La Junta Canyon
Campground is first-come, first-served with no reservations. Potable water is not available; bring your own supply. Trailers limited to under 36 feet. Stay limit is 14 days within any 45-day period.
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…
Post-Storm Road Conditions
Recent storms have caused degrading road conditions in some parts of the forest, especially on the Jicarilla Ranger District, where roads are largely inaccessible.With more weather forecasted, visitors should understand that road conditions can change fast: A road used to enter the forest may not…
Kitchen Mesa Closure (Upper Trail)
The upper section of Kitchen Mesa Trail out of Ghost Ranch is currently closed to allow for critical trail reconstruction. The closure is expected to remain in effect through November 1, weather permitting.
About
La Junta Canyon Campground occupies a shaded drainage in the Carson National Forest's Camino Real Ranger District, surrounded by spruce-fir forest and aspen groves typical of the Sangre de Cristo high country. The 8 family units offer a low-key alternative to busier campgrounds in the Taos area, with light usage even during peak summer months. The campground sits at the Rito la Presa fishing trailhead, providing immediate stream access for brown trout, rainbow trout, and occasional Rio Grande cutthroat. La Cueva Lake Trail #8 and Duran/Policarpio Trail #13 begin nearby for day hiking. OHV enthusiasts use the area as a base for exploring forest roads and trails open to motorcycles. Facilities are basic: each site has a picnic table and grill, and two vault toilets serve the campground. Potable water is not available, so bring an adequate supply. The access road accommodates trailers under 36 feet, though the mountain terrain and narrow forest road favor smaller rigs and tent campers.
Directions
Four miles northeast of Tres Ritos along Forest Road 76, off State Highway 518.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $12 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 36ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 36ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 587-2255 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| La Junta Canyon - Carson NF | |
| Carson NF Alerts |
Photos
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