Trout Lakes
Closed for winter. Forest Road 125 is closed to motorized travel January 1 through April 30. The campground reopens in spring when weather permits, typically after the road reopens May 1.
Winter Weather Advisory issued May 1 at 1:31AM MDT until May 2 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations 2 to 6 inches. * WHERE...Tusas Mountains Including Chama. * WHEN...From noon today to 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
Trout Lakes Campground offers a quiet backcountry camping experience with 12 primitive campsites nestled among conifers and aspen at elevation in Carson National Forest. The campground is best suited for tent camping and small campers or trailers due to the challenging access road. Three lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities for trout throughout the warmer months, making this a favored spot among local anglers. Summer's quiet beauty transforms to gold as autumn touches the aspen, rewarding campers who linger into fall. Access to Trout Lakes requires careful planning. The road is graveled from US Highway 84 for the first three miles, but the remainder is ungraveled and becomes extremely slick and hazardous when wet. Monsoon rains can make the road impassable. A high clearance vehicle and four-wheel drive are strongly recommended. While large RVs and camper trailers are technically allowed, they are not recommended due to road conditions. This is a true primitive camping experience with no potable water, no fees, and basic facilities. Campers must pack in all water and pack out all trash. Fire safety is critical, and fires are only allowed in provided fire pits. The area offers access to Hidden Lake Trail for day hiking and backpacking opportunities.
Directions
Located 11 miles northeast of Cebolla via US Highway 84 and Forest Road 125. The road is graveled for the first 3 miles from US 84, then becomes ungraveled and extremely hazardous when wet. High clearance vehicle and four-wheel drive strongly recommended. Forest Road 125 is closed to motorized travel January 1 through April 30.
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 | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 758-6200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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