Comales
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically opens one week before Memorial Day weekend and closes after Labor Day.
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…
Avalanche Potential
Visitors to the forest should be aware of potential avalanche activity throughout the winter months. Go to the Taos Avalanche Center for updates.
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…
Pile Burning Updates
This page will hold daily summaries of any winter pile burning ignitions. View the full list of potential locations. Contact the public information officer listed below for any questions.Feb. 20Fire crews continue to patrol and monitor prescribed fires, including pile burns, until they are called…
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.For a more exact location, search for 36.054280°,…
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. The exact timing of each will depend on specific wind, weather, moisture conditions, available personnel/equipment and required approvals.Potential Locations from Valle…
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.Work began Aug. 18 and is expected to continue…
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…
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…
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
Occupancy and Use
The following are prohibited on the Carson National Forest: Camping for more than 14 days, whether or not consecutive, within any 45-day period. 36 C.F.R. § 261 .58(a).Possessing a beverage which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by state law. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(bb).Exemption: Persons 21…
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
Comales Campground is a small, peaceful campground located along Highway 518 in the Carson National Forest, 7 miles east of Penasco. The campground features 10 sites set in a shaded forest of spruce-fir and aspen, offering a relaxing mountain setting at the head of Comales Canyon. Each site includes a parking spot, picnic table, and grill. The campground sits adjacent to the Rio Pueblo, providing convenient fishing access. It serves as a trailhead for both the Cañon Tio Maes Trail (#5) and Comales Canyon Trail (#22), which are open to non-motorized uses including hiking and mountain biking. These trails connect to a larger network of motorized trails in the area, though OHV riding is prohibited within the campground itself. The location receives light use and is close to the paved road, making it accessible while still offering a forested mountain experience. Trailers up to 22 feet are accommodated. The campground has vault toilets but no potable water, so visitors should bring their own. The area is well-suited for groups and offers a good base for exploring the surrounding trails and fishing opportunities along the Rio Pueblo.
Directions
From Penasco, travel 7 miles east on NM 75 and 518. The campground is on the north side of Highway 518.
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 | $7 - $14 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 587-2255 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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