About ELEPHANT ROCK CAMPGROUND
Overview 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.Recreation The nearest hiking trail, Fawn Lakes Trail, is located .3 miles east of Elephant Rock Campground, near Fawn Lakes Campground. This trail meets accessibility guidelines. Elephant Rock offers convenient access to State Rt. 38 and is well situated for day trips on the Enchanted Circle and to the town of Red River. The Red River is across the road from the campground but is not accessible.Facilities This campground offers 20 single sites, potable water, and vault toilets. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad.Natural Features Elephant Rock Campground is a single loop that meanders up a hillside with several sites featuring stone terracing. The campsites are tucked in among a mixture of ponderosa pine, aspen, fir and spruce. The Red River flows near this campground. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888. Nearby Attractions Visitors to the area can explore the town of Red River, Questa, and the Enchanted Circle.
How to Get There
The campground is located 12 miles east of Questa, New Mexico via NM highway 38 or 3 miles west of Red River, New Mexico via NM highway 38.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (48°F low → 74°F high). Pack layers.
- ☔
Rain jacket / shell
57% chance of precipitation in the forecast.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 9)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
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 ELEPHANT ROCK CAMPGROUND
Heading to ELEPHANT ROCK 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 ELEPHANT ROCK CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for ELEPHANT ROCK CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251359) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ELEPHANT ROCK CAMPGROUND?
The campground is located 12 miles east of Questa, New Mexico via NM highway 38 or 3 miles west of Red River, New Mexico via NM highway 38.
How do I contact ELEPHANT ROCK CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-245-6521 or email: camping@rrmofa.com.
References & Official Resources
