Camping in Taos

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is the quaint and colorful town of Taos, New Mexico. The town and surrounding rugged landscape are rich in cultural and geological history that provides some of the best camping in New Mexico. Whether you're a weekend warrior or are planning your very first camping outing, Taos offers countless outdoor recreation opportunities that will make your camping trip unforgettable.

Every camper has a checklist of features or amenities that they prefer while camping. Do you like a view of the mountainous terrain, falling asleep to the sound of a nearby creek, or maybe being conveniently located next to campground facilities? No matter your camping style, we've included a helpful list of camping locations surrounding Taos.

FREE CAMPING IN NEW MEXICO There are many options for camping in New Mexico, including both free campsites and campgrounds you can stay at for a fee. Below, we cover our favorite options for free camping near Taos.

DISPERSED CAMPING IN NEW MEXICO Dispersed camping is essentially camping outside of an established campground, primarily for free. This remote style of camping can occur on the National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (B.L.M.) public lands across New Mexico.

In total, public land comprises 13 million acres in New Mexico and is freely accessible to those adventurous enough to explore it. The opportunities for free dispersed camping across those 13 million acres are pretty unfathomable. Half of the adventure is finding these camping treasures by diving into maps and driving intriguing backroads. If you're wondering how to find free dispersed camping near Taos, we've included a few below, or you can also swing into the local B.L.M or Forest Service office to grab a free map from a ranger.

Remember, while dispersed campers are free to explore these lands, they are expected to be responsible outdoors people. To do that we recommend reviewing the “Leave No Trace” principles.

TAOS B.L.M. A handful of agencies within the Department of Interior manages public lands across The United States. The Bureau of Land Management (B.L.M.) is one of the instrumental agencies that oversees 245 million acres across the entire U.S.

The Taos B.L.M. Field Office alone manages 4 million acres full of wildlife, natural resources, and historical and cultural landmarks across New Mexico. That's 4 million acres of public land for those living in or visiting the state to enjoy for free. The main mission of the B.L.M. is to manage public land for multi-use purposes, so whether your passion is horseback riding, offroading, hiking, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, or camping, the land is yours to explore.

CAMPGROUNDS NEAR TAOS, NM Campgrounds can vary in the number of amenities that they offer. More often than not, if you plan to camp in a developed campground, you will have restroom facilities, established fire rings, and picnic tables.

In contrast, primitive campgrounds are considered to be a bit more bare-bones. As you search for campgrounds, make sure to research which campgrounds are developed or primitive and which one offers the amenities you prefer. If you aren’t interested in packing a shovel with your gear, we’d recommend established campgrounds with facilities like restrooms.

We've included some of our favorite campgrounds near Taos and the Taos Ski Valley, all with qualities that will satisfy a variety of checklists.

NEW MEXICO NATIONAL FOREST CAMPING CARSON NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUNDS Canjilon Lakes Campground Find some relief from the hot sun and head to a higher elevation to enjoy a day of swimming or fishing in one of the four Canjilon Lakes along Forest Service Road 129. There are two campgrounds, Lower Canjilon Lakes and Middle Canjilon Lakes, that provide 41 total developed campsites perfect for tent campers or R.V.'s. The campgrounds offer amenities, such as picnic tables, restroom facilities, and easy access for all kinds of fun water activities.

Las Petacas Campground Are you looking for an accessible place to camp just outside of town? Less than a 10-minute drive from Taos is Las Petacas Campground, located along Highway 64. Despite its proximity to the town, the small 9-site campground provides ample seclusion and charming river views. While this campground isn't remote, it's a great campsite to keep in your back pocket if you're visiting the area and need a stress-free place to crash for the night.

La Junta Canyon Campground Located along the winding Rito la Presa river, the La Junta Canyon Campground is popular for campers and anglers. Spend a casual evening fishing for trout and taking in the New Mexico scenery at this remote camping spot. Explore the Carson National Forest and spend the day in nature on one of the various hiking trails nearby. Upper La Junta Canyon Campground is located farther up F.S. Road 76 and can be a great Plan B if you're looking for even more solitude.

SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST CAMPING San Antonio Campground Immerse yourself in a forest of towering ponderosa pines at San Antonio's 20-site campground. The large campground is a popular spot throughout summer and early fall and is an excellent option for campers looking for electrical hook-ups, water, facilities, and other camping amenities. The surrounding Jemez Mountains offer multiple day-hiking opportunities. Whether you prefer slot canyons, waterfalls, or impressive geological features like the Valles Caldera, you’ll have plenty of options to pick from.

Any Longmire fans out there? The nearby Valles Caldera National Preserve was the location for filming the popular TV show and Walter Longmire's iconic log cabin.

Coyote Canyon Camping Area Do you prefer a more primitive camping experience? Coyote Canyon offers seclusion and a chance to get off the beaten path. This small camping area is recommended for tent camping and is referred to as a hidden gem from local U.S.F.S. rangers. Bring your hammock and a good book and spend a day or two relaxing in the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest.

TAOS SKI VALLEY CAMPING AND CAMPGROUNDS ALONG HWY 150 Twining Campground Popular trailheads such as Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Bull of the Woods are just a quick jaunt from your campsite. The small first-come, first-served campground is an ideal jumping-off point as you enjoy multiple outdoor day activities within Taos Ski Valley. Best of all—it is free!

HIGHWAY 150 CAMPING Although the drive from Arroyo Seco to Taos Ski Valley rarely takes longer than 20 minutes, there are a number of excellent campgrounds off of the route up there, many of which are technically a part of the aforementioned Carson National Forest. Here are a few of the site options on Highway 150 between the two towns.

Lower Hondo Campground While it is a smaller site, Lower Hondo is directly on the Rio Hondo and is a favorite for local or visiting fans of fishing. There are no nightly or daily fees but the site can fill up quickly and doesn’t have facilities outside of a vault toilet.

Cuchillo del Medio Campground A tad larger than the Lower Hondo site, Cuchillo del Medio has 3 hookup sites for trailers that are 16 feet and under. It also has more established features like picnic tables and restrooms.

Italianos Campground The least established of the three, Italianos often serves as a campground for hikers looking to get an early start on the trails around Italianos Canyon. Three miles east, campers can find the Upper Cuchillo Campground.

A FEW OTHER CAMPING FAVORITES Columbine Campground At the confluence of the Red River and Columbine Creek, you'll find Columbine Campground, a beautiful high elevation campground with convenient river access that the whole family can enjoy. With opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and canyon views, this camping spot is a favorite for locals and first-time visitors.

Cimarron Campground Located within the Valle Vidal, Spanish for "Valley of Life," is Cimarron Campground, a multi-use recreational area that offers some of the finest outdoor activities near Taos. The campground is a home base for horseback riders, hunters, anglers, and hikers looking to experience the best of Carson National Forest. Campers frequently experience herds of elk roaming the Valle Vidal right outside their cozy campsite.

Santa Barbara Campground Unzip your tent door and immediately be greeted by the Santa Barbara River and the striking Pecos Wilderness. The campground has 29 developed campsites and tends to be a popular spot for campers on summer weekends, so plan accordingly. With welcoming snow-capped peaks, such as Jicarita and North Truchas, that tower over the campground, it's an ideal spot for adventurous hikers and backpackers heading into the vast wilderness.

Wild Rivers Recreation Area Choose from Big Arsenic Springs, El Aguaje, and multiple other camping sites that overlook the expansive Rio Grande River located 800-feet below the canyon's edge. The Wild Rivers Recreation Area is situated inside New Mexico's newest National Monument, Rio Grande del Norte, and offers visitors memorable views of the rugged desert landscape.

A total of 22 easily accessible developed campsites are available to campers with full amenities. For those looking to work a little harder to find some uninterrupted views of the Rio Grande Gorge, there are 16 primitive river campsites that require a hike to access. No matter your activity level or passion for the outdoors, the Wild Rivers Recreation Area offers bird watching, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and ample picnic locations for an afternoon lunch with a view.

Stop into the local Taos Field Office to discover more campsites and chat with a ranger about exploring the public lands near Taos. Then, if you're looking for fun activities in town to fill your days, check out the multiple outdoor activities like mountain biking, rafting, eBikes rentals, and visiting the numerous National Historic Landmarks around beautiful Taos.