Agua Piedra Campground

About

Agua Piedra Campground is nestled at 8,100 feet in Carson National Forest's Camino Real Ranger District, situated where Agua Piedra Creek meets the Rio Pueblo. The mixed conifer forest of spruce, fir, and aspen provides welcome shade during summer days while temperatures cool pleasantly at night. The campground includes 40 single sites and 2 double sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host. Fishing is a main draw here. The Rio Pueblo is stocked with rainbow trout and features an accessible fishing dock in the day-use area. Hikers can access trails to Serpent Lake and Cordova Canyon, both within seven miles, or venture further into the Pecos Wilderness and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. An accessible novice trail and a longer intermediate trail accommodate hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and winter activities like cross-country skiing. Two group shelters west of the campground accommodate larger parties. Shelter A holds up to 50 people overnight and Shelter B up to 100 people; both require advance reservations through Recreation.gov. Individual sites are first-come, first-served only. Bears frequent the area, so proper food storage is required.

Directions

From Taos, head south on NM-68, turn left onto NM-518 and continue 23 miles; the campground is on the right. From Penasco, travel east on State Route 75 about 5 miles to the intersection, turn right onto State Route 518 (unmarked) and continue 7 miles to the campground entrance. From Las Vegas, NM, take State Highway 518 approximately 51 miles west.