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Map showing campground location near Tererro, New Mexico
Camper submitted image from Panchuela Campground and TrailheadView 8 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Tererro, New Mexico

Panchuela Campground and Trailhead

3 ReviewsAdd Review

Santa Fe National Forest's Panchuela Campground sits at the Cave Creek trailhead in the Pecos Wilderness, providing walk-in tent sites only. No drive-up spots exist here. Reviewers note the campground fills on weekends, so arriving early or planning a weekday visit matters. Fees run $5 per night. Drinking water and toilets are on-site, and a creek runs through the area, drawing anglers who have reported good catches. The Cave Creek trail leads roughly 2.8 miles to local caves, and campgrounds near Santa Fe National Forest include nearby options like Jacks Creek Horse Camp for those wanting drive-in access. The campground is open May through November and suits backpackers and hikers comfortable with tent-only setups and variable mountain weather.

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Map & DirectionsPanchuela Campground and Trailhead is located in New Mexico near Tererro

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Located 22 miles north of Pecos on Highway 63.

Coordinates

35.83000083 N
105.66400036 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets

Drive Time

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Panchuela Campground and Trailhead

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5 Stars

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the excellent hiking access and affordable pricing at $5/night. Several reviews noted abundant fishing opportunities and scenic mountain views, though weekend bookings fill quickly.

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2021

Great Location

Campsite is situated at the Cave Creek trailhead, a cool hike to some local caves. It's 5 bucks for the night, 2 dollars day use, all backpacking tent sites. Some shelters. Gorgeous views, camp guide says its booked fill every weekend. Good luck

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2021

Amazing views

We drove out to the Pecos Wildness and decided to backpack a trail called Cave Creek, this is a mild trail about 2.8 miles in and 2.8 out. As per usual we get an idea and have to try it 🤦🏽‍♀️ 😂, we do not have any backpacking gear so we improvised and used some of our camping gear. This was a crazy decision, let me tell you camping gear even in a small amount is HEAVY. It’s safe to say that this easier trail kicked our butts. No only did we carry heavy gear in the rain but we also took the longer route 🤦🏽‍♀️ by accident. Once we got the river crossing we decided to set up our camp and chill, this was much needed! 😂 our night was interesting had a lightning storm come in and had to readjust a few times 😂.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Panchuela Campground and Trailhead by Naythin H., June 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Panchuela Campground and Trailhead by Naythin H., June 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Panchuela Campground and Trailhead by Naythin H., June 29, 2021
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Reviewed Sep. 30, 2016

Forrest & Streams Above Pecos

There are lots of hikes all around this area. I don't really fish, but the area is rich with fish filled streams. We saw happy fisherman coming back to camp with an abundance of fresh fish.

  • Review photo of Panchuela Campground and Trailhead by Lisa S., September 30, 2016
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Panchuela Campground located in New Mexico?

Panchuela Campground is located in the Pecos Wilderness area of New Mexico. The campground serves as a gateway to the wilderness region, situated along streams that are popular for fishing. This picturesque camping area is nestled in the forest with beautiful mountain views, making it a perfect basecamp for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Visitors should be prepared for a natural setting with access to multiple trailheads in the area.

What hiking trails are accessible from Panchuela Trailhead?

The primary trail accessible from Panchuela Trailhead is the Cave Creek Trail, a relatively mild 5.6-mile round trip hike (2.8 miles each way) that leads to some local caves. This trail is suitable for day hikes or as an introduction to backpacking, with moderate difficulty that makes it approachable for most skill levels. The surrounding Pecos Wilderness area offers numerous additional hiking opportunities, with fish-filled streams along many routes. The trailhead serves as an excellent gateway to exploring the broader wilderness area.

What's the difference between Panchuela Campground and Cowles Campground?

While both are located in the Pecos area, Panchuela Campground is specifically situated at the Cave Creek trailhead, offering backpacking tent sites and some shelters for $5 per night. It's primarily designed for tent camping with a focus on trail access. The campground is reportedly very popular, filling up every weekend. In contrast to Cowles, Panchuela places campers directly at a major trailhead, making it ideal for hikers looking to get an early start on wilderness adventures.

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