Camping near Red River

Experience Sangre de Cristo Mountain adventures when camping near Red River.

99% (551 reviews)

United States
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New Mexico
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Red River

99% (551 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Red River

Top campgrounds near red river

99%

(1289)

Enchanted Circle Campground (E<<)

13 sites · RVs, Tents161 acres · Angel Fire, NM

The Enchanted Circle Campground sits on the Avalon Ranch. It is 161 owned acres surrounded by a state trust lease. We are very proud to have been voted #1 Campground in NM 4 years in a row. We have 8 RV/tent sites to choose from. Campfires are permitted, and pets are welcome. Potable water is available as well as a portable toilet. Wi-Fi is available at the office and fishing lake. For cooking, you will have a fire pit, with a small grill. With the grill, you will have tongs, a spatula and a grill brush. A fire extinguisher and a shovel. The property was originally homesteaded in 1893. It was also the first potato farm in NM. It has seven ground-fed springs that run year-round. They converge after filling 4 of our ponds in the marshland where the potatoes were grown. A family of 4 lived in the first dwelling built here, not much larger than a shed. Since that time 2 homes, 1 of which still stands, a barn, a smokehouse, and 4 outbuildings were constructed. There are old wagons and farm equipment from the late 1800s and early 1900's still strewn about the ranch. We are home to Huge herds of Elk, mule deer, turkeys, prairie dogs, eagles, black bears, 9 horses, chickens, pigs, goats, our 3 dogs and 3 cats, and the occasional Mountain Lion. We live here year-round. We love our land and want to share it with others. I am a Veteran and our intent is to eventually have a Veterans Retreat facility here. Not a retreat itself, but rather a location for all of the retreats, nationwide, to be able to utilize, so they can use the funds they have to do what they do best. You are helping to make that possible. We do pride ourselves on minimally impacting our land. We strive to keep it clean and as close to nature as we can. We encourage you to leave it better than you found it, as it is only making it that much better. We encourage you to get out and explore. Trailblaze. Be a pioneer. Go wherever you feel lead. And as always, Veterans, LEOs, and Fire Fighters are always free for one night up to 4 guests.

Camping near Red River guide

Overview

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.

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.