Buzzard Park

Closed — Closed for winter. The campground typically operates from May through November seasonally.

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:

Pile Burning Updates

Check this alert for daily pile burning updates from across the forest.

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.

Closure of Forest Road 17

Forest Roads 17 is currently closed for maintenance work.

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.

Occupancy and Use

Covers stay limits, alcoholic beverages, parking and public nudity.

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

Buzzard Park Campground sits at 7,300 feet elevation in the Carson National Forest, tucked among ponderosa pines west of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation in northern New Mexico. This small primitive camping area features dispersed sites suitable for those seeking a remote, off-the-grid experience with minimal amenities. The campground offers basic facilities including vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site, but campers must bring their own water and all necessary supplies. Access is via dirt forest roads that can become rough after rain or snow, making a high-clearance vehicle advisable. The location provides scenic views of surrounding mesas and canyons, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring the quiet forest environment. As a first-come, first-served facility with no reservations accepted, Buzzard Park attracts visitors looking for a true backcountry camping experience. The campground operates seasonally and sits approximately 35 miles east of Blanco via US 64 and Forest Road 310, near the Navajo Dam area.

Directions

Located approximately 35 miles east of Blanco via US 64 and Forest Road 310. Access requires traveling dirt forest roads that may be rough after rain or snow. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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