Open

Open for the 2026 season. Vault toilets reopening by May 23. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect through September 30, 2026; campfires are allowed only in Forest Service-provided fire structures at developed sites. No potable water available; bring your own.

Carson National Forest

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…

Carson National Forest

Offices Closed July 3

All Carson National Offices are closed on federal holidays, including in observance of Independence Day on July 3 and the Fourth of July weekend. Some services are available online:Firewood PermitsCampground ReservationsCurrent Fire Restrictions

Carson National Forest

Closed: Supervisor's Office (Taos) June 30 and July 1

The Supervisor's Office in Taos is closed to public services the week of June 29, 2026, due to unplanned staffing issues. We apologize for the inconvenience.Some services are available online:Firewood PermitsCampground ReservationsCurrent Fire Restrictions

About

Rio de Los Pinos Campground occupies a scenic stretch of the Rio de los Pinos in the remote western portion of Carson National Forest, just east of the New Mexico Game and Fish Recreation Area near the Colorado border. At 8,000 feet elevation, the campground is tucked into spruce-fir and aspen forest, offering a cool retreat and excellent trout fishing opportunities directly from camp. The campground has four developed campsites with vault toilets but no potable water. Dispersed camping is also permitted in the surrounding area when the developed sites are occupied. This is a primitive, lightly-used area best suited for self-sufficient campers seeking solitude and river access rather than amenities. The remote location and lack of services keep visitation low. Access requires navigating approximately 15 miles of mixed paved and forest roads southwest from Antonito, Colorado. The final stretch on Forest Road 284 may be rough and is not recommended for large RVs or trailers. Day hikes and backpacking trips into the surrounding high country are available from the campground.

Directions

From Antonito, CO: Head southwest on US 285 for approximately 3 miles, then turn west onto NM State Road 443. Follow SR 443 for approximately 8 miles, then turn onto Forest Road 284 and continue approximately 4 miles to the campground. Total distance is about 15 miles from Antonito.

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 $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (575) 758-8678

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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