The best waterside campgrounds near Taos, New Mexico

Taos is a town and county set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains—the southernmost point of the Rocky Mountains. It has a long-standing history with the development of the United States, is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a National Historic Landmark. Camping near Taos provides easy access to attractions like the Rio Grande, an abundance of hot springs, and original adobe buildings still being lived in 1,000 years after they were created. There are cabin rentals nearby, as well as glamping opportunities and RV camping options—expect to find spots with mountain views, starry skies, and pull-through sites with picnic tables.

97% (1.5K) • 17 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Taos

Eagle Nest Lake State Park

1. Eagle Nest Lake State Park

100%

(1)

State park 21mi from Taos · 19 sites

Eagle Nest Lake State Park: A High-Altitude Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Santa Fe National Forest

2. Santa Fe National Forest

94%

(42)

National forest 39mi from Taos · 444 sites

Santa Fe National Forest isn’t just a cool spot in New Mexico, it’s a place that painters, poets, photographers and adventurers have waxed poetic about since...well, forever. It’s easy to see why, with over 1.6 million acres and over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. Whether it’s an autumn day trekking under trees blazing gold, or taking turns down the slopes at Santa Fe Ski Basin, the forest is a year round wonderland! Spring and Summer offer thrilling whitewater rafting down the Rio Grande, trout fishing, hunting, and nights under the stars. It’s easy to set up camp here too in one of the forests many campgrounds, and if you plan on staying away, be sure visit the town of Santa Fe, one of the most artistic and beautiful towns in America. This trip is bound to have you channeling your inner artist in no time!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Taos is a town and county set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains—the southernmost point of the Rocky Mountains. It has a long-standing history with the development of the United States, is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a National Historic Landmark. Camping near Taos provides easy access to attractions like the Rio Grande, an abundance of hot springs, and original adobe buildings still being lived in 1,000 years after they were created. There are cabin rentals nearby, as well as glamping opportunities and RV camping options—expect to find spots with mountain views, starry skies, and pull-through sites with picnic tables.

97% (1.5K) • 17 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Taos

Eagle Nest Lake State Park

1. Eagle Nest Lake State Park

100%

(1)

State park 21mi from Taos · 19 sites

Eagle Nest Lake State Park: A High-Altitude Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Santa Fe National Forest

2. Santa Fe National Forest

94%

(42)

National forest 39mi from Taos · 444 sites

Santa Fe National Forest isn’t just a cool spot in New Mexico, it’s a place that painters, poets, photographers and adventurers have waxed poetic about since...well, forever. It’s easy to see why, with over 1.6 million acres and over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. Whether it’s an autumn day trekking under trees blazing gold, or taking turns down the slopes at Santa Fe Ski Basin, the forest is a year round wonderland! Spring and Summer offer thrilling whitewater rafting down the Rio Grande, trout fishing, hunting, and nights under the stars. It’s easy to set up camp here too in one of the forests many campgrounds, and if you plan on staying away, be sure visit the town of Santa Fe, one of the most artistic and beautiful towns in America. This trip is bound to have you channeling your inner artist in no time!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Taos guide

Where to go

Carson National Forest

Just west of Taos, Carson National Forest features over 1.5 million acres of mountain terrain to adventure through, including the tallest peak in all of New Mexico. Take a guided llama trek, ride a hot air balloon, or raft the Rio Grande on a 17-mile section running through the stunning Rio Grande Gorge. Campers will find tons of mountain biking options here, as the forest is home to one of the highest-ranked trails in the state. Book a campsite with showers to wind down after an action-packed day of exploring. Just don’t forget to organize a permit for camping, fishing, or hunting.

Orilla Verde Recreation Area

Nestled along the Rio Grande and only a 40-minute drive from Taos, the Orilla Verde Recreation Area is a great spot to settle into, especially if wildlife is a must-see. Bighorn sheep, mule deer, cougars, and hawks are commonly spotted in Orilla Verde, and Native American petroglyphs can also be seen on archaeological rock walls. Orilla Verde Recreation Area features campsites, although advance reservations are not available. Arrive early and be prepared with a backup plan.

Black Rock Hot Springs

Sit back and relax at the Black Rock Hot Springs, set in the canyon of the Rio Grande and roughly a 20-minute drive from Taos. The access trail is open year-round, but seasonal closures are common in winter as the high water levels make it inaccessible. Look for campsites near the hot springs for a short commute, and get going early in the morning to beat the crowds. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leashes, while clothing is optional.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Taos for tent camping and aquatic activities is the summer months of May through September. Thunderstorms are common in July and August, so a raincoat and waterproof shoes will be a huge benefit. March, April, and November are the off-season, so it’s less busy, but there won’t be any access to skiing or other winter-based activities. Snow begins in early to mid-December and lasts through March, with January bringing the coldest temps.