Cowles Campground

Nestled within the stunning Santa Fe National Forest, just outside Tererro, New Mexico, Cowles Campground offers a uniquely charming and active outdoor experience. For New Mexicans seeking a picturesque retreat that blends natural beauty with a vibrant social atmosphere, Cowles is a cherished destination. This campground is celebrated for its beautiful setting, its access to excellent fishing, and its welcoming community vibe, making it an ideal choice for families, friends, and solo adventurers looking to connect with both nature and fellow campers.

Cowles Campground stands out with its distinct features, including traditional tenting spots and intriguing open adobe shelters that offer a touch of historical charm to your camping experience. Imagine gathering around a fire pit within these unique structures, sharing stories under the vast New Mexico sky. While privacy might be less emphasized here, the trade-off is a lively and engaging environment, especially on weekends, where camaraderie flourishes. It's a place designed for socializing and enjoying the outdoors together, perfect for picnics and making new friends who share your love for New Mexico's wilderness.

Beyond the social scene, Cowles Campground is a gateway to diverse outdoor activities. The presence of a "lovely stream" and designated "areas for fishing" highlights its appeal to anglers, while proximity to trails offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the rich landscapes of the Pecos Wilderness. Despite its popularity, visitors often commend the cleanliness of the facilities, a testament to the care taken to maintain this beloved spot. We invite you to discover the charm, beauty, and spirited community that define Cowles Campground – a truly special place for New Mexico locals to enjoy their cherished natural surroundings.

Cowles Campground is precisely located at Tererro, NM 87573, USA, placing it deep within the Santa Fe National Forest in the picturesque Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This high-altitude setting, at over 8,300 feet, offers a refreshing escape from warmer temperatures, providing a moderate climate ideal for summer camping.

Access to Cowles Campground involves traveling north on NM-63 from the village of Pecos. The drive, while scenic, is noted as being on a "somewhat narrow and very winding" road, which "would not be advisable for a very large RV." However, for most standard vehicles and smaller RVs, it is generally manageable. The campground itself is "at the end of the road," about 22 miles north of Pecos village, where NM-63 effectively ends. Upon arrival, sites are typically "drive-in" or a "short walk" from the parking area.

The location of Cowles Campground is a significant highlight for its accessibility to prime recreational areas. It is situated where the Winsor Canyon meets the Pecos Canyon, putting it within walking distance of Cowles Ponds, Winsor Creek, and the Pecos River. This immediate proximity to various waterways makes it an exceptional spot for fishing enthusiasts, with both the creek and ponds regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout. Furthermore, the Winsor Ridge Trailhead, which provides access to the expansive Pecos Wilderness trail system, starts near the campground. This combination of straightforward road access (for appropriate vehicles) and immediate proximity to diverse outdoor activities makes Cowles Campground a highly convenient and attractive option for New Mexico locals eager to explore their national forests.

Cowles Campground provides a range of services designed for a rustic yet comfortable camping experience in the Santa Fe National Forest. It's important to note that, as a Forest Service campground, some services can vary based on budget and staffing.

• Camping Units: The campground offers 9 designated camping units, suitable for tent camping and picnicking. These sites typically come with a picnic table and a fire ring/grill.
• Adobe Shelters: A unique feature of Cowles Campground are the "open Adobe huts with fire pits inside" or "covered three-sided shelters with fireplaces." While these shelters are currently closed for safety assessments, when available, they offer a distinct and cozy camping option.
• Vault Toilets: The campground is equipped with vault toilets. Reviews consistently highlight their cleanliness, with one mentioning it was "the cleanest I have ever seen." However, campers are advised to "bring your own TP" as it may not always be supplied.
• No Potable Water: It is explicitly stated that there is "no potable water" available at the campground. Campers must bring all their own drinking water or a reliable method for water purification.
• No Trash Bins: According to official information, there are "no longer trash bins" at the campground. This means campers must adhere to a strict "pack it out, pack it all out" policy for all waste and trash, including recycling.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Campsites are available on a "first come, first serve" basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. This allows for spontaneous trips but also means popular weekends can see the campground "constantly packed."
• Parking: A limited parking area is available. It's advised that "2 cars are allowed per site," but parking can be tight when busy.
• Fees: A fee of $6.00 per vehicle per night is typically charged, valid for a 24-hour period.

• Picturesque Setting: Cowles Campground is described as "picturesque" and having a "beautiful setting," surrounded by forested terrain, mountain views, and the sounds of Winsor Creek.
• Lovely Stream and Fishing Areas: A major highlight is the "lovely stream" (Winsor Creek) and "areas for fishing." The Pecos River and Cowles Ponds are also within walking distance, offering excellent fishing opportunities for brown and rainbow trout, regularly stocked by New Mexico Game and Fish.
• Unique Adobe Shelters: The presence of "open Adobe huts with fire pits inside" (though currently closed) is a distinctive feature, offering a rustic and culturally rich camping experience when available.
• Clean Restrooms: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets, with one review calling it "the cleanest I have ever seen."
• Social and Community Atmosphere: Unlike secluded campgrounds, Cowles is noted for being "constantly packed on the weekends" and "perfect for picnics and socializing with other campers," fostering a friendly and communal vibe.
• Access to Hiking Trails: The campground is a direct "launching point for the Windsor Trail" (Winsor Ridge Trailhead), which leads into the expansive Pecos Wilderness, offering numerous opportunities for day hikes and backpacking adventures.
• Proximity to Water Activities: Beyond fishing, the creek and nearby ponds offer opportunities for exploring the water and enjoying the riparian environment.
• High-Altitude Escape: Situated at over 8,300 feet, the campground provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat of lower elevations.

Address: Tererro, NM 87573, USA

Phone: (505) 757-6121 (Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District) or (505) 438-5300 (Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters)

For the most current information regarding Cowles Campground, including the operational status of the adobe shelters, specific services like potable water and trash bins, current fire restrictions, and any alerts regarding road conditions, it is highly recommended to contact the Santa Fe National Forest directly. Given that it is a Forest Service campground, these numbers are the best resource for up-to-date details for planning your visit.

For New Mexico locals, Cowles Campground offers a uniquely appealing and highly accessible outdoor experience that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Its prime location in Tererro, within the Santa Fe National Forest, means that a refreshing high-altitude escape is within a manageable drive for many residents across the state, particularly those in the Santa Fe and Albuquerque areas. This accessibility allows for frequent, spontaneous trips to disconnect and immerse oneself in nature without extensive travel, a significant benefit for busy locals.

The core suitability for New Mexicans lies in Cowles Campground's dual appeal: its picturesque natural setting and its vibrant, social atmosphere. While some campers seek extreme solitude, many locals appreciate a lively campground where they can connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Cowles, being "constantly packed on the weekends" and "perfect for picnics and socializing," fosters a sense of community that resonates with many New Mexicans. This shared experience of enjoying the outdoors together, perhaps around a crackling fire in a unique adobe shelter (when available), creates a memorable and welcoming environment.

Furthermore, the abundance of recreational opportunities directly accessible from the campground makes it an ideal hub for local outdoor pursuits. The "lovely stream" and "areas for fishing" (including the regularly stocked Cowles Ponds and Pecos River) cater directly to the state's popular angling culture. Hikers will appreciate the immediate access to the Winsor Ridge Trailhead, leading into the vast Pecos Wilderness, offering endless possibilities for exploration amidst stunning mountain scenery. This combination of accessible, engaging activities within a beautiful setting truly taps into the active and appreciative outdoor lifestyle of many New Mexicans.

Despite the occasional "road noise" or the need to "bring your own TP" and "pack out all your trash" (common for forest campgrounds), the cleanliness of the facilities and the overall positive reviews highlight a well-regarded and enjoyable experience. Cowles Campground isn't just a place to sleep; it's a social hub, a fishing paradise, and a hiking gateway, all wrapped in the refreshing embrace of the Santa Fe National Forest. For New Mexico locals seeking a beautiful, active, and community-oriented outdoor adventure in their own backyard, Cowles Campground is an exceptional choice.

Cowles Campground

Tererro, NM 87573, USA