Canjilon Lakes
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates spring through fall with specific dates weather dependent. Forest Road 129 is closed to motorized travel January 1 through April 30.
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
Located at 9,900 feet elevation in the Carson National Forest, Canjilon Lakes Campground offers a scenic mountain retreat in a setting of three small lakes and a meandering stream. The campground features 52 campsites surrounded by spruce-fir forest and aspen stands, with views of Canjilon Mountain and the surrounding national forest. The campground provides excellent fishing opportunities in the six small ponds, along with access to hiking trails including the Canjilon/Trout Lakes Trail and routes into the surrounding forest. The area transforms in autumn when aspen leaves turn vibrant gold and orange, making it popular with photographers and nature enthusiasts. Canjilon Lakes operates as a first-come, first-served campground with no advance reservations. The site has vault toilets and picnic tables, but no potable water is available. Campers should bring adequate drinking water. The campground is accessible via Forest Road 129 (Alkali Spring Road), which is closed to motorized travel from January 1 through April 30 each year.
Directions
From Taos, travel west 93 miles. From Chama, travel south 31 miles. Turn on State Road 115 to the town of Canjilon. Turn left at the post office onto County Road 280 and continue on Forest Road 559 for about 7 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 129 to reach the campground.
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 | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 684-2489 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Canjilon Lakes Picnic Site |
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