Cowles
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from May through October. Sites are available first-come, first-served when open. Covered shelters are temporarily closed for safety assessments.
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 devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
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 s
Seasonal Road Closures
Due to winter weather conditions, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will close some forest roads susceptible to damage to protect public health and safety, infrastructure, and natural resources.
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.
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
Order Prohibiting Possession of Domestic Sheep or Goats within the Pecos Wilderness
The purpose of this Order is to protect bighorn sheep from diseases transmitted by domestic sheep and goats.
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 threate
About
Cowles Campground sits at the base of Winsor Canyon where it meets the Pecos Canyon in Santa Fe National Forest, at an elevation of approximately 8,400 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The campground is within walking distance of Cowles Ponds, Winsor Creek, Pecos River, and the Winsor Ridge Trailhead, making it an ideal base for anglers and hikers exploring the Pecos Wilderness area. The campground offers 9 camping units, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Two covered three-sided shelters with fireplaces provide additional options for groups or those seeking a bit more protection from the elements, though these shelters are temporarily closed pending safety assessments. One vault toilet and trash bins are provided, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. No utility hookups, dump stations, or showers are available. Activities include tent camping, picnicking, fishing in nearby waters, and hiking. The Winsor Ridge Trail begins near the campground and connects to the extensive trail network of the Pecos Wilderness. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Quiet hours are enforced from 10 pm to 7 am. Horses, horse trailers, and ATVs are not permitted. Dogs must be leashed at all times. The campground is accessed via a 22-mile drive north of Pecos on NM 63 and Forest Roads 555 and 121.
Directions
From Pecos, drive 22 miles north on NM 63, then follow Forest Roads 555 and 121 to the campground at the base of Winsor Canyon.
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 | $6 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (505) 438-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!