Santa Barbara Campground

Seasonal Closure

This campground will close for the season on Sept. 22, 2024.

Area Status: Open

A tent under some pine trees in front of picnic tables and blue skies.

29 developed campsites at popular drop-off/pick-up point for Pecos Wilderness hikers and riders seeking closest access to Jicarita Peak. Heavy usage on holiday weekends and weekends in July. Medium to light usage most other days of the open season, one of New Mexico’s best places to camp.

Attractions:

Adjacent to Rio Santa Barbara
Fishing
Trailhead into the Pecos Wilderness
Group camping sites
Birding
Fall Colors
Equestrian Parking
Jicarita Peak - 12,835 feet/3,912 meters
Close access to North Truchas Peak - elevation 13,024 feet (3970 meters)
Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort
High Road to Taos Scenic Byway

At a Glance

Reservations:	Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov. A reservation fee will be added to the price.
Area Amenities:	Accessible, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking
Fees:	Campsite (includes parking for one vehicle) $22/night Double campsite $40/night 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/day
Usage:	Heavy
Busiest Season:	Weekends in July, Holidays
Closest Towns:	Peñasco with some services, restaurants, gas/service stations, hardware store, convenience stores, a clinic. Taos with more services, hospital, grocery stores, sporting goods, etc.
Water:	Potable Water Available at Spigots
Restroom:	Clean Vault Toilet-3
Operated By:	Concessionaire
Information Center:	For more information contact the Camino Real Ranger District.

General Information

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.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Opens May through September. 29 campsites at elevation 8,900. Santa Barbara Campground

No. of Sites	21 sites
Reservation Info	Reservable
No. of Accessible sites	2 accessible sites

River and Stream Fishing

Rio Santa Barbara has wild populations of Rio Grande Cutthroat trout on upper forks of the river.

Brown trout and some cutthroat can be found on lower portions of the Rio Santa Barbara. Photo of Rio Santa Barbara Photo of Santa Barbara

Day Hiking

Horse Riding

Picnicking

Amenities

Camping trailer:	Trailer mobility - under 30'
Picnic tables:	Yes
Parking:	Gravel
Toilets:	Clean Vault Toilets-3
Accessible:	Yes
Drinking water:	Potable Water Available at Spigots