Elephant Rock Campground

Carson National Forest — lakeside, fishing, hiking

Location: Red River, NM, NM

Price: From $30 per night

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (83 reviews)

Season: May through October

Elephant Rock Campground has excellent fishing access to the well-stocked Red River, nearby Eagle Rock Lake and hiking into the surrounding high country. This campground is close to the highway with plenty of large pine trees. The campground rests at 8,400 feet above sea level.This campground offers 20 single sites, potable water, and vault toilets.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): moderate signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: Verizon. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 100%. T-Mobile 4G: 0%.

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

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

Elephant Rock offers excellent fishing access to the well-stocked Red River and nearby Eagle Rock Lake, with convenient hiking trails including the accessible Fawn Lakes Trail just 0.3 miles away. Google reviewers praise the clean facilities, attentive camp hosts, and beautiful high-country scenery at 8,400 feet elevation.

Wildlife alert: Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Mule Deer, Yellow-bellied Marmot, Dusky Grouse, and Western Terrestrial Garter Snake present in the area.

Insider tips for Elephant Rock Campground: Book early—this is a popular federal campground with only 21 sites. Located just 3 miles west of Red River via NM-38, providing quick access to town amenities. Bring a self-contained RV or tent; no hookups available.

Skip Elephant Rock Campground if: You require RV hookups—the campground is not suitable for non-self-contained RVs.. You visit outside May-October seasonal operating period.. You prefer developed facilities with flush toilets—only vault toilets available..

Best time to visit Elephant Rock Campground: July-August — Peak season with established operations, though prepare for night temperatures in the 40s°F and possible heavy rain.. May-June, September-October — Shoulder seasons within the May-October operating window with fewer crowds..

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