Domes near Taos
Bathe in rich history, architecture, hot springs, and natural beauty near Taos.
- Taos
Popular camping styles for Taos
Domes near Taos guide
Overview
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.
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.
