Recreation


Bridge in the forest

Discover an Area by Activity

Select an activity to find an area to visit.

The Carson National Forest offers unlimited recreational opportunities in any season. The magnificent mountain scenery and cool summer temperatures lure vacationers to enjoy the peace and quiet, and fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking.

Quick links: Wilderness Areas on the Carson National Forest | Rules of the Road  | Equipment and Safety Needs | Outfitter-Guide Program Analysis

Related links: Red River Ski Area | BLM Recreation Opportunities | Sipapu Resort | Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad | Taos Ski Valley | Angel Fire Resort | Enchanted Forest

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Current Recreation Conditions

Area Name Status Area Conditions
Cabresto Lake Campground None None
Canjilon Lakes Campground Closed Closed
Capulin Campground Closed Closed
Cebolla Mesa Open Open
  • Accessing this site by vehicle is not advised due to flooding and muddy roads.
  • There is no trash collection at this site. Pack in and out all trash.
Cimarron Campground Open Open
Comales Campground Closed Closed
Continental Divide Trail - Carson National Forest Open Open
Cuchilla Campground Closed Closed ​Work in progress. Piles from thinning are visible in the area. Learn more about the project and the Wildfire Crisis Strategy's Enchanted Circle Landscape.
Cuchillo Del Medio Campground Closed Closed ​Work in progress. Piles from thinning are visible in the area. Learn more about the project and the Wildfire Crisis Strategy's Enchanted Circle Landscape.
Duran Canyon Campground None None
Eagle Rock Lake Fishing Open Open Open to self-contained day use or camping only. No trash collection or restrooms available. Visitors must pack out all trash and human waste.
East Fork Santa Barbara Trail 26 Open Open
East Fork Trail 56 Open Open
Echo Amphitheater Picnic Site Closed Closed Recreation staff temporarily closed this facility on May 13, 2024, for a second phase of construction improvements.
Echo Campground Closed Closed Recreation staff temporarily closed this facility on May 13, 2024, for a second phase of construction improvements.
El Rito Campground Closed Closed
Fawn Lakes Campground Closed Closed The neighboring Fawn Lakes were drained after 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 this recreation site.
Goat Hill Campground Closed Closed Hungry bears are entering campsites more frequently this summer. With no significant rain, berries and nuts are not growing in abundance, so they're taking advantage of campgrounds where food (including bird feeders) are available. And they’re making a mess! Take these steps to safely co-exist with bears during your visit.
Horseshoe Lake/East Fork Trail 56 Open Open
Junebug Campground Closed Closed
  • Water is avalible.
  • Hungry bears are entering campsites more frequently this summer. With no significant rain, berries and nuts are not growing in abundance, so they're taking advantage of campgrounds where food (including bird feeders) are available. And they’re making a mess! Take these steps to safely co-exist with bears during your visit.
La Bobita Campground Closed Closed
La Junta Canyon None None
La Sombra Campground Closed Closed
Lake Fork Trail 82 Open Open
Las Petacas Campground Closed Closed
Lower Hondo Campground Closed Closed ​Work in progress. Piles from thinning are visible in the area. Learn more about the project and the Wildfire Crisis Strategy's Enchanted Circle Landscape.
McCrystal Campground Open Open Water is only available for horses at this time. 
Middle Fork Trail 24 Open Open
Middle Fork/West Fork Road Trail 487 Open Open
Rio de Los Pinos Campground None None
Santa Barbara Campground Closed Closed
Trout Lakes Campground Open Open
Twining Campground Open Open Piles from thinning are visible in the area. Learn more about the project and the Wildfire Crisis Strategy's Enchanted Circle Landscape.  
Upper La Junta Campground None None
Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds None None
West Fork Santa Barbara Trail 25 Open Open
Wheeler Peak Summit Trail (#67) Open Open
Wheeler Peak Trail (#90) Open Open Work in progress. Piles from thinning are visible along the trail. Learn more about the project and the Wildfire Crisis Strategy's Enchanted Circle Landscape.

Alerts & Warnings

View All Alerts   

Recreation Areas