Agua Piedra Campground and Group Shelters

Area Status: Open

Agua Piedra, located in the Carson National Forest, is nestled near the Rio Pueblo and Agua Piedra Creek. The campground contains many shaded areas to camp, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.

Natural Features: Agua Piedra campground and group shelters are located in a mixed forest of spruce, fir and aspen trees, which provide some shade throughout the day. At an altitude of 8,100 feet, temperatures can cool off during the summer nights.

Recreation: Two trailheads begin in the area, including a novice trail that is entirely accessible. An intermediate and longer trail is also available for not only hiking, but also horseback riding and biking, and cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

Visitors to the Agua Piedra campground and group shelters can also enjoy fishing in the Rio Pueblo River, which is a tributary of the mighty Rio Grande. The river is stocked with rainbow trout and has an accessible fishing dock.

Hiking to Serpent Lake and Cordova Canyon, which are both within seven miles of the campground and group shelters, are also favorite activities for visitors. Also popular is further exploration of points of interest in the Pecos Wilderness, as well as within the Sangre De Cristos Mountains, the southernmost Rocky Mountain range.

Facilities: The campground includes 40 single sites each with a table and fire ring, two double sites each with two tables and a fire ring, and two group shelters located west of the campground. Vault toilets, drinking water from faucets, and trash removal are provided. Firewood is available to purchase from the host.

The group shelters (A and B), which are accessible, are located west of the campground and are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Trash service is provided in the campground. The accessible group shelter "A" can accommodate up to 50 people for overnight camping. Group shelter "B" can accommodate up to 100 people for overnight camping.

Fish Your National Forests: Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Fly, Spin.

View of two campsites in the trees near each other, each has a picnic table and metal fire ring

Title:	Agua Piedra-Two campsites
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Campsite with picnic table which looks out at tree covered mountain

Title:	Agua Piedra-Campsite with scenic view
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Campsite with picnic table and fire ring at end of road with trees all around

Title:	Agua Piedra-Campsite in trees
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Campsite with picnic table and fire ring at end of road with trees behind it

Title:	Agua Piedra-Open Campsite
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Campsite 19 closeup picnic table and rock fire pit

Title:	Agua Piedra-Campsite 19 Closeup view
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At a Glance

Reservations:	Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov. (A reservation fee will be added to the price).
Area Amenities:	Accessible,Tent camping,Camping trailer,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Fees:	Campsite (includes parking for one vehicle) $24/night Campsite for Senior or Access pass holders $12/night Extra vehicle $12/night Group Shelter A (Up to 50 people) $125/night Group Shelter B (Up to 100 People) $150/night Day use parking $12/day
Permit Info:	Fishing license required to fish Rio Pueblo.
Open Season:	- Closes at noon, Oct. 1, 2023
Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	14 day stay limit. Restricted to Trailers under 36'.
Closest Towns:	11 miles east of Penasco along US Highway 518.
Water:	Portable Water
Restroom:	Vault Toilet (10)
Operated By:	Concessionaire
Information Center:	For more information contact: Camino Real Ranger District. Sipapu Ski Resort, the town of Vadito, and the town of Penasco is within 3 - 17 miles from the campground and group shelter. Most services are available in Taos, NM, 25 miles north of the campground or Espanola, NM, 45 miles southwest.

General Information

Directions:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
36.13528, -105.52917
36°8'7"N, 105°31'45"W

From Las Vegas, New Mexico, take State Highway 518 approximately 51 miles to the Agua Piera Campground.

From Penasco, New Mexico, travel east on State Route 75 about five miles, to an intersection. Turn right, onto State Route 518 (unmarked) and continue about seven miles to campground entrance.

From Taos, head south on NM-68. Turn Left onto NM-518 and stay on it for 23 miles. Agua Piedra Campground will be on your right.

General Notes:

Off-road vehicles are not permitted in the area

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Accessibility:

Accessible group shelters equipped with vault toilets and drinking water. Handicap accessible parking and toilets.

Parking:

Handicap and non-handicap parking available.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

No. of Sites	38 double site(s)
No. of Accessible sites	None

RV Camping

Open cabin available to groups by reservation.

Group Camping

Lake and Pond Fishing

Day Hiking

Two trailheads located within the campground.

Horse Riding

Horse water pump also available. 3 horse pens and 1 large cattle pen.

Picnicking

Picnic shelter available by reservation. Open cabin available to groups by reservations.

Reservation required?:	Y

Group Picnicking

Amenities

Camping trailer:	38 units. Trailers under 36'
Picnic tables:
Tent camping:
Parking:
Toilets:	Vault
Accessible:	Accessible parking and toilets.
Drinking water:	Yes - six pumps and one horse pump