Cimarron Campground
Open for the season and operating first-come, first-served. Water systems are currently out of service; campers must bring their own drinking water. The Valle Vidal east side closes annually January 1 through April 1 for elk habitat protection. Fees are collected mid-May through mid-October.
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…
Temporary Partial Closure of Forest Road 439
Update: This closure has been extended due to weather. Reopening is expected by June 15.A segment of Forest Road 439 will be closed June 1 - 7, 2026, during road and bridge repair. The closure, near the entrance at Highway 518, is from mileposts 1.7 to 2.1.Visitors entering Forest Roads 440 and 442…
Water Systems Out of Service at Some Recreation Sites
A list of water systems currently offline at recreation sites for seasonal water testing or longer term repairs.
Seasonal Road Restrictions
Seasonal road designations restrict vehicle use throughout the year on different Forest Service roads for different periods of time to protect wintering and calving habitat for big game as well as protecting soil and watersheds.
Gate Closure: Forest Road 476
The gate for Forest Road 476 off Highway 518 is closed during log hauling operations for the McGaffey Project Timber Harvest. It is expected to reopen in June.
Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
A list of temporary fire restrictions subject to daily changes.
Currently Impassable Trails and Trail Sections
A list of trails and trail sections not currently recommended for travel.
Valle Vidal Annual Closures
Annual seasonal closures in the Valle Vidal for the protection of one of New Mexico’s largest elk herds.
Possession of Domestic Sheep or Goats
To protect bighorn sheep from disease, possessing, storing or transporting any domestic goat or sheep within Wilderness Areas in the Carson NF is prohibited.
Valle Vidal Camping Restrictions
To protect wildlife habitat, camping on or within a half mile of Forest Service roads, or within 100 yards of natural waters or within 300 yards of constructed waters is prohibited in Valle Vidal.
Annual Summer Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Surrounding Area
The following will be closed at a 2026 future date for a week for traditional purposes: Williams Lake (#62), Wheeler Summit (#67), Wheeler Peak (#90) between La Cal Basin and Wheeler Peak, Lost Lake (#91) between Horseshoe Lake and Wheeler Peak.
Timber Harvest in Progress Near Pot Creek, Taos
Practice caution on Forest Roads 115A, 115B, and 476 with ongoing timber harvest and forest restoration activities, including the use of heavy machinery.
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).
Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Outbreak
Effects of the outbreak are visible to the south of Taos, N.M., especially near Pot Creek and along Forest Road 476. Proceed with caution when around them, contact can cause symptoms.
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.
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
Cimarron Campground is located in the Valle Vidal, meaning "Valley of Life," within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico. At 9,300 feet elevation, the 32 campsites are dispersed among spruce, aspen, and fir trees, providing an open-range feel popular with hunters, anglers, and wildlife watchers. Eleven sites include horse corrals, making this a prime destination for equestrian camping. Fishing opportunities abound nearby. Comanche Creek and the Rio Pueblo hold Rio Grande cutthroat trout, while Shuree Ponds offers stocked rainbow trout and is popular for float tubing. A smaller pond at Shuree is reserved for anglers 12 and under. Elk and deer hunting in the surrounding area is excellent during season. The campground is remote, with the nearest gas and convenience store approximately 29 miles away. Access roads are gravel with sharp rocks; bringing a spare tire is recommended. Bears frequent the area, so proper food storage is required. Off-road vehicles are prohibited within the Valle Vidal.
Directions
From Costilla on State Highway 522, travel east on State Highway 196 past Amalia to Forest Service Road 1950. Travel on FSR 1950 (gravel) east to the Valle Vidal unit boundary. Follow FSR 1950 to the junction with FSR 1900, turn right and cross Costilla Creek. Continue on FSR 1950 for 10 miles to the junction with Forest Road 1910. Climb 1 mile up the hill to reach the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $22 - $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 180ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 180ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mailroom_r3_carson@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (575) 586-0520 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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