Santa Barbara Campground

Carson National Forest

Santa Barbara Campground is situated nicely on the edge of the Pecos Wilderness area and next to Rio Santa Barbara, a beautiful and healthy trout stream.

The campground has 15 single sites, each containing a table and fire ring; two double sites, each containing two tables and a fire ring; one triple site containing three tables and a fire ring; and two quad sites containing four tables and a fire ring. Vault toilets, drinking water from faucets and trash removal are provided. There are no horse facilites within the campground. First-come, first-served sites are available.

Notifications and Alerts

• Portion of Carson National Forest to close  

  A location closure has been issued, and some facilities are closed at this time. Reservation-holders will receive an email with additional information. Please check back for location closure updates. Currently, new reservations may be made for dates beyond June 15, 2022. However, the reopening time frame will be reevaluated every 2 weeks beginning June 1, 2022. For additional information, please go to the Carson National Forest website, https://www.fs.usda.gov/carson . We are sorry for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Need to Know

• Off-road vehicles are not permitted in the area.
• Click here for more information on the Carson National Forest
• Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
• There are no horse facilities within the campground itself.
• First-come, first-served sites are available.

• The Carson National Forest continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate potential impacts and adjustments to reservations and our reservation policies through Recreation.gov. Reservation holders will be notified via email and/or cell phone text messages if there are any changes affecting their reservation. In the event of delayed openings of some, part or all of the campgrounds and cabins to ensure safe social distancing, you will receive a full refund for your reservation. Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself, Forest Service employees and our volunteers

• SCRS & Recreation.gov policy states we will keep your reserved site until check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. If you haven't occupied it at any time during this period, your reservation is null and void and we will give it to first come first serve folks. Your reservation will be a no show and no refund will be given.

Natural Features

Santa Barbara is located in a mixed forest of spruce, fir and aspen trees, which provide some shade throughout the day. At an altitude of 8,900 feet, temperatures can cool off during the summer nights.

Nearby Attractions

Trail access to Jicarita Peak, with close access to North Truchas Peak, Sipapu Ski Resort, the town of Vadito, and the town of Penasco are all nearby. All are within 8-15 miles from the campground. Most services are available in Taos, NM, 25 miles north of the campground or Espanola, NM, 45 miles southwest.

Recreation

This is a great drop off point for hikers and horseback riders seeking close access to the Pecos Wilderness and Jicarita Peak.

Contact Information

Default

15160 STATE ROAD 75 PENASCO NM 87553

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 435-245-6521

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From the junction with State Road 75, follow SR 73 1.4 miles to the Santa Barbara Road. Turn left onto the Santa Barbara Road. Then travel 6.2 miles to the campground. Santa Barbara Road becomes Forest System Road 116 when the pavement ends.

Available Campsites

• Site 019, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 012, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 003, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 022, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 006, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 001, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 008, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 013, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 007, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 005, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 020, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 011, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 021, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 016, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 009, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 014, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 004, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 015, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 010, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 018, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Group Rv Area Nonelectric
• Site 002, Loop SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND, Type Group Rv Area Nonelectric

Photo Gallery