Open

The campground is open. Water systems are temporarily out of service; campers must bring all drinking water needed for their visit.

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…

Office Closures on Memorial Day

All offices will be closed May 25, 2026, in observance of the federal holiday, but national forests and grasslands remain open for your enjoyment.

Water Systems Out of Service at Some Recreation Sites

A list of water systems currently offline at recreation sites for seasonal water testing or longer term repairs.

Seasonal Road Restrictions

Seasonal road designations restrict vehicle use throughout the year on different Forest Service roads for different periods of time to protect wintering and calving habitat for big game as well as protecting soil and watersheds.

Gate Closure: Forest Road 476

The gate for Forest Road 476 off Highway 518 is closed during log hauling operations for the McGaffey Project Timber Harvest. It is expected to reopen in June.

Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions

A list of temporary fire restrictions subject to daily changes.

Currently Impassable Trails and Trail Sections

A list of trails and trail sections not currently recommended for travel.

Valle Vidal Annual Closures

Annual seasonal closures in the Valle Vidal for the protection of one of New Mexico’s largest elk herds.

Valle Vidal Camping Restrictions

To protect wildlife habitat, camping on or within a half mile of Forest Service roads, or within 100 yards of natural waters or within 300 yards of constructed waters is prohibited in Valle Vidal.

Possession of Domestic Sheep or Goats

To protect bighorn sheep from disease, possessing, storing or transporting any domestic goat or sheep within Wilderness Areas in the Carson NF is prohibited.

Annual Summer Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Surrounding Area

The following will be closed at a 2026 future date for a week for traditional purposes: Williams Lake (#62), Wheeler Summit (#67), Wheeler Peak (#90) between La Cal Basin and Wheeler Peak, Lost Lake (#91) between Horseshoe Lake and Wheeler Peak.

Timber Harvest in Progress Near Pot Creek, Taos

Practice caution on Forest Roads 115A, 115B, and 476 with ongoing timber harvest and forest restoration activities, including the use of heavy machinery.

Collapsed Bridge on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25)

A bridge over the Middle Fork Rio Santa Barbara in the Pecos Wilderness has collapsed. It's located on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25).

Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Outbreak

Effects of the outbreak are visible to the south of Taos, N.M., especially near Pot Creek and along Forest Road 476. Proceed with caution when around them, contact can cause symptoms.

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.

Occupancy and Use

Covers stay limits, alcoholic beverages, parking and public nudity.

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

Echo Amphitheater Campground sits in the scenic Chama Valley of Carson National Forest, approximately 15 miles northwest of Abiquiu along US Highway 84. The campground serves as a base for exploring the nearby Echo Amphitheater, a natural sandstone formation with remarkable acoustic properties that has inspired local legends. The campground features electric sites with 30/50 amp hookups, gravel driveways, and picnic tables. A paved trail leads from the campground to the Echo Amphitheater itself, offering an easy walk to view the dramatic red-streaked cliff face where mineral varnish creates striking vertical stripes against the horizontally stratified sandstone. Sites accommodate tents, campervans, and smaller RVs up to approximately 30 feet. Facilities include newly renovated vault toilets. The campground cannot accommodate large RVs and has limited pull-through options. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov.

Directions

From Abiquiu, travel northwest on US Highway 84 for approximately 15 miles. The campground is located on the highway's west side. From Canjilon, travel southwest on US Highway 84 for approximately 14.5 miles.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store
Price $10 - $35

Vehicle

Max RV Length 30ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites Yes

Contact

Phone +1 (575) 684-2489

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Photos

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