Santa Barbara Campground
Open for the season on a first-come, first-served basis. Opening and closing dates are weather dependent. Check for active alerts regarding water system availability at some recreation sites.
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…
Mogote Ridge Fire Closures: CDT and Nearby Roads
The following are closed due to the Mogote Ridge Fire:ClosedDescriptionContinental Divide National Scenic TrailBetween Forest Service Roads 724 and 559 (also known as County Road 280 and N.M. State Road 110). Detour using 724 and 559 (view map)Forest Service Road 406AFull lengthForest Service Road…
Annual Summer Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Surrounding Area
Dates for the 2027 temporary closure of the Wheeler Peak and Williams Lake area for local community, traditional purposes are expected in July 2027.
About
Santa Barbara Campground occupies a prime location at 8,900 feet in Carson National Forest, nestled in a mixed conifer forest of spruce, fir, and aspen at the gateway to Pecos Wilderness. The campground borders Rio Santa Barbara, designated as Red Chile Water for native Rio Grande cutthroat trout conservation, making it an excellent fishing destination. The campground offers 15 single sites, 2 double sites, 1 triple site, and 2 quad sites, all equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Three vault toilets and potable water spigots serve the area. This is the primary staging area for wilderness access to Jicarita Peak and North Truchas Peak via the Middle Fork Santa Barbara, Jicarita Creek, and Indian Creek trails. Wilderness permits are not required for day hiking or backpacking in the Pecos Wilderness. Horseback riders can use trailer parking in the day-use area, though horses are not permitted within the campground proper. The campground sees heavy use on holiday weekends and throughout July, with lighter traffic most other times during the open season. Bears frequent the area, so proper food storage is required.
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. Santa Barbara Road becomes Forest System Road 116 when the pavement ends.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $30 - $80 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 65ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 587-2255 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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