Carson National Forest, located in northern New Mexico, covers a vast area with stunning mountainous landscapes. The forest is accessible year-round, with summer ideal for hiking and camping and winter offering skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Visitors can explore scenic trails, pristine lakes, and cultural sites. Summer is the best time to visit for mild weather and vibrant wildflowers, and winter is best for snow activities. Nearby towns like Taos offer various lodging options and RV rentals to rent with us online in RVShare.
Carson National Forest is divided into six camping areas — Camino Real Ranger District, Canjilon Ranger District, El Rito Ranger District, Jicarilla Ranger District, Questa Ranger District, and Tres Piedras Ranger District. It provides numerous RV camping options, including developed campgrounds like Santa Barbara Campground and El Rito Campground. The forest's diverse terrain features picturesque views, hiking trails, and fishing spots, making it a prime location for RV enthusiasts seeking camping near Carson National Forest.
Camping in Carson National Forest
Carson National Forest offers developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas. The Forest has several entry points, with the most popular being:
Red River: This area offers access to various trails and camping sites.
Eagle Nest: Known for its scenic views and fishing opportunities.
Taos Ski Valley: Provides access to higher elevation trails and winter sports.
Campgrounds in Carson National Forest
Private Campgrounds Near Carson National Forest
Check the top campgrounds in New Mexico before planning your trip to the forest. Find the best camping places, hiking trails, and budget-friendly camping options. In addition, you can find RV dump stations nearby. If you are looking for alternative campgrounds near Carson National Forest, check out these popular BLM sites in New Mexico.
Campgrounds by Lakes/Rivers for Fishing and Water Activities
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
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Lower Honda Campground
Lower Honda Campground is a 15-unit campground, located about 12 miles from Taos, New Mexico, provides easy access to the Taos Ski Valley and hiking in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Study Area and Wheeler Peak areas. It is on a paved road. There is no fee to camp at this campground.
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McCrystal Campground
McCrystal Campground near Cimarron, New Mexico, offers guests easy access to the Valle Vidal for skiing and hunting. This campground is also a great area to go hiking in if you want to see bears and a pioneer cabin. There is horse camping at this facility, where rates start at about $15 per night.
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Twining Campground
Many high-country hiking trails start near Twining Campground. The stream running by this campground is a great place to go fishing. You can camp for free at this campground near Taos, New Mexico.
Carson National Forest Hiking Trails
Carson National Forest offers various hiking trails with stunning mountain views and hiking experiences.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Challenging Hiking Trails
Lakeside Trails
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Wheeler Peak Summit Trail #67
This trail in the Taos Ski Valley starts by following a boardwalk past a small pond before becoming a rocky path. Then, it enters a grassier area, which can be an ideal spot for a picnic. Finally, cross several scree fields. Observe the rocks along this trail, and you will get a better idea of how avalanches impact the land.
Length: 4.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Middle Fork Trail 24
The Middle Fork Trail 24 is a beautiful path to hike as it runs between steep canyon walls near the Santa Barbara campground. Then, it runs through aspen groves before passing through an open meadow. Next, the trail passes through some small streams near Santa Barbara Divide, the forest's northern boundary.
Length: 11.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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East Fork Trail 56
The East Fork Trail 56 is a high-country trail crossing The Big Ditch, which used to bring water to the area for mining about 100 years ago. Then, it follows the Red River and through spruce forests, where you can cross wooden footbridges. It ends near Horseshoe Lake.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Easy
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West Fork Santa Barbara Trail 25
The West Fork Santa Barbara Trail 25 leaves from the West Fork 24 Trail, and it is gorgeous in the springtime when the wildflowers are in bloom. After passing along steep canyon walls, it gains about 3,000 feet in elevation as you climb long switchbacks along the Santa Barbara Divide. It runs near No Fish Lake before reaching the forest's northern boundary.
Length: 11 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Wheeler Peak Trail 90
The Wheeler Peak Trail 90 leaves from the Twining Campground and runs through Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture before heading up Mount Wheeler. The last part of this trail is above the tree line. This trail is steep, but the views from the top are a magnificent reward for those who choose to put in the effort to reach its end.
Length: 7.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
How to get to Carson National Forest
Address: Carson National Forest 208 Cruz Alta Road, Taos, New Mexico 87571
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Road
By Air
Taos Regional Airport: Located approximately 30 miles from the forest, it offers a few flights and is the closest airport to Carson National Forest.
Santa Fe Regional Airport: About 106 miles away, this smaller airport provides limited flights but is closer to the forest.
Albuquerque International Sunport Airport: Located approximately 169 miles from Carson National Forest, this airport is the largest in New Mexico and offers numerous domestic flights.
Seasonal Restrictions
Due to high visitor volume, certain areas may have restrictions during peak summer months. It's advisable to check for:
Road Closures: Some roads may be closed for maintenance or due to weather conditions, particularly in winter. Always check local alerts before traveling.
Camping Regulations: Popular campgrounds may require early reservations during busy seasons.
Fees
Carson National Forest typically has no entry fee; however, specific campgrounds or recreational areas may charge overnight stays or amenities fees. Verifying any potential costs at the specific site you plan to visit is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carson National Forest
Is there a fee to get into Carson National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into Carson National Forest. However, there may be fees to use day-use areas, or for certain recreational activities in the forest.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Carson National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Carson National Forest. You can camp for up to 14 days in the forest.
What is the best time to visit Carson National Forest?
The best time to visit Carson National Forest is from late July through September. The temperatures are at their most comfortable for hiking, paddling, and other outdoor activities. There are also fewer crowds as summer draws to a close.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Carson National Forest?
Yes, there are several lakes and rivers where you can kayak, canoe, or raft in Carson National Forest. You can also raft in the Carson National Forest and several companies will provide gear and guides for a day on the river.
What type of wildlife lives in Carson National Forest?
Wildlife in the Carson National Forest includes deer, antelope, black bears, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. There is also a variety of birds in the forest, as well as fish and other creatures.
