Cimarron Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campground is within the annual Valle Vidal east side closure from January 1 through April 1 to protect wintering elk habitat. Reopens mid-spring, typically operating through fall with fees charged mid-May through mid-October.
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
Cimarron Campground is located in the Valle Vidal (Valley of Life) within Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico, at an elevation of 9,300 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The campground contains 32 sites tucked among spruce, aspen, and fir trees, including 11 horse sites with corrals, 2 double sites, and 25 single-family sites. The setting offers an open range feel with some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest. The Valle Vidal is renowned for its elk population and wildlife viewing opportunities. Anglers can fish for Rio Grande cutthroat trout in Comanche Creek and the Rio Pueblo, while nearby Shuree Ponds offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout and is popular for float tubing. The smaller pond is reserved for children 12 and under. The area is open to horseback riding with abundant backcountry opportunities, though there are few maintained trails. Located within Game Management Unit 55A, the campground serves as a popular basecamp for fall hunting trips. The campground provides vault toilets, picnic tables, and campfire rings with grills at each site. Horse corrals and water troughs are available for equestrian campers. A camp host is on-site during the operating season. The campground operates mid-spring through fall, with fees charged mid-May through mid-October. The area is subject to an annual winter closure between January 1 and April 1 to protect the wintering elk habitat.
Directions
From Costilla on State Highway 522, travel east on State Highway 196 past Amalia to the intersection of Forest Service Road 1950. Travel on FSR 1950 (a gravel road) east to the 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 FSR 1910. Climb 1 mile up the hill to Cimarron Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $22 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 180ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 180ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 586-0520 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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