Hopewell Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for winter. The campground typically reopens in late May, weather permitting. The day use area remains open until weather forces closure. No potable water is available due to system issues; campers must bring their own water.
From Recreation.gov
Hopewell Lake DAY USE area will remain open to the public until weather forces closure.
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
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 476, 115A, and 115B.For everyone's safety:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Brush Piles Along Highway 150 and Wheeler Peak Trail (#90)
Piles from forest thinning last year are visible throughout the Highway 150 corridor, including from campgrounds and trailheads, between the forest boundary and Taos Ski Valley.
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:
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
Hopewell Lake Campground occupies a scenic setting at 9,500 feet elevation in Carson National Forest, nestled between Tres Piedras and Tierra Amarilla in northern New Mexico. The campground sits adjacent to a 14-acre man-made lake regularly stocked with rainbow and brook trout, making it popular for shore fishing and canoeing. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes directly through the campground, providing immediate access to 102 miles of trail across Carson National Forest. The campground features 31 individual campsites set among conifer and aspen trees that offer partial shade. Two sites include horse corrals and a shared water trough for equestrian campers. A group day-use shelter and group overnight site are also available by reservation. The facility operates seasonally with some sites available first-come, first-served and others reservable through Recreation.gov. At this high elevation, the campground typically opens in late May after snow melts and closes in fall when winter weather arrives. The surrounding forest provides habitat for bears, requiring proper food storage. The area attracts horseback riders, hikers, anglers, and campers seeking a quiet mountain lake experience with trail access. Off-road vehicles are permitted in the surrounding area but must be trailered into and out of the campground.
Directions
From Taos, take U.S. 64 west about 40 miles. The campground is on the south side of the road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $24 - $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 537-8888 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!