USFS•Peñasco, NM•9.5h from Austin

Carson NF — Santa Barbara Campground

mountainsforestriver

Accessibility baseline: Sites on this platform are reviewed for access with a standard 2WD pickup truck towing a 21-foot travel trailer unless otherwise noted below.

Fee

$30/nt (single)

Hookups

No hookups

Trailer

Accessible (2WD pickup + trailer)

Cell Signal

No signal

Water

On-site

Toilets

Yes

Best Season

mid-May–Sep

Reservations

Recreation.gov

Max Length

65 ft

Highlights

▶ Primary trailhead for Pecos Wilderness (NM's second largest wilderness); 21 sites with horse corrals at 8,843 ft
▶ Santa Barbara Creek brown trout; classic fall aspen in the Sangre de Cristos; paved SR 75/73 access all the way
▶ Covers the northern Sangre de Cristos backcountry approach — entirely different from the Pecos/Jacks Creek southern approach

Planning Notes

Popular with horse packers — reserve well in advance. Water and vault toilets on-site. Fee jumped to $30+ in recent years. Peñasco (25 mi via SR 75) for basic supplies.

Contact: (575) 587-2255

Always call ahead to confirm conditions, closures, and road accessibility.