Cowles
Open for the season from May through October. First-come, first-served only. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect forest-wide. The two covered shelters are currently closed while safety assessments are performed.
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…
Temporary area, road, and trail closures for Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon post-fire impacts
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Santa Fe National ForestPecos/Las Vegas Ranger District TEMPORARY AREA, ROAD, AND TRAIL CLOSURES FOR HERMITS PEAK AND CALF CANYON POST-FIRE IMPACTSPROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following are…
Campground and Equestrian Area Closure for Field Tract, Panchuela, Jacks Creek Campgrounds
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestPecos-Las Vegas Ranger DistrictCampground and Equestrian Area Closure PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following is prohibitedon the National Forest System (NFS) lands and…
All Offices Closed - April 22, 2026
OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTThe Supervisor’s Office in Santa Fe, NM, and all district offices (Cuba, Jemez, Coyote, Española, Pecos, and Las Vegas) will be closed on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, while our customer service representatives attend annual training. We’ll be back to our regular hours on…
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Order Number: # 03-10-00-26-03U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestEmergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions PROHIBITIONS Pursuant to 16 U.S.C § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on all National Forest System lands (NFS) in the Santa…
Temporary Area Closure for the Tesuque Peak Powerline on the Espanola Ranger District
The area in the vicinity of Tesuque Peak Powerline is temporarily closed for a powerline rebuild and restoration project.
Headquarters Well Area Closure on Española Ranger District
Order Number: 03-10-06-25-17U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestEspanola Ranger DistrictCamping Area Closure at Headquarters WellPROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b) the following is prohibitedon the National Forest…
Jemez Cave Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide natural and cultural resource protection for the Jemez Cave and for public safety and welfare until current damage to natural and cultural resources can be assessed and a long-term management strategy developed.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions Order for the Santa Fe National Forest
The Santa Fe National Forest has the need to limit the stay of the visitors to lessen the opportunity of residency; and to comply with State Law prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21; and to protect general visitors sensitive to public nudity from human…
Special Closure for the Santa Fe Watershed on the Espanola Ranger District
Special Closure Order for the Santa Fe watershed
Santa Fe Watershed Closure Order on the Espanola Ranger District
WHEREAS, bathing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and other forms of human occupancy of the Santa Fe River Watershed in the Santa Fe National Forest, causes pollution of the water flowing therein used by the residents of Santa Fe, New Mexico , for drinking and domestic purposes, to a degree…
About
Cowles Campground occupies a scenic spot at the base of Winsor Canyon where it meets Pecos Canyon, surrounded by the montane forests of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The small campground offers 9 primitive camping units, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Two covered three-sided shelters with fireplaces are also present, though they are currently closed for safety assessments. The location makes an excellent base camp for exploring the Pecos Wilderness area. Cowles Ponds and Winsor Creek are within walking distance for fishing, and the wild and scenic Pecos River flows nearby. The Winsor Ridge Trailhead provides access to day hikes and backpacking routes into the surrounding wilderness. Amenities are basic: one vault toilet and trash bins are provided, but there is no potable water, showers, hookups, or dump station. Campers should bring all water they need. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis from May through October.
Directions
22 miles north of Pecos via NM 63 and Forest Roads 555 & 121
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $6 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (505) 438-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Cowles Campground | |
| Santa Fe NF Alerts |
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