The best hot spring campgrounds near Red River, New Mexico

North of Taos in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the small town of Red River gives campers a true Southern Rockies experience. Surrounding Red River is Carson National Forest, where scenic spots like Williams Lake, Chimney Rock, and Wheeler Peak offer lakeside and mountaintop views of the region. Choose from campsites, cabin rentals, and RV parks near the forest and other major Red River hot spots, including Middle Fork Lake and Cimarron Canyon State Park. Many lakefront campsites provide easy access to fly fishing and hiking, while equestrian campgrounds are even available for those traveling with horses.

97% (447)

Top-rated campgrounds

North of Taos in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the small town of Red River gives campers a true Southern Rockies experience. Surrounding Red River is Carson National Forest, where scenic spots like Williams Lake, Chimney Rock, and Wheeler Peak offer lakeside and mountaintop views of the region. Choose from campsites, cabin rentals, and RV parks near the forest and other major Red River hot spots, including Middle Fork Lake and Cimarron Canyon State Park. Many lakefront campsites provide easy access to fly fishing and hiking, while equestrian campgrounds are even available for those traveling with horses.

97% (447)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Taos Goji Farm & Eco Lodge

94%

(180)

15mi from Red River · 13 sites · Tents, Lodging · San Cristobal, NM

Taos Goji Ecolodge, is an historic property with ten renovated cabins and a 4-acre goji berry farm located on 40 acres of pristine land in San Cristobal, New Mexico. The cabins were built at the beginning of last century, originally for sheep herders. Both Alduous Huxley and D.H. Lawrence lived and wrote in this cabins, and later Elizabeth Kubler Ross and Ram Dass stayed here.

2. Big Little Hideaway

99%

(68)

19mi from Red River · 3 sites · Lodging · Taos, NM

We call it Big Little Hideaway and it will take you about 30 seconds upon arriving to discover why. My wife and I had been coming to Taos to ski for years and years and always felt at home, but it was a Summer trip that made us realize how much our souls belong here. My wife envisioned a property with a beautiful gate so that it feels like a courtyard (And she got it!) and after visiting the hot springs we knew this was The Spot!This is perfect if you're looking for a little bit of everything; mountain views, minutes away from hiking, paddle boarding, hot springs, skiing, and endless roads and beauty to explore. We're 15 minutes away from Taos and Arroyo Secco where you can enjoy great food, galleries and shopping, and 30 minutes away from the awesome Taos Ski Valley.Ideal for couples or families of 4 or close friends.

3. Campe Diem!

92%

(296)

46mi from Red River · 49 sites · Tents, RVs · CO

Do you want a large, private, uniquely situated, pet friendly CampSpot™ to yourselves or family with a BATHHOUSE where it can be so quiet and some days there are stars for as deep as you can see? We have about 300 of those days and nights. Usually can stay longer on Sundays! We are 72 acres of piñon trees, some small animal life and crickets tucked against a mesa just a few minutes from town. Bring your shoe prints! We have sandboards! $15 per day! We are approximately a 35 minute beautiful drive from the National Sand Dunes around Mt. Blanca. (14'r). 5 minutes from the Mountain Home State Wildlife Park and reservoir where you can fish swim chill cookout etc. You can bike, hike, Swim, jet ski or fish at the newly stocked reservoir. Firewood must be purchased at the campsite. Pet friendly!

4. San Isabel National Forest

91%

(77)

912 sites · Smeltertown, Colorado

Walk along the footsteps of giants in this natural Rocky Mountain playground.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Abiquiu Tiny House

100%

(108)

48mi from Red River · 1 site · Lodging · Abiquiu , NM

Situated at 6300 ft. above sea level the Chama River Valley is surrounded by forested mountains. There is white water rafting on the Rio Chama and Rio Grande Rivers nearby during spring and summer. Within an hour there are ski areas at Taos and Santa Fe during the winter. Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is 17 miles away and has a full spa and restaurant. There are beautiful hiking trails throughout the area and Abiquiu Lake is less than 20 minutes away. The location of the Tiny House is in a quiet, private and beautiful setting. Abiquiu Lake is only 15 minutes away for fun swimming, Ghost Ranch is 20 minutes away and has 3 beautiful hikes. Santa Fe and Taos are 60 minutes away. The tiny house is a healthy house built on the golden mean and has no electrical radiation inside except wi-fi. All material used are nontoxic.Notable aspect. There are no pets allowed on the property.

6. Two Gorges Ranch

20mi from Red River · 1 site · Tent, RV · Arroyo Hondo, NM

Tucked where the Rio Grande and Hondo River canyons meet, this high-desert retreat offers wide-open views, privacy, and a connection to New Mexico’s elemental landscape. Just 25 minutes north of Taos Plaza and Taos Ski Valley, the property sits on 6.5 acres of prairie facing the Rio Grande Gorge to the west and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east. Bring your van, camper, or tent and settle into this quiet and immersive expanse of land and wide open skies. You’ll have access to a dedicated electrical hookup (30-amp) and a nearby hose to fill up water tanks. There is no septic or grey water dump connection, so please take out all water waste with you. There is a trash can on the property, pls limit trash to one bag per visit.

7. Rustic Adobe on Arroyo

46mi from Red River · 2 sites · Lodging · Ojo Caliente, NM

100-year-old adobe on arroyo; quiet peaceful retreat surrounded by cottonwoods and elms. Relax, restore just one mile from Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. Rustic casita is two rooms: one full bed; mini-kitchen, full bath with deep tub, woodstove and wall panel heating. Second room with queen bed is large art studio with electric fireplace. Cozy, space for artistic hideaway with lovely views from patio.

Public campgrounds near Red River

100%

(2)

Purgatoire Campground

41mi from Red River · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Isabel National Forest

Blue Lake Campground

44mi from Red River · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Isabel National Forest

100%

(1)

Bear Lake Campground

45mi from Red River · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Isabel National Forest

100%

(1)

Cordova Pass Picnic Area and Campground

49mi from Red River · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Isabel National Forest

Stories from the community

A

Ariana

3 weeks ago

2 nights at Taos Goji Farm & Eco Lodge

I loved this space so much. Super beautiful and peaceful and I loved the animals! It was the perfect little retreat for myself and I love the history of the property.

The Rainbow connection is a well designed tiny home we purchased new in 2021 and put it out on our land. We love the simplicity of this tiny home.

Natalya

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Big Little Hideaway

Adorable peaceful respite just 15 minutes from Taos. Ideal for 2 people needing a home base to run, hike, and explore. Hosts very proactive and responsive with instructions and communication. Would definitely go back!

G

Gretchen

October 2025

With kids

2 nights at Big Little Hideaway

Loved this tiny getaway home and how close it was to Taos attractions! The home itself is very nice and comfortable. We were 4 adults (including 2 seniors) and a child and it was perfect! Since there are several homes on the property, we will consider coming back next time with friends!

C

Caleb

October 2025

4 nights at Abiquiu Tiny House

Great little house with all of the basic amenities someone looking for a place not too rustic would love. Harvey was extremely friendly, and gave us any and all of the privacy we could want. The dirt roads are pretty bumpy, so if you come in a standard height car take it slow.

M

Michael

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Big Little Hideaway

We loved staying at the Rainbow Connection in the Big Little Hideaway. The tiny home was quite comfortable and filled with all the amenities we could need. We are already planning a return visit next year.

S

Sarah

September 2025

1 night at Taos Goji Farm & Eco Lodge

Grateful that they had keypads for locks so we didn't feel badly for arriving at night. Nice cabin. Loved hearing the rooster in the morning. Bed was comfortable and the area was beautiful.

T

Tony

September 2025

3 nights at Big Little Hideaway

Very nicely appointed tiny house. Great location. Best part was proximity to Rio Grande Gorge for wading, hot springs, stargazing in total darkness.

Anny

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Taos Goji Farm & Eco Lodge

Beautiful property, very quiet and peaceful. The tipi was a wonderful experience to disconnect. I stayed here at the tail end of my week camping road trip, so having a nice cozy, comfy place to sleep with access to a hot shower was heaven.

D

Debra

September 2025

2 nights at Big Little Hideaway

This tiny home was adorable! They appointed it with such nice touches and it was so comfortable to sleep in. We enjoyed our stay so much! The hosts were so accommodating too. Very kind people!

C

Cate

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Campe Diem!

We had a wonderful time staying here! The land is gorgeous and it was easy to find a great campsite. Perfect for rustic dispersed camping and close to lots of wonderful nature in this corner of Colorado. Would love to stay again!

K

Krista

August 2025

5 nights at Abiquiu Tiny House

Harvey was an awesome host. The tiny house is beautiful and comfortable and the land is magical especially at night for star gazing.

C

Courtney

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Campe Diem!

It was BEAUTIFUL!! The thing that stood out the most was the blanket of stars we got to enjoy for the night. It was incredible peaceful and clean. We loved it here!! Highly recommend

A

Angie

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Campe Diem!

Perfect desert style camping! Bring your own shade! ☀️ Thank you for providing water with large tank for the unbeatable camping bathroom experience! A flush toilet and a HOT shower under the incredible starry skies are unmatched! The lake is a 3 min drive or a small hike away. You cannot swim in this lake but there's plenty of beach and you can still fish and be on-water! The small town aboit 12 mins away is perfect for any last minute or forgotten quick grabs. A perfect get away without getting too far away!

Juliany (JT)

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Big Little Hideaway

The Bougie tiny house was awesome (had everything you could need for a comfortable stay) & the views were stunning! So close to the river, too. Would definitely recommend and/or return :)

Heather

July 2025

3 nights at Abiquiu Tiny House

This tiny house is such a special place. It was so peaceful and relaxing, and is in a great location with so many sites in the area. The house had everything I needed and the views were magical. Harvey was a great host!

M

Marie

July 2025

1 night at Taos Goji Farm & Eco Lodge

Great place to stay! So clean and very straightforward directions when we got there. Beautiful campground as well.

C

Chase

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Campe Diem!

Great spots with lots of privacy and you truly feel alone out their!

H.

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Big Little Hideaway

The Rainbow Connection was impeccably clean and labeled with helpful directions to navigate the building’s amenities. They even included river blankets for us to use during our time at the hot springs down the road (just a short walk to the Rio Grande!)

E

Emily

July 2025

2 nights at Taos Goji Farm & Eco Lodge

This was my third time staying at Taos Goji but my first time booking a cabin there through hip camp. Easy booking process/check-in and a comfortable cabin. Always a lovely and charming place to stay.

R

Rob

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Campe Diem!

We had a great time. This is a great location with a beatiful view. This is the second time we've stayed at Campe Diem. I would use this spot again if I come this way in the future.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

91%

(77)

San Isabel National Forest

Smeltertown, Colorado

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best hot spring camping near Red River guide

Where to go

Carson National Forest

Carson National Forest covers more than 2,000 square miles of pristine wilderness areas and mountains like Wheeler Peak—the highest elevation in the state at 13,161 feet. Hikers can traverse the Continental Divide Trail to glimpse Chimney Rock, one of the most unique geological features of the forest. Other attractions include Williams Lake, the Georgia O’Keefe cabin, and Echo Amphitheatre. Then stay in campsites in and near the forest that offer basic amenities like full restrooms and water and electrical hookups.

Middle Fork Lake

Though Red River is home to more than 20 lakes, Middle Fork Lake is often regarded as one of the most beautiful. Cradled by pine trees in the foothills of Wheeler Peak and Walters Peak, the alpine lake is only accessible by hiking or horseback riding. The lake’s beauty makes it a popular destination in all four seasons, particularly with its golden autumn foliage and blankets of snow during winter. Accommodations in nearby lakeside campsites provide easy access to the famous Middle Fork Lake Trail, where visitors can survey the entire vista.

Cimarron Canyon State Park

A popular destination for hiking and fly fishing, Cimarron Canyon State Park’s lush forests and trout-filled Cimarron River make it a fun stop. Found off Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, the park features four campgrounds with nearly 100 developed campsites, as well as access to nearby private RV parks and cabin rentals. During the warm season, enjoy wildlife watching and horseback riding. In winter, snowshoeing is a popular pastime.

When to go

Visit Red River year-round to enjoy its wide range of seasonal activities, including skiing and fly fishing. Winter highs reach 34°F, and the season sees snowfall, which is great news for winter sports lovers. In summer, temperatures seldom exceed the mid-80s. Campers may wish to book their stay for the most popular accommodations to ensure they get a reservation during this season.