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…
Offices Closed July 3
All Carson National Offices are closed on federal holidays, including in observance of Independence Day on July 3 and the Fourth of July weekend. Some services are available online:Firewood PermitsCampground ReservationsCurrent Fire Restrictions
Closed: Supervisor's Office (Taos) June 30 and July 1
The Supervisor's Office in Taos is closed to public services the week of June 29, 2026, due to unplanned staffing issues. We apologize for the inconvenience.Some services are available online:Firewood PermitsCampground ReservationsCurrent Fire Restrictions
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
Photos
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