Taos Canyon Campgrounds
Carson National Forest
New Mexico
Capulin, La Sombra & Las Petacas
As of 2022, Scenic Canyons no longer manages these campgrounds, and this page will no longer be updated. For up to date information, please visit the Forest Service website.
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The Taos Canyon Campgrounds consist of three campgrounds (Las Petacas, Capulin, and La Sombra) along US Highway 64. Often instead of referring to one of these campgrounds, people just call them Taos Canyon Campgrounds. These three are the closest campgrounds that Scenic Canyons operates to Taos, New Mexico. All three are best designed for tent camping or very small trailers (not to exceed 16 feet).
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Las Petacas Campground is next to the Rio Fernando just outside of Taos, NM. The campground has 8 sites and one vault toilet. The campground is a nice jumping-off point for exploring New Mexico's highest peaks.
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Capulin Campground features 11 sites, seven of which are separated from the highway by thick trees and a trickling creek, the Rio Fernando.
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La Sombra Campground is also situated next to the Rio Fernando. The elevation is 7,800 feet.
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Prices:
$10 per night
$5 per extra vehicle
Reservations: Not available.
Directions: From Taos, New Mexico, drive east on US 64. Las Petacas is approximately 2 miles past the intersection of US 585 and US 64. Capulin is just under 3 miles past Las Petacas. La Sombra is a half mile past Capulin. All three campgrounds will be on the right.
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Amenities: Vault toilets. No drinking water. No garbage service.
Open Dates: Friday before Memorial Day to noon on Labor Day.
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Nearby: The Rio Fernando runs through these campgrounds. The small creek offers some fishing. There are dozens of hiking trails in the area. Hunting is available, when in season. Highway 64 from Taos east to Eagle Nest is a very scenic route where deer, elk and other wildlife are commonly seen.
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See more campgrounds managed by Scenic Canyons in the Carson National Forest.
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For more information, visit the Forest Service web pages for Las Petacas, Capulin, and La Sombra.