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Dispersed Camping

Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5 is located near Taos, New Mexico, offering a landscape of forested areas and rugged terrain. Temperatures can range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Taos Pueblo, a historic Native American community, and the scenic Enchanted Circle drive.

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Location

Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5 is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

36.44319598666267 N
105.34022209393578 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 6/21/25
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 6/20/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 6/21/25
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 6/20/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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General Info


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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2025

Surprised it's not crowded

We met my brother out here. Between us we had 6 kids and 2 dogs. It's not often you find areas like this with decent open spaces that aren't super crowded. Fairly accessible. We brought a pop up. Elk everywhere. We had a nice time

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 12, 2025

Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Road 5

Really, really loved this spot--such a beautiful area. Just a handful of sites on this short road--one side of the road is fairly open but has the creek/river flowing nearby; the other side of the road is more in the forest and offers some shade and privacy. The melting snow has the ponds and river overflowing, so many of the sites are flooded and inaccessible at the moment. We had camped towards the end of the road near the turn around spot due to most sites being flooded. The animals are really coming out though--lots of birds and frogs chirping, ducks were swimming in the ponds, and we even had some elk pass through our camp! Cell service is sporadic in this area. Of course, no amenities here so pack out what you bring in.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5 by Meghan B., May 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5 by Meghan B., May 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5 by Meghan B., May 12, 2025
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2023

Headwaters of Rio Fernando de Taos

Highway 64 between Taos and Angel Fire > Turn onto Forest Rd 5 and go to end

Solid road, no issue with 25ft travel trailer.

There's a gravel cul-de-sac with a couple obvious places to camp.  Also a couple two tracks roads continuing into the woods, but those weren't passable due to mud.

There's a few small ponds which appear to be the beginning of the Rio Fernando.  I think there's some restoration work going on if I'm not mistaken.  

I tried parking so that I was looking out at the clearing, but this made levelling my trailer pretty difficult.  Probably would be easier to just keep in on the gravel.

I somehow had 5g reception here on Verizon, and Starlink also worked well.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5 by PJ M., July 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5 by PJ M., July 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5 by PJ M., July 5, 2023
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can you do near Rio Fernando de Taos Campground?

The area around Rio Fernando de Taos Campground offers numerous outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, with elk frequently spotted in the vicinity. Hiking opportunities are available on the nearby trails. The flowing creek and river provide chances for water activities, and the beautiful natural setting is perfect for photography, relaxation, and nature appreciation. The combination of forest and water environments creates diverse recreational possibilities.

Are there fishing opportunities at Rio Fernando de Taos?

Yes, fishing opportunities are available at Rio Fernando de Taos. The campground has a creek/river flowing nearby that offers fishing possibilities, especially when the water levels are good from melting snow. The ponds and river in the area provide potential fishing spots. For the best experience, bring appropriate fishing gear and check local fishing regulations before your visit.

What amenities are available at Rio Fernando de Taos Campground?

Rio Fernando de Taos Campground is a primitive camping area with minimal amenities. The site features a gravel cul-de-sac with several obvious camping spots. There are also a few two-track roads extending into the woods, though these may not always be passable depending on conditions. The campground offers both open areas near the creek/river and more shaded, private spots within the forest. No developed facilities like restrooms, water hookups, or electric are mentioned, so campers should come prepared for self-sufficient camping.

Where is the Rio Fernando de Taos Campground located?

Rio Fernando de Taos Campground is located off Highway 64 between Taos and Angel Fire, New Mexico. To reach the campground, turn onto Forest Road 5 and follow it to the end. The road is solid and accessible for vehicles including travel trailers up to 25 feet in length. The campground is situated in a scenic area with a creek/river flowing nearby.