As of 2022, Scenic Canyons no longer manages this campground, and this page will no longer be updated. For up to date information, please visit the Forest Service website.

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  Cimarron Campground is at 9,400 feet elevation in the Valle Vidal Wildlife Management Unit, a remote area known for trout fishing, elk hunting and a good chance at viewing black bears. Accessible via about 20 miles of dirt road, from Costilla in the northwest or near Cimarron in the southeast, this campground offers a rustic camping experience in an area teeming with wildlife. Horseback riding is also a common activity here.

    No off-road vehicle use is permitted on this 100,000-acre unit, and camping is allowed only in the two developed campgrounds.

 

Prices:
   $20 per night
   $34 for a double site
    $5 per extra vehicle
    $10 for day use

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Reservations: Available at recreation.gov. Reservations can be made six months prior to the first day of your camping stay.

Directions: From NM 522 at Costilla, New Mexico, turn east onto NM 196. Follow that road as it turns to gravel and becomes Forest Road 1950. Cimarron Campground is about 26 miles southeast of Costilla.  See map below.

Amenities: Vault toilets. No drinking water and no garbage service. If you pack it in, please pack it out.

Open dates: Friday before Memorial Day to last Monday in September, weather permitting.

Nearby: Fishing, hunting and hiking are available nearby.

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You can see additional campgrounds managed by Scenic Canyons on the Carson National Forest by clicking here.

 

For more information, visit the Forest Service website.