Free camping along Highway 150 in Carson National Forest, Cuchilla Campground sits directly on a creek with sites spread across at least two distinct pull-off areas along the road. Sites 1 through 3 occupy the northern cluster, while sites 4 through 6 are located further south. Picnic tables are on-site, and a vault toilet is available seasonally, though it closes during colder months. There are no hookups and no trash service, so campers need to pack everything out.
The creek is the defining feature here. Sites sit close enough to the water that the sound of the current carries through camp, largely masking highway noise. Tara S. notes that "sites are right on a creek and have picnic tables," and several reviewers mention wading or letting dogs splash in the water throughout the day. One reviewer pulled a 19-foot RV directly to the riverbank without difficulty, though site-to-site privacy is limited given how close the pull-offs are to each other. Hikers will find trails accessible from camp, though they were not heavily documented in reviews.
Dogs are welcome, and the creek access makes this a good match for campers traveling with pets. Those looking for dog-friendly camping near Carson National Forest will find several options in this corridor. Nearby, NM 150 Dispersed — Carson NF (Rio Hondo Corridor) and Lower Hondo Campground provide additional free sites along the same highway. Campers arriving in late summer should prepare for afternoon rain; the two-week stay limit applies at no cost from May through September.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCuchilla Campground is located in New Mexico near Valdez
Directions
13 miles northeast of Taos via NM 522 & 150
Coordinates
36.55928235 N
105.53560475 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/27/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/27/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Cuchilla Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 40 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 29 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 2 hrs 51 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 43 min from Farmington, NM
