Carson National Forest Guide
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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
Starts $22 per night
$5 per night
Starts $24 per night
Free
Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds
Price not mentioned
$22 per night
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
$5 per night
Starts $24 per night
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
Free
$10 per night
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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.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Hiking, skiing
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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.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Hiking, horse camping
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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.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Hiking trails, fire rings
RV Rentals Near Carson National Forest
Carson National Forest Hiking Trails
Carson National Forest offers various hiking trails with stunning mountain views and hiking experiences.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Distance: 2.3 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.2 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Red River Caves and Mountains Trail
Distance: 1.3 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Challenging Hiking Trails
Distance: 5.5 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
South Boundary Trail to First Peak
Distance: 3.5 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.2 Miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Wheeler Peak via Williams Lake Trail
Distance: 8.7 Miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 5.5 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Lakeside Trails
Distance: 4.7 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11.7 Miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 3.7 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
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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
Activities in Carson National Forest
Here are some of the interesting things to do in Carson National Forest.
Hiking: Explore over 330 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.
Fishing: Enjoy fishing in numerous lakes and streams stocked with native trout. Enjoy clean mountain streams, perfect for various kinds of fishing.
Wildlife Viewing: The forest is home to diverse wildlife, including mule deer, elk, black bears, and many bird species. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the forest.
Winter Sports: Engage in winter activities such as downhill skiing at nearby ski areas like Taos Ski Valley and snowshoeing or snowmobiling on designated trails.
Picnicking: Visit sites like the Echo Amphitheater, known for its unique acoustics and stunning geological features.
Wilderness Areas: Explore designated wilderness areas, such as Wheeler Peak Wilderness and Latir Peak Wilderness, where access is limited to foot or horseback.
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
While the upper elevations of Carson National Forest are above the tree line, many beautiful wildflowers grow abundantly in the valleys. At the highest elevations where trees still grow, you will find beautiful conifer and aspen trees surrounding small mountain lakes. If you are looking for a wilderness experience, visit the Northern Pecos Wilderness, where you will see spruce, fir, pine, and aspen trees.
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Fishing
If you love catching trout, consider going to the 15-acre Cabresto Lake northeast of Questa, New Mexico. Another outstanding option is to head to the Trout Lakes, which is a lovely place to fish in the autumn when the leaves change color. The rivers and streams flowing near Camino Real Road can be incredible places to fish for Rio Grande cutthroat trout.
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Geocaching
There is at least one geocache hidden in Carson National Forest. This geocache is hidden along the Enchanted Circle, which runs from Taos to Red River through Eagle Nest and Angel Fire. This cache is hanging from a large tree near a small tree. It is on the side of the tree, away from the highway. Look for a bag containing a cache related to buffaloes.
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Nature Watching
You can find a variety of wildlife and birds at Carson National Forest, and you may spot mule deer, elk, antelope, and black bears. The forest is also a great place to see songbirds. Consider looking near the streams at sunrise and sunset as the animals come to get a drink.
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Stargazing
There is an observatory near El Rino in the Carson National Forest. Several small telescopes, including a Celestron CGEM 1100 and a Dobsonian telescope, are available to everyone. The observatory is particularly a fascinating spot to see the stars in the winter when they seem even closer.
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
From Albuquerque: Around 130 miles from Carson National Forest.
From Santa Fe: Around 124 miles from Carson National Forest.
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.
