Cedar Springs

Closed — Closed for the season. Carson National Forest campgrounds typically reopen in spring as temperatures warm and snow melts.

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

Cedar Springs Campground is situated in the Carson National Forest at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, offering visitors a peaceful mountain camping experience. The campground is surrounded by pristine forestry and provides access to clear-cut hiking and biking trails, as well as areas set aside for horseback riding. The location provides opportunities to explore acres of national forest land in a high-elevation setting with crisp, fresh mountain air. The campground is located near Blanco, New Mexico, in Rio Arriba County, and serves as a base camp for exploring the diverse landscapes of Carson National Forest. Like most campgrounds in the Carson National Forest, Cedar Springs operates seasonally and typically reopens in the spring as temperatures warm and snow melts. Visitors should be prepared for cooler temperatures at this elevation and come equipped for primitive camping conditions typical of Forest Service campgrounds in this region. The high-elevation forest setting offers a quiet escape with opportunities for forest recreation activities.

Directions

From Blanco, NM, take US Highway 64 west for approximately 8 miles, passing through Jicarilla Apache Nation land. After crossing a metal cattle guard, you'll enter Carson National Forest. Continue for about 5 miles, following signs to Cedar Springs Campground. The campground is accessible via dirt roads; conditions can vary, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
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
Pull Through Sites

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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