About Agua Piedra Campground
Overview Agua Piedra, located in the Carson National Forest, is nestled near the Rio Pueblo and Agua Piedra Creek. The campground contains many shaded areas to camp, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.Recreation Visitors to the Agua Piedra campground and group shelters can also enjoy fishing in the Rio Pueblo River, which is a tributary of the mighty Rio Grande. The river is stocked with rainbow trout and there is a small pier in the day use area.Hiking to Serpent Lake and Cordova Canyon, which are both within seven miles of the campground and group shelters, are also favorite activities for visitors. Also popular is further exploration of points of interest in the Pecos Wilderness, as well as within the Sangre De Cristos Mountains, the southernmost Rocky Mountain range. Facilities The campground includes 40 single sites each with a table and fire ring, two double sites each with two tables and a fire ring, and two group shelters located west of the campground. Vault toilets, drinking water from faucets, and trash removal are provided. Firewood is available to purchase from the host. First-come, first-served sites are available. The group shelters (A and B), which are accessible, are located west of the campground and are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Trash service is provided in the campground. The accessible group shelter "A" can accommodate up to 50 people for overnight camping. Group shelter "B" can accommodate up to 100 people for overnight camping. Both group shelters are available by reservation. Natural Features Agua Piedra campground and group shelters are located in a mixed forest of spruce, fir and aspen trees, which provide some shade throughout the day. At an altitude of 8,100 feet, temperatures can cool off during the summer nights. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888. Nearby Attractions Sipapu Ski Resort, the town of Vadito, and the town
How to Get There
From Las Vegas, New Mexico, take State Highway 518 approximately 51 miles to the Agua Piera Campground. From Penasco, New Mexico, travel east on State Route 75 about 5 miles, to an intersection. Turn right, onto State Route 518 (unmarked) and continue about 7 miles to campground entrance. From Taos, head south on NM-68. Turn Left onto NM-518 and stay on it for 23 miles. Agua Piedra Campground will be on your right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Agua Piedra Campground
Heading to Agua Piedra Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Agua Piedra Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Agua Piedra Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234700) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Agua Piedra Campground?
From Las Vegas, New Mexico, take State Highway 518 approximately 51 miles to the Agua Piera Campground. From Penasco, New Mexico, travel east on State Route 75 about 5 miles, to an intersection. Turn right, onto State Route 518 (unmarked) and continue about 7 miles to campground entrance. From Taos, head south on NM-68. Turn Left onto NM-518 and stay on it for 23 miles. Agua Piedra Campground will…
How do I contact Agua Piedra Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-245-6521 or email: camping@rrmofa.com.
References & Official Resources
