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Recreation Region: High Road to Taos

Santa Barbara Campground

A popular campground with direct access to the Pecos Wilderness and the Rio Santa Barbara.

General Information

29 developed campsites at popular drop-off/pick-up point for Pecos Wilderness hikers and riders seeking closest access to Jicarita Peak. There is heavy usage on holiday weekends and weekends in July.  Medium to light usage most other days of the open season.

Campsite(includes parking for one vehicle) $30/night fees + taxes
Double campsite $78/night fees + taxes
Triple campsite $60/night
Group campsite $70/night
Campsite for Senior or Access pass holders $11/night
Extra vehicle $11/night
Trailhead parking $7/day
Day use $11/da

A building with a turret.

Address: 15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553
Phone: (575) 587-2255
Hours: Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m., 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 36.08901

Longitude: -105.61101

Directions

From the junction with State Road 75, follow SR 73 1.4 miles to the Santa Barbara Road.  Turn left onto the Santa Barbara Road.  Then travel 6.2 miles to the campground.  Santa Barbara Road becomes Forest System Road 116.

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Hiking Info

Permits are not required to enter the Pecos Wilderness for day or overnight trips.

Visitors can access three trails directly from the campground area:

  • Middle Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#24)
  • Jicarita Creek Trail (#38)
  • Indian Creek Trail (#27)

Nearby trails include:

  • Bear Mountain Trail (#28)
  • Centennial Trail (#100) (connection from the Middle Fork Santa Barbara Trail)

Backpacking Info

Backpackers can use a campsite as part of their trip. The following are prohibited:

  • Leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours without permission.
  • Without permission, failing to have at least one person occupy a camping area during the first night after camping equipment has been set up.

Fishing - River/Stream Info

Special Trout Waters: A Red Chile Water (Native Trout Conservation) designation is in place for parts of ther Rio Santa Barbara upstream from the campground to help protect and conserve the Rio Grande cutthroat trout.

  • The restriction is from the West Fork and Middle Fork confluence upstream to its headwaters, including the East Fork.
  • Check with the New Mexico Department of Wildlife for restriction specifics.


 

Last updated March 25th, 2025