Free camping with full hookups is rare, and Ponderosa Campground delivers exactly that along State Route 64 in Cimarron Canyon State Park, accessible via an easy pull off I-25. The layout is straightforward: a large, level loop that functions more like a paved parking area than a traditional campground, with pull-through sites in the center and perimeter sites around the outer loop. Sites on one side face open mountain views; sites on the other look toward the forest and a creek running alongside the campground.
The sites sit close together, and most visitors arrive in RVs. Verizon and T-Mobile signals are reportedly strong, and cool temperatures hold even through July at this elevation. One note on hookups: at least one recent reviewer found no individual water or electric connections active at their site, with a central spigot available for refilling instead. There is no black water dump station anywhere in the park, so plan accordingly. Some park trails close through late July due to calving season, though the Maverick Campground area and its associated trail remain within short walking distance.
"Beautiful spot next to a stream and within short walk of maverick trail," notes Jason B., and the creek access draws consistent mention across reviews. Anglers and hikers make up much of the visitor base. The campground is free, reservations are available, pets are welcome, and campers who want to compare camping near Cimarron Canyon State Park will find several other sites spread along the SR-64 corridor. Avoid sites closest to the restrooms if noise is a concern.
Description
Room for Tent/RV - bathrooms are close by
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 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.
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.
Please bring proof of your reservation with you to your campsite.
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.
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).
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPonderosa Campground is located in New Mexico near Ute Park
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
36.546992091576364 N
105.13110152451617 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/17/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 7/17/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/17/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 7/17/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 10 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 22 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 2 min from Colorado Springs, CO
