Cimarron Canyon

Open — Currently open year-round first-come, first-served with some sites available for reservation. The park will be closed March 1 through October 31, 2026 for campground renovations and facility system upgrades.

About

Cimarron Canyon State Park stretches for 8 miles along the scenic Cimarron River between Tolby Creek and Ute Park in northern New Mexico. The park is situated within the Colin Neblett Wildlife Area, providing exceptional wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities at an elevation of 7,876 feet. Three developed campgrounds serve visitors: Tolby Campground (near the visitor center), Maverick Campground (with a popular trout pond), and Ponderosa Campground (accommodating larger RVs with 45-foot sites). The park features 76 total campsites including 62 standard camping sites and 14 tent-only sites. Most sites are available first-come, first-served, though advance reservations can be made up to 6 months ahead through the New Mexico State Parks system. The campgrounds are non-electric and primitive in nature, with vault toilets and no hookups. The park offers fly fishing along the Cimarron River, equestrian trails (with pipe corrals at Tolby and Maverick), and hiking opportunities. Campfires are permitted only in provided grills and fire rings within developed campgrounds.

Directions

From northeast: Exit I-25 at Exit 446 south of Raton and take US 64 west 50 miles to park. From southeast: Exit I-25 at Exit 418 north of Springer, take Highway 56 to Cimarron, turn left onto US 64 and travel 15 miles west to park. From west: Take US 64 east from Taos 35 miles to park. Tolby Campground is near milepost 288; Maverick and Ponderosa campgrounds are near milepost 295.

Nearby Campgrounds