Las Petacas Campground

We pulled in around 5:00 on a weekday and none of the 10 or so sites was occupied. Campground looked run down and almost abandoned. We got a real skivy vibe when we saw there were no cars in any of the campsites and no tents pitched anywhere, but people were coming in and out of the woods. I suspect it being so close to Taos it's being used as a de facto homeless encampment. Moved up the road a couple of miles to capulin campground, which was way nicer.

Campground is super close to Taos. About 9 primitive campsites next to the road and creek. If you want to be near town and don't mind the road noise, then this is an easy camping spot to check out.

Las Petacas is just east of Taos on Highway 64. The campground is located just a few feet from the highway along a small creek. The campground has about 15 sites located along the creek with some privacy between sites. You should be able to find a site here even during summer peak season. This site is in the Carson National Forest and does have a camp host. The highlight during our visit was a crazy two story hippy bus. I have never seen anything quite like this bus during our two years on the road. Anyway the toilets are clean and sites are maintained. This is a good option if your looking to get close to Taos or doing some hiking in the Carson Forest. The two campers here were local long term visitors. This is a good option if you are traveling through and need a easy to access site.

We had interned to stay at la Sombra yet it was still closed. What a fortunate closure! This site was fantastic and we stayed in site 9 right on the river. The system for paying for a site can be a bit confusing as you may reserve online and pay at site. We were double booked and again what a fortunate issue. We shared the spot with a wonderful couple from Europe and enjoyed a most delightful time. The trails are all easily accessible and Taos is minutes away. Northern New Mexico was truly enchanting and a must see!