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.
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…
Campground and Equestrian Area Closure for Field Tract and Jacks Creek
Order Number: 03-10-05-26-12U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestPecos-Las Vegas Ranger DistrictCampground and Equestrian Area ClosurePROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following is prohibited on the National…
Las Vegas Ranger Station Temporarily Closed
Due to facilities issues, the Las Vegas Ranger Station has temporarily shifted operations to the Pecos Office. We can meet with you in person at the Pecos Ranger Station or are available by phone to assist with questions, permits, and other services. Please call 505-757-6121 for assistance.
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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