Las Petacas Campground
Currently closed. The campground and other Taos Canyon campgrounds remain closed until further notice.
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.
Wind Advisory issued May 18 at 8:56AM MDT until May 18 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and northeast New Mexico. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Weak tree limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area highways.
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. 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.
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.
Red Flag Warning issued May 18 at 1:36AM MDT until May 18 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM MDT TODAY DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR SOUTHWEST, CENTRAL AND EASTERN NEW MEXICO... .Another round of critical to extreme fire weather conditions is expected across southwest, central, and eastern New Mexico today after poor humidity recoveries and continued breezy conditions overnight. Winds will be even stronger across eastern New Mexico with gusts of 50 to 55+ mph. Several hours of single digit humidity values are expected across east central and southeast New Mexico as well. Winds will decrease this evening easing the critical fire weather conditions. However, a cold front advancing south through eastern New Mexico will bring a sudden northerly to northeasterly wind shift overnight. Gusty conditions will occur for a few hours behind the front. * AFFECTED AREA...Northeast Plains (Zone 104), Middle Rio Grande Valley (Zone 106), West Central Basin and Range (Zone 109), Upper Rio Grande Valley and Lower Chama River Valley (Zone 121), Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zone 122), Northeast Highlands (Zone 123), Sandia and Manzano Mountains (Zone 124), Central Highlands (Zone 125), and East Central Plains (Zone 126). * TIMING...From 9 AM this morning to 9 PM MDT this evening. * 20 FOOT WINDS...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Localized gusts up to 55 to 60 mph possible across northeast NM. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative humidity between 5 to 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
About
Las Petacas Campground is located in a scenic canyon along Highway 64, approximately 4 miles southeast of Taos in the Carson National Forest. The campground sits alongside the Rio Fernando de Taos, offering convenient access for anglers and nature enthusiasts. Despite its proximity to the highway, the canyon setting provides a peaceful atmosphere with opportunities to view local wildlife. The campground is small and experiences light usage, making it a good option for those seeking a quieter camping experience near Taos. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, and vault toilets are available. Campers should note that no potable water is provided on-site, so bringing adequate drinking water is essential. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, Las Petacas does not accept advance reservations. The campground charges $14 per night per site, which includes parking for one vehicle, with an additional $7 fee for extra vehicles. Senior and Access pass holders receive a discounted rate of $7 per night. Day-use parking is also available for $6 per vehicle.
Directions
4 miles southeast of Taos via US 64
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $14 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 587-2255 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Las Petacas Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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