Cimarron Canyon State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Cimarron Canyon State Park is set in New Mexico's high country, 3 miles east of Eagle Nest. It extends for 8 miles along the Cimarron Canyon between Tolby Creek and Ute Park and is part of the 33,116-acre Colin Neblett Wildlife Area - the largest wildlife area in the state. The word Cimarron is Spanish for wild and untamed, perfectly describing the region’s rugged, timbered mountains (the Cimarron Range), towering cliffs, and once-unpredictable Cimarron River. These days, the state park is popular among outdoor enthusiasts and is a great place to experience activities such as camping, fishing, hiking and equestrian trails, and wildlife viewing. Some of the most common species sighted within the park include deer, elk, bear, turkey, and many species of songbirds.
With its rocky mountain ranges and highlands, Cimarron State Park’s climate features light rainfall and plenty of sunshine. Summer can bring maximum temperatures of 82°F, while winter temperatures can fall to around 26°F. There’s plenty to do and see within this region, so if you’re planning a trip to the state park, you’ll certainly want to come prepared. Keep reading to find out about campground information, in-park activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 33-68 F
Summer 55-82 F
Fall 34-73 F
Winter 26-48 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cimarron Canyon State Park
If you’re planning on camping in or near the state park, we recommend visiting this stunning place in an RV to have access to your own cosy bed, fully-stocked kitchen, and private bathroom. If you don’t own one, you can easily rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget and needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
The state park has three full campgrounds located along the river, including the Maverick, Tolby, and Ponderosa campgrounds. These contain numerous individual sites for RV or tent camping, as well as full bathrooms with plumbing and potable water. Camping fees are $10 per night per vehicle.
There are also some campgrounds located outside of the state park, including those listed below.
Angel Fire RV Resort
Angel Fire RV Resort is just a half-hour drive from the state park and offers a luxury RV experience like no other. It’s rated the number one RV park in New Mexico by Good Sam and offers on-site activities, in-park dining, and events. On average, sites cost $50 - $70 per night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: clubhouse, hot tub, bath house, community fire pits, laundry facilities, bark park, horseshoe pits, putting green, playground, onsite hiking trail.
Golden Eagle RV Park
Another short drive from the state park isGolden Eagle RV Park, which is conveniently located on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. They also have a convenience store on-site and host weekly farmer’s markets. Nightly rates range from $41.95 - $45.95 + tax.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: convenience store, farmer’s market, on-site food / beverages, BBQ area, fire pit, gift store, RV supplies and maintenance, weekly arts and crafts, horseshoe pits, laundry facilities, propane station, dump station, toilets, showers.
Monte Verde RV Park and Campground
30 minutes’ south-west of the state park is theMonte Verde RV Park and Campground, which contains 30 RV Sites – some of which have full hookups. It serves as the perfect base for things to do within the region and features helpful amenities to keep the whole family comfortable.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: laundry room, convenience store, showers, restrooms, pet area, pavilion, fire pits, propane sales.
What to Do at
Cimarron Canyon State Park
Inside Cimarron Canyon State Park
While Cimarron Canyon State Park is popular due to its camping, it’s also a widely visited region because of the number of fun recreational activities on offer. From fishing and wildlife viewing, to hiking or horse riding the miles of trails – you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Fishing : The park is well known for its excellent trout fishing, including brown and rainbow trout, which are stocked in the Cimarron River. Clear Creek and Tolby Creek are also home to smaller trout species. Fishing season is busiest during the summer months.
Wildlife viewing : The park sits at the center of the Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area. With its sprawling land and high observation points, the park provides great wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep your eyes open for deer, elk, bear, bobcat, mountain lion, turkey, grouse, and songbirds.
Hunting : Hunting of elk, deer, turkey, bears, and grouse is another popular pastime at the park in the fall and winter. The surrounding Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area provides prime hunting grounds for some of the biggest game in the state.
Hiking : The Clear Creek Trail is perhaps the most popular hike among visitors and its trailhead is at mile marker 292. It takes you on a three-mile, mostly level hike through the creek and past several picturesque waterfalls. AGAIN permit is required to hike many of the state park’s trails.
Horseback riding : There are a number of areas available for horseback riding, including the Tolby and Maverick Trails, which are open year-round except May 15 - July 3. There are two pipe corrals within the park (at the trailhead of Tolby Canyon and near Maverick campground), as horses cannot be kept at campsites.
Outside Cimarron Canyon State Park
If you thought there was plenty to do inside of the park, then you’ll be surprised by just how many experiences are on offer outside of the park too, including stunning sightseeing, award-winning restaurants, and more.
Restaurants
Zebs Restaurant & Bar
Zebs Restaurant & Bar has been called one of the best-priced places in town. They specialize in top quality steak and burgers, and serve Mexican food, barbecue, seafood, kid’s meals, and more. There’s a full bar on offer, as well as multiple TVs to enjoy a variety of sporting games.
Type: American
Location: Angel Fire, NM
Shotgun Willie's
Shotgun Willie's is located in Red River, around a 40-minute drive from the state park. It’s a rustic breakfast and lunch spot specializing in BBQ, Southwestern specialties, and burgers. It’s affordable, delicious, and close to the slopes.
Type: Breakfast / lunch café
Location: Red River, NM
Angel Fired Pizza
Want to try some of the best pizza in the area (complete with beautiful views of the Angel Fire ski mountain)?Angel Fired Pizza is popular among visitors and locals and offers handmade pizza complete with fresh, tasty toppings, and gluten-free options. Other menu items include appetizers, salads, soup, pasta, and more.
Type: Pizza / Italian
Location: Angel Fire, NM
Sightseeing
Taos Pueblo
Just over an hour’s drive will take you toTaos Pueblo, a landmark Red Willow tribal site with multi-story adobe houses, which have been inhabited for more than 1,000 years. In fact, they’re the oldest continuously inhabited communities within the US! Tours run daily, costing $14 - $16 per person. Children 10 and under are free.
Location: Taos, NM
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
While you’re in the region, you might want to visit one of America's highest bridges, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. The stunning steel bridge spans across the Rio Grande Gorge. Shopping, food, and beverages are also available nearby.
Location: Hondo, NM
Eagle Nest Lake State Park
Just over a 20-minute drive away is another state park: Eagle Nest Lake. Its main attraction is a 2,400-acre lake which is popular for fishing and boating in the summer, and ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Location: Eagle Nest, NM
How to Get to
Cimarron Canyon State Park
Cimarron Canyon State Park is three miles east of Eagle Nest along US 64.
Entering Cimarron Canyon State Park
Cimarron Canyon State Park Daily : $5.0
We’re very excited you’re planning a trip to Cimarron Canyon State Park. Once you’ve finished exploring all the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]. We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cimarron Canyon State Park
Cimarron Canyon State Park is a pet-friendly area. Pets are allowed for no additional fee, but it is expected that you keep them under control and clean up after them whenever necessary.
The climate of Cimarron Canyon State Park is known for its heavy snowfall between November and March. The summers are moderate and feature temperatures between 55 and 82 degrees. During winter, it can get as cold as 27 degrees.
The best time of the year to visit Cimarron Canyon State Park is between June and September. The summer will provide warm, pleasant conditions for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Cimarron Canyon State Park boasts a large campground with 94 individual sites capable of accommodating RVs. Although these sites are not equipped with RV hookups, the campground does offer drinking water.
Wildlife viewing and bird-watching are popular activities at Cimarron Canyon State Park. The area is inhabited by bobcats, mountain lions, deer, elk, bears, turkeys, grouse, and various species of songbirds.