Recreation


Bridge in the forest

Discover an Area by Activity

Select an activity to find an area to visit.

The Carson National Forest offers unlimited recreational opportunities in any season. The magnificent mountain scenery and cool summer temperatures lure vacationers to enjoy the peace and quiet, and fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Current Recreation Conditions

Area Name Status Area Conditions
Agua Piedra Campground and Group Shelters Open Open
Cabresto Lake Campground None None Know before you go! Check the spring 2024 snow conditions before going to higher elevations.
Canjilon Lakes Campground Open Open
Capulin Campground Open Open
Cebolla Mesa Open Open
  • Accessing this site by vehicle is not advised due to flooding and muddy roads.
  • There is no trash collection at this site. Pack in and out all trash.
Cimarron Campground Open Open
Columbine Campground Open Open

Hungry bears are entering campsites more frequently this summer. With no significant rain, berries and nuts are not growing in abundance, so they're taking advantage of campgrounds where food (including bird feeders) are available. And they’re making a mess! Take these steps to safely co-exist with bears during your visit.
Comales Campground None None
Continental Divide Trail - Carson National Forest Open Open
Cuchilla Campground Open Open ​Work in progress. Piles from thinning are visible in the area. Learn more about the project and the Wildfire Crisis Strategy's Enchanted Circle Landscape.
Cuchillo Del Medio Campground Open Open ​Work in progress. Piles from thinning are visible in the area. Learn more about the project and the Wildfire Crisis Strategy's Enchanted Circle Landscape.
Duran Canyon Campground None None
Eagle Rock Lake Fishing Open Open Open to self-contained day use or camping only. No trash collection or restrooms available. Visitors must pack out all trash and human waste.
East Fork Santa Barbara Trail 26 Open Open
East Fork Trail 56 Open Open Know before you go! Check the spring 2024 snow conditions before going to higher elevations
Echo Amphitheater Picnic Site Closed Closed Recreation staff temporarily closed this facility on May 13, 2024, for a second phase of construction improvements.
Echo Campground Closed Closed Recreation staff temporarily closed this facility on May 13, 2024, for a second phase of construction improvements.
El Rito Campground Open Open
Elephant Rock Campground Open Open Hungry bears are entering campsites more frequently this summer. With no significant rain, berries and nuts are not growing in abundance, so they're taking advantage of campgrounds where food (including bird feeders) are available. And they’re making a mess! Take these steps to safely co-exist with bears during your visit.
Fawn Lakes Campground Open Open Hungry bears are entering campsites more frequently this summer. With no significant rain, berries and nuts are not growing in abundance, so they're taking advantage of campgrounds where food (including bird feeders) are available. And they’re making a mess! Take these steps to safely co-exist with bears during your visit.
Goat Hill Campground Open Open Hungry bears are entering campsites more frequently this summer. With no significant rain, berries and nuts are not growing in abundance, so they're taking advantage of campgrounds where food (including bird feeders) are available. And they’re making a mess! Take these steps to safely co-exist with bears during your visit.
Hopewell Lake Campground Open Open
  • No water services are available. Please bring your own.
  • Visitors familiar with the area may notice fewer trees. Learn why by downloading the informational flyer (.pdf).
  • Please do not burn green branches and brush in your campfires. It will create more smoke than flame. 
Horseshoe Lake/East Fork Trail 56 Open Open
Junebug Campground Open Open
  • Water is avalible.
  • Hungry bears are entering campsites more frequently this summer. With no significant rain, berries and nuts are not growing in abundance, so they're taking advantage of campgrounds where food (including bird feeders) are available. And they’re making a mess! Take these steps to safely co-exist with bears during your visit.
La Bobita Campground Closed Closed
La Junta Canyon Open Open
La Sombra Campground Closed Closed
Lake Fork Trail 82 Open Open Know before you go! Check the spring 2024 snow conditions before going to higher elevations.
Las Petacas Campground Open Open
Lower Hondo Campground Open Open ​Work in progress. Piles from thinning are visible in the area. Learn more about the project and the Wildfire Crisis Strategy's Enchanted Circle Landscape.
McCrystal Campground Open Open Water is only available for horses at this time. 
Middle Fork Trail 24 Open Open
Middle Fork/West Fork Road Trail 487 Open Open Know before you go! Check the spring 2024 snow conditions before going to higher elevations.
Rio de Los Pinos Campground Open Open
Santa Barbara Campground Open Open
Trout Lakes Campground None None
Twining Campground Open Open Piles from thinning are visible in the area. Learn more about the project and the Wildfire Crisis Strategy's Enchanted Circle Landscape.  
Upper La Junta Campground None None
Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds Open Open
West Fork Santa Barbara Trail 25 Open Open
Wheeler Peak Summit Trail (#67) Open Open Know before you go! Check the spring 2024 snow conditions before going to higher elevations
Wheeler Peak Trail (#90) Open Open
  • Know before you go! Check the spring 2024 snow conditions before going to higher elevations.
  • Work in progress. Piles from thinning are visible along the trail. Learn more about the project and the Wildfire Crisis Strategy's Enchanted Circle Landscape.