Agua Piedra Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campground typically reopens in spring when snow melts and temperatures warm, with opening dates dependent on weather conditions and staff evaluations of winter damage.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the s
Timber Harvest in Progress Near Pot Creek, Taos
An active timber harvest for forest restoration is occurring on the Camino Real Ranger District off Forest Service Roads 476, 115A, and 115B.For everyone's safety:
Collapsed Bridge on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25)
A bridge over the Middle Fork Rio Santa Barbara has collapsed. It's located on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25), 2.3 miles from the Santa Barbara Trailhead and about a quarter mile from the Middle Fork (#24)/West Fork (#25) intersection.
Early Fall Prescribed Fires Planned
Carson National Forest fire managers will potentially move forward with several prescribed fires in the first half of fall 2025.
Transmission Line Fuels Clearance in Taos Canyon
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association is currently conducting fuels mitigation work to reduce the risk of wildfires within its right-of-way for a 115kV transmission line that spans Forest Service land between Black Lake, N.M., and Taos.
Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Outbreak
Recently browned trees to the south of Taos, N.M., are the result of an outbreak of Douglas-fir tussock moths, which are currently in their larval (caterpillar) stage.
Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
Fire managers will enact temporary fire restrictions at times of heightened fire danger to complement regional orders and national prohibitions.
Placer Fork Trail Flooding
A beaver dam has caused flooding on the Placer Fork Trail (#72), just east of its junction with the Columbine Canyon Trail (#71). Visitors report it is not safely passable.
Capulin Trail and Related Road Access Closed to Vehicles
The Capulin Trail (#494), as well as a portion of Forest Road 10AA, is temporarily closed to vehicles (motorcycles, ATVs and e-bikes, classes 1-3).
Brush Piles Along Highway 150 and Wheeler Peak Trail (#90)
Piles from forest thinning last year are visible throughout the Highway 150 corridor, including from campgrounds and trailheads, between the forest boundary and Taos Ski Valley.
Significant Deadfall on Trails: Comales, Midnight, Sawmill Trails
Travel is not recommended on the following trails or trail segments due to blowdown from a severe windstorm in Dec. 2021. Trail crews continue work through the backlog:
Fawn Lakes Drained
Heavy spring runoff in 2019 broke the dam and damaged the sidewalk, pullouts and pier. Forest staff are working with partners to identify funding and options for the future of fishing in this area.The adjacent campground remains open for the spring and summer seasons.
About
Agua Piedra Campground is located in the Carson National Forest at 8,100 feet elevation, nestled in a mixed forest of spruce, fir, and aspen trees near the confluence of Rio Pueblo and Agua Piedra Creek. The campground offers a peaceful setting with ample shade and cooler summer nights typical of high-elevation mountain camping. The facility includes 40 single campsites and 2 double sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Two accessible group shelters west of the main campground accommodate 50 and 100 people respectively, with tables and campfire rings with grills. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while group shelters require reservations through Recreation.gov. Fishing is a primary activity, with the Rio Pueblo River stocked with rainbow trout. An accessible 0.8-mile barrier-free trail provides fishing access along the river, complete with an accessible fishing dock. Hiking opportunities include trails to Serpent Lake and Cordova Canyon within seven miles, and access to the broader Pecos Wilderness and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Trail 19A begins at the campground and features a pipe corral for horse users. The area supports year-round recreation including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Sipapu Ski Resort is located 3-17 miles away, with full services available in Taos (25 miles) or Española (45 miles).
Directions
From Taos, head south on NM-68. Turn left onto NM-518 and continue for 23 miles. Agua Piedra Campground will be on your right. From Peñasco, travel east on State Route 75 about 5 miles to an intersection. Turn right onto State Route 518 (unmarked) and continue about 7 miles to the campground entrance. From Las Vegas, take State Highway 518 approximately 51 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| camping@rrmofa.com | |
| Phone | +1 (928) 537-8888 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!