Columbine Campground (Nm)

Carson National Forest — riverside, fishing, hiking

Location: Questa, NM, NM

Price: From $30 per night

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (108 reviews)

Season: May through October

Columbine Campground is located between Questa and Red River, New Mexico. The Red River flows past the campground and a trailhead leads into the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness area. Columbine Campground sits at 7,900 feet in elevation.The Columbine Twining hiking trail can be found at the south end of the campground and gives access to 14 miles of hiking trails, and leads into the Columbin-Hondo Wilderness area.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): weak signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: AT&T.

Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Drinking Water, Fishing

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/columbine-campground-nm to be notified when sites open up.

Columbine Campground offers direct access to 14 miles of hiking trails into the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness with the Red River flowing through the campground. Campers consistently praise its beautiful canyon views, well-maintained facilities, and peaceful creek ambiance.

Wildlife alert: Wapiti, Yellow-bellied Marmot, American Pika, Gray Fox, and various snake species (Smooth Greensnake, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Plateau Striped Whiptail) documented in the area.

Insider tips for Columbine Campground (Nm): Book early — this is a popular federal campground with only 27 sites Bring a self-contained RV as there are no hookups available Access the Columbine Twining hiking trail at the south end of the campground for wilderness exploration

Skip Columbine Campground (Nm) if: You need RV hookups — none are available. You plan to visit November through April — seasonal operations only May through October. You prefer larger campgrounds — only 27 total sites available.

Best time to visit Columbine Campground (Nm): September-October — Campers report beautiful fall colors and the campground is still operational before seasonal closure in October..

Nearby campgrounds: Elephant Rock Campground (Red River, NM), Fawn Lakes Campground (Red River, NM), El Aguaje Group Shelter (Taos, NM), La Junta Group Shelter (Taos, NM).