Overview
📋 About This Campground
Riverside campground in Red River Valley at 8,600 ft. Adjacent to the town of Red River ski resort and excellent trout fishing on the Red River. Wheeler Peak Wilderness access for 13,161-ft summit.
⛺ Campsite availability subject to change. Verify reservation status directly with
Recreation.gov or the managing agency before travel. PeakScout provides this information for planning purposes only and does not guarantee availability.
Planning
🗓️ Best Time to Visit — New Mexico
🌡️ Best Time to Visit
June – September
Shoulder: May, October
📍 Current Conditions
June
High elevation — check for snow
Always check road conditions with the managing agency before planning a trip, especially for high-elevation destinations.
Questions Answered
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a campsite at Elephant Rock Campground — Red River in New Mexico?
Elephant Rock Campground — Red River offers online reservations via Recreation.gov at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232437. The campground has 21 sites, 21 of which are reservable. Reservations typically open 6 months ahead — book as early as possible for peak season.
What is the fee per night at Elephant Rock Campground — Red River?
The nightly fee at Elephant Rock Campground — Red River is $20 per vehicle site, out of approximately 21 total sites. Fees may be higher for premium sites (lakeside, equestrian, etc.). Maximum stay is 14 nights. Payment methods vary — many USFS and BLM sites use self-pay stations.
When is Elephant Rock Campground — Red River open? What are the seasonal access dates?
Elephant Rock Campground — Red River at 8,600 ft elevation typically opens late May/early June and closes by October due to snow. Verify current access status with USFS before planning your trip.
What are the fire restrictions at Elephant Rock Campground — Red River in New Mexico?
Fire restrictions apply at Elephant Rock Campground — Red River — verify current restrictions with USFS before starting any campfire, charcoal grill, or flame. Restrictions are most common June–September during peak fire season. Check
NIFC Predictive Services for current fire danger levels in the Carson National Forest — Red River Valley area.
Can I bring my RV or trailer to Elephant Rock Campground — Red River?
Yes — Elephant Rock Campground — Red River accommodates RVs and trailers. The campground is at 8,600 ft elevation — check access road conditions for any vehicle restrictions. No hookups are available at this campground. Maximum stay is 14 nights. Reservations are recommended for RVs during peak season.
Is there cell service at Elephant Rock Campground — Red River?
Cell service at Elephant Rock Campground — Red River is typically very limited or unavailable due to the remote mountain location and high elevation. Plan accordingly — download offline maps, notify someone of your itinerary, and carry a personal locator beacon if venturing further into the backcountry. No Wi-Fi is available at this campground.
What amenities are available at Elephant Rock Campground — Red River?
Elephant Rock Campground — Red River offers the following amenities: vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, water. RVs are accommodated. 21 sites total. Amenities may vary by individual site — verify with the managing agency.
What is the best time to camp at Elephant Rock Campground — Red River in New Mexico?
The best time to camp at Elephant Rock Campground — Red River is June through September. At 8,600 ft elevation, most access roads are snow-free from mid-May through October. July–August offer the warmest temperatures and most stable weather. September often brings quieter conditions and beautiful fall foliage, especially in New Mexico. Book early for July–August weekends.
Are there bear safety requirements at Elephant Rock Campground — Red River?
Elephant Rock Campground — Red River is not in a designated bear area, but New Mexico has active bear populations in many regions. Carry bear spray as a precaution, store food properly, and never leave food or trash unattended. Food storage rules may still apply — verify with the managing agency.
What nearby trails can I access from Elephant Rock Campground — Red River?
Elephant Rock Campground — Red River provides access to hiking, fishing, and scenic drives in Carson National Forest — Red River Valley. Check with the local ranger station or BLM office for current trail conditions and any access restrictions. Several popular destinations are within a short drive.