Santa Barbara Campground
Closed for the winter season. Reopens in spring as temperatures warm and snow melts, typically late May or early June. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Winter Storm Warning issued May 1 at 1:31AM MDT until May 2 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches above 7,500 feet with higher amounts of 6 to 12 inches above 10,000 feet. * WHERE...Sangre de Cristo Mountains. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
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…
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.
Seasonal Road Closures
Effective Jan. 1 until May 1 in most cases. See below for details. Closures are intended to protect wintering and calving habitat for big game as well as protecting soil and watershed.
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.
About
Santa Barbara Campground is situated on the edge of the Pecos Wilderness in Carson National Forest at 8,900 feet elevation, adjacent to the Rio Santa Barbara, a healthy trout stream. The campground features a total of 22 developed sites including 15 single sites, two double sites, one triple site, and two quad sites. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. The mixed forest of spruce, fir, and aspen trees provides shade throughout the day, though temperatures cool off significantly during summer nights at this elevation. This campground serves as one of the primary access points for the Pecos Wilderness and is particularly popular among hikers and horseback riders seeking the closest route to Jicarita Peak (12,835 feet) and North Truchas Peak (13,024 feet). The campground experiences heavy use on holiday weekends and throughout July, with medium to light usage during other parts of the season. First-come, first-served sites are available in addition to reservable sites. The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for wilderness hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions include Sipapu Ski Resort and the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway. Most services are available in Taos, 25 miles north, or Espanola, 45 miles southwest.
Directions
From the junction with State Road 75, follow SR 73 for 1.4 miles to Santa Barbara Road. Turn left onto Santa Barbara Road and travel 6.2 miles to the campground. The road becomes Forest Road 116 when the pavement ends.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $60 - $70 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 65ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| camping@rrmofa.com | |
| Phone | +1 (435) 245-6521 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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