Trout Lakes
Closed — 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.
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 devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
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 s
Timber Harvest in Progress Near Pot Creek, Taos
An active timber harvest for forest restoration is occurring on the Camino Real Ranger District off Forest Service Roads 476, 115A, and 115B.For everyone's safety:
Collapsed Bridge on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25)
A bridge over the Middle Fork Rio Santa Barbara has collapsed. It's located on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25), 2.3 miles from the Santa Barbara Trailhead and about a quarter mile from the Middle Fork (#24)/West Fork (#25) intersection.
Early Fall Prescribed Fires Planned
Carson National Forest fire managers will potentially move forward with several prescribed fires in the first half of fall 2025.
Transmission Line Fuels Clearance in Taos Canyon
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association is currently conducting fuels mitigation work to reduce the risk of wildfires within its right-of-way for a 115kV transmission line that spans Forest Service land between Black Lake, N.M., and Taos.
Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Outbreak
Recently browned trees to the south of Taos, N.M., are the result of an outbreak of Douglas-fir tussock moths, which are currently in their larval (caterpillar) stage.
Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
Fire managers will enact temporary fire restrictions at times of heightened fire danger to complement regional orders and national prohibitions.
Placer Fork Trail Flooding
A beaver dam has caused flooding on the Placer Fork Trail (#72), just east of its junction with the Columbine Canyon Trail (#71). Visitors report it is not safely passable.
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).
Brush Piles Along Highway 150 and Wheeler Peak Trail (#90)
Piles from forest thinning last year are visible throughout the Highway 150 corridor, including from campgrounds and trailheads, between the forest boundary and Taos Ski Valley.
Significant Deadfall on Trails: Comales, Midnight, Sawmill Trails
Travel is not recommended on the following trails or trail segments due to blowdown from a severe windstorm in Dec. 2021. Trail crews continue work through the backlog:
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
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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