Upper / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds
Open — The upper campground is open year-round. The lower campground closes seasonally and typically reopens in late May. Restrooms are anticipated to open by May 23. Roads are not plowed in winter, so access depends on weather conditions.
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…
Currently Impassable Trails and Trail Sections
A list of trails and trail sections not currently recommended for travel.
Office Closure (Tres Piedras): April 23
The Tres Piedras Ranger Station, which is open on Thursdays weekly, will be closed on April 23 for staff training. It will reopen for normal hours April 30.
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.
Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
A list of temporary fire restrictions subject to daily changes.
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
Upper and Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds are located at 10,400 feet elevation in the Carson National Forest, adjacent to the breathtaking Cruces Basin Wilderness. The facility comprises 12 campsites split between two areas: an upper campground on the northeast ridge and a lower campground next to the larger of two Lagunitas Lakes. This old-style Forest Service campground provides a quiet, lightly-used retreat in a stunning high-alpine setting with spruce-fir and aspen forest. The campground serves as an excellent base for fishing in the nearby lakes and exploring hiking trails, including access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail which runs 102 miles through the Carson National Forest. The remote location and high elevation create a true backcountry experience while still offering developed campsites with basic amenities. Access requires a 26-mile drive northwest from Tres Piedras via US Highway 64 and Forest Road 87. Winter visitors should note that roads are not plowed, and access depends on weather conditions. The upper campground remains accessible year-round for those able to reach it, while the lower section closes seasonally.
Directions
26 miles northwest of Tres Piedras via US Highway 64 and Forest Road 87. Alternatively, access from Colorado via County Road 443 through Los Pinos State Recreation Area to Forest Road 87A and Forest Road 87.
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) 758-8678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Lagunitas Creek Fishing |
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