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Cimarron Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — New Mexico · Carson National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Carson National Forest |
| Location | New Mexico · Carson National Forest · 36.77030, -105.20540 · Map |
| Sites | 36 public sites counted from the federal listing — 25 standard nonelectric; 11 equestrian nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 36 sites Water hookups at 0 of 36 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 36 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 36 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 180 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 35 sites · 30 ft: 33 sites · 35 ft: 29 sites · 40 ft: 19 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 25 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 575-586-0520 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-08-26.
From the official listing
Overview Cimarron Campground is located in the scenic Valle Vidal within Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico, at an elevation of 9,300 feet. The sites are tucked among spruce, aspen and fir trees, and the camp offers an open range feel.
Visitors have opportunities to enjoy a variety of recreational activities in a picturesque setting. Viewing wildlife and simply relaxing in the mountain air are popular activities. Recreation Anglers can fish for Rio Grande cutthroat trout in Comanche Creek and the Rio Pueblo. Nearby Shuree Ponds offers excellent fishing. The smaller pond is a fishing hole for kids 12 and under. The main pond is stocked with rainbow trout and is also popular for float tubing.
The area around the campground is open to horseback riding, and there are few maintained trails. Elk and deer hunting is excellent. Facilities The campground contains 36 overnight campsites, which includes eleven horse sites and one double site. Vault toilets are provided. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Horse corrals and water troughs are available in the campground. A host is on-site.
Natural Features Some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.5 million acres within the Carson National Forest. Elevations range from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest in New Mexico.
Big game animals roam the Carson, including mule deer, elk, antelope, black bear, mountain lion and bighorn sheep. Many species of smaller animals and songbirds can also been found in the forest.
Cimarron Campground is located within the beautiful Valle Vidal, a Spanish term meaning "Valley of Life," of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Shuree Ponds, Comanche Creek and the Rio Pueblo are all near the campground, offering excellent fishing. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
Directions, from the listing
Driving Directions: From Costilla, NM, on State Highway 522, travel east on State Highway 196 past Amalia to the intersection of Forest Service Road 1950. Travel on 1950 (a gravel road) east to the unit boundary. Follow Forest Service Road 1950 to the junction with Forest Service Road 1900. Turn right; you will cross Costilla Creek. Continue on Forest Service Road 1950, 10 miles to the junction with Forest Road 1910. Climb 1 mile up the hill to Cimmarron Campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
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Trip Card — Cimarron Campground
New Mexico · Carson National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | New Mexico · Carson National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 180 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 36 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233389 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.