground?

No cabins are directly available at Cowles Campground itself. The campground primarily offers traditional tent camping sites, including some with shelters next to the parking lot. If you're seeking cabin accommodations, you'll need to look in nearby communities or private resorts in the Pecos area. For those wanting more shelter than a tent provides but still desiring the Cowles location, consider the sites with existing shelters, or bring appropriate camping equipment for the mountain weather conditions that can change rapidly in this region.