Cabresto Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Generally operates May through November, weather dependent. Opening and closing dates vary based on snow conditions and road access.
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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
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 states of Texas and…
Valle Vidal Annual Closures
Each year, portions of the Valle Vidal close for the protection of one of New Mexico’s largest elk herds.The east side closes January 1 and reopens April 1 to protect wintering habitat. The closure includes Cimarron Campground, McCrystal Campground, and Shuree Ponds.Then the west side closes…
Valle Vidal Camping Restrictions
The following prohibitions are in effect within the Valle Vidal Unit:Camping on or within a half-mile of Forest Service roads (camping is allowed in Cimarron and McCrystal campgrounds when open).Camping within 100 yards of natural waters or within 300 yards of constructed waters.The purpose of…
Possession of Domestic Sheep or Goats
The following is prohibited to protect bighorn sheep from diseases transmitted by domestic sheep and goats:Possessing, storing, or transporting any domestic goat or sheep within the Congressionally designated boundaries of the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness AreaLatir Peaks Wilderness AreaPecos…
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.This page lists local, regional and national laws regarding the use of fire on the Carson National Forest. The text of each prohibition is listed with a…
Annual Summer Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Surrounding Area
The Carson National Forest temporarily closes the Wheeler Peak and Williams Lake area each summer for about a week for local community, traditional purposes.The 2026 dates will be determined in the summer, but the closure has historically taken place in mid- to late August.The following trails will…
Seasonal Road Closures
Seasonal winter road closures for vehicles went into effect Jan. 1. Most will reopen around May 1. Visitors may still use the roads by other means, such as hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.Closures and dates are broken down in a series of Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) by ranger…
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 115A, 115B, and 476*.For everyone's safety:Keep an eye out for logging truck signage and look for dust from haul traffic to anticipate encounters.Listen for trucks/equipment…
Collapsed Bridge on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25)
A bridge over the Middle Fork Rio Santa Barbara in the Pecos Wilderness has collapsed. It's located on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25) and is: 2.3 miles from the Santa Barbara Trailhead~0.25-mile from the Middle Fork (#24)/West Fork (#25) intersection.Use 36.054280°, -105.615395° to…
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. Proceed with caution when around them. Specific locations include general forest areas along Highway 518 south of Pot Creek and…
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). For background on the closure, read the news release.DocumentationForest OrderMap
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:Comales Canyon Trail: About 200 deadfall are blocking the the eastern half of the loop near the junctions with the Comales Cutoff…
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
Surrounded by the high peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Cabresto Lake Campground offers a remote mountain camping experience at 9,500 feet elevation in Carson National Forest. This small campground features four semi-dispersed campsites positioned on a level ridge overlooking the 15-acre Cabresto Lake. The lake is one of the few places in New Mexico where anglers can catch brook trout, and non-motorized boats are permitted, though access to the shore requires traversing a steep slope. The campground serves as the trailhead for the Lake Fork Trail, providing access into the Latir Peak Wilderness. A popular 4-mile trail leads from the campground to Heart Lake, offering opportunities for day hiking and backcountry exploration. The final 2 miles of access to the campground on Forest Road 134A is a primitive road requiring suitable vehicles. Campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site, and the facility provides vault toilets.
Directions
From Questa, travel 5 miles northeast on Forest Road 134, then 2 miles north on Forest Service Road 134A. The last 2 miles on Forest Road 134A are on a primitive road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 586-0520 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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