Cimarron Campground
Carson National Forest — fishing, hiking
Location: Cimarron, NM, NM
Price: From $22 per night
Price range: $22–$40 per night
Rating: 3.9 out of 5 (33 reviews)
Season: May through October
Cimarron Campground is located in the scenic Valle Vidal within Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico, at an elevation of 9,300 feet. The sites are tucked among spruce, aspen and fir trees, and the camp offers an open range feel. Visitors have opportunities to enjoy a variety of recreational activities in a picturesque setting.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Camp Host, Fishing
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/cimarron-campground to be notified when sites open up.
Scenic campground in Valle Vidal at 9,300 feet within Carson National Forest, featuring sites nestled among spruce, aspen, and fir trees with opportunities for fishing Rio Grande cutthroat trout and wildlife viewing. Google reviewers consistently praise the well-maintained facilities, abundant wildlife, and beautiful mountain setting.
Wildlife alert: Elk, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, Gunnison's Prairie Dog, American Badger, Red-tailed Hawk, American Dipper, Tree Swallow, and Pinyon Jay documented in area
Insider tips for Cimarron Campground: Book early—this is a federal campground with high demand Bring a self-contained RV as there are no hookups available Hike to Lake Shuree for trout fishing opportunities
Skip Cimarron Campground if: You need RV hookups—none available at most sites. You require year-round access—seasonal May through October only. You prefer private concessions—this is a federal campground.
Best time to visit Cimarron Campground: May-October — Official seasonal operations period for campground. Summer — Peak fishing season for Rio Grande cutthroat trout based on verified activities.
Nearby campgrounds: Fawn Lakes Campground (Red River, NM), Elephant Rock Campground (Red River, NM), Columbine Campground (Nm) (Questa, NM), El Aguaje Group Shelter (Taos, NM).
Cell Phone Coverage at Cimarron Campground
Cell signal at Cimarron Campground (Cimarron, NM): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
Cimarron Campground is located in the scenic Valle Vidal within Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico, at an elevation of 9,300 feet. The sites are tucked among spruce, aspen and fir trees, and the camp offers an open range feel. Visitors have opportunities to enjoy a variety of recreational activities in a picturesque setting.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a federal campground with high demand
Bring a self-contained RV as there are no hookups available
Hike to Lake Shuree for trout fishing opportunities
Official seasonal operations period for campground
Peak fishing season for Rio Grande cutthroat trout based on verified activities
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
Driving Directions: From Costilla, NM, on State Highway 522, travel east on State Highway 196 past Amalia to the intersection of Forest Service Road 1950. Travel on 1950 (a gravel road) east to the unit boundary. Follow Forest Service Road 1950 to the junction with Forest Service Road 1900. Turn right; you will cross Costilla Creek. Continue on Forest Service Road 1950, 10 miles to the junction with Forest Road 1910. Climb 1 mile up the hill to Cimmarron Campground.
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Carson National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Carson National Forest before arrival — seasonal closures common.
- Bear country — store all food in bear boxes or locked vehicle at all times.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Cimarron Campground cost per night?+
What season is Cimarron Campground open?+
Does Cimarron Campground have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Cimarron Campground?+
How do I make reservations at Cimarron Campground?+
What is the cell service like at Cimarron Campground?+
What season is Cimarron Campground open, and what are check-in times?+
Official resources
●Data sources on this page
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