The best dog-friendly 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.

94% (2K) • 242 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Red River

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.

94% (2K) • 242 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Red River

1. Two Gorges Ranch

20mi from Red River · 1 site · Tent, RV

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.

2. Coyote Cabin

100%

(2)

21mi from Red River · 1 site · Lodging

Welcome to the little guest cabin on the mesa. Simple. Cozy. Quiet. Clean. Everything you need and little that you don't. Everyone's most loved feature is the expansive covered patio, with wide-open westward views over the Rio Grande Gorge. Perfect for outdoor lovers who need a comfy adventure base. Close to skiing, hiking, rafting, mountain biking, hot air balloons, and more. Solid wifi for remote work. Coyote Cabin sits on 10 acres just north of Taos, on a property shared with the main house. You have access to miles of walkable dirt roads right from the door, and there are trails to BLM land nearby. 10 minute drive from access to the Rio Grande Gorge, and an easy 25 minute drive into Taos Ski Valley for snow fun and hiking. 15 min north of downtown Taos. The cabin is divided into two sides. One side is a bedroom/bathroom suite with a comfortable queen size bed and a bathroom (with an awesome standing shower). On the other side, separated by an exterior door, you'll find a cozy space for dining and relaxing, a couch (with a small fold-out mattress), and a kitchenette. This means you move from the living room/kitchenette to the bedroom/bathroom by walking outside under the covered patio. While it's a bit unusual, we really enjoy it, and so do 99% of our guests. If you like being outdoors, and enjoy having separate areas for sleeping vs hanging out and cooking, you'll enjoy it too. The kitchenette includes a mini fridge, a large double sink, an electric cooktop, varied coffee supplies, and all the essential cooking amenities. No need to run to the store just for basics like salt, pepper, or oil. Plus some less basic items, like a variety of Trader Joes spices + emergency snacks. The Blackstone outdoor griddle is a versatile cooking amenity, where you can make a full breakfast spread, delicious fajitas, and really anything in between. This is a somewhat remote high desert area, with all that entails. There are birds, bugs, and lots of other wildlife around. You may hear coyotes singing late at night or early in the morning. The last 1.5 miles of the drive are on a maintained dirt road. You don't need 4WD or a lifted vehicle to get here, although you may need it for other areas of Taos. The guest cabin shares the 10 acres with the main house, where we live. If we're out of town, other guests may be staying in the main house. The cabin and house are well separated by both a large garage and latilla privacy fences. The cabin is dog friendly, as we have two of our own and know the challenges of traveling with dogs.

3. Orchard

23mi from Red River · 1 site · Lodging

Furnished 2BR home just 1 mile from Taos Plaza — all utilities (including internet) included! Hot tub! Spacious 2,000 sq ft on almost 2 acres: a rural feel, yet only a 20-minute walk to the plaza. We use this as a ski house in the winter (usually only on weekends). It’s just 45 minutes from the ski valley. Enjoy gorgeous wood ceilings, great views, quiet surroundings, and wonderful natural light. The house is securely tucked away at the end of a long shared driveway, and an acequia runs along one side of the property. The home is fully furnished and totally livable: sheets, towels, dishes, a king bed in the master, tables and chairs, couches, dressers, washer/dryer, BBQ grill, and more. The second bedroom features queen bunk beds.

4. Zenfully Wild

26mi from Red River · 1 site · Tent, RV

Looking to sleep under the stars in a peaceful quiet surrounding. Come camp on my site. It is located in the housing community of Tres Orejas. You will find everything from million dollar homes to people living in yurts or train cars. There is no running water or electricity. You are on your own. But also your on your own!!! No one will bother you so enjoy. RVs, pets, camper vans, tents you name it, all are all welcome! There was a RV living there when I bought it so I know it’s possible to get in and out of there fairly easily. There is an abandoned house on the property. The land is a work in progress Looking for something to do! Rafting/swimming: The Pilar Junction Bridge is located 10 min. away. It is a major put in spot for rafting. But also a beautiful place to dip your toes or jump on in! Rio Gorge Bridge: 10min and you will be at the Rio George Bridge. One of the most gorgeous scenic overlooks. You can walk across the bridge to a 200ft drop below to the Rio! There a few local Mountain Goats that chill here regularly. Here you will also find public restrooms as well as dumpsters. There are no restrooms on site. An outhouse is being built but for now we dig holes or use the restrooms at the George Bridge. There are local vendors usually set up here in the parking lot. Taos Ski Valley: The Taos Ski Valley is about 45min. But worth the drive to get away into the mountains grab some food and beverages! Earthships: The Earthships are located 5min down the road. If you are interested in building off grid homes I recommend checking out the visitor center! Taos Mesa Brewery: There is a brewery 10/15min away that has outdoor shows and events. Buddhist Temple: If you continue on the road within Tres Orjeas you will reach a Buddhist temple at the top of the hill. If you need more assistance please reach out! Thank you!

5. Chaderossa

100%

(1)

27mi from Red River · 1 site · Tent, RV

Very off the grid community where we are building an Earthship, a TaosComedy kiva, a wallipini and other fun stuff sustainably. We have two out houses, a composting toilet, two schoolies, a few sheds, a couple campers, and a pit garden. One of the campers will become a community kitchen very soon. You will need a vehicle with high clearance and four-wheel drive, preferably.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best dog-friendly 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.