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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Upper La Junta Campground is 4.5 miles north of New Mexico State Road 518 up the gravel Forest Road 16. There are 11 RV accessible sites separated from the gravel road by a strip of trees and next to the Rito la Presa, which offers good fishing. There is some excellent ATV riding in the area, including the Forest Road 16 and several trails.

 

Prices:
   $12 per night
    $5 per extra vehicle
    $6 for day use

Reservations: First-come, first-served.

Directions: From Taos, N.M., take NM 518 20 miles south, then turn left into La Junta Canyon on Forest Road 76. Follow the road 4.5 miles and Upper La Junta Campground will be on your right.

Amenities: Vault toilets. Pressurized drinking water about a mile south of the campground. Several dumpsters are available in the canyon.

Open dates: Opens one week before Memorial Day weekend. Closes two weeks after Labor Day.

Nearby: ATVs are allowed in the canyon, and there are several off-road trails available. Fishing is available in the small creek that runs through the campground, and hunting is popular in the fall. Wildlife is abundant up higher on the dirt road, but the road gets rough at the top.

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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 website.