Upper Lagunitas Campground

Welcome, fellow New Mexicans, to an in-depth look at Upper Lagunitas Campground, a serene and picturesque destination nestled near Tierra Amarilla. If you're seeking a true escape into the tranquility of the Carson National Forest, a place where nature's beauty unfolds with stunning sunrises and sunsets, and where outdoor adventures like hiking and fishing are right at your fingertips, then Upper Lagunitas Campground is a spot you absolutely need to explore. Praised for its secluded atmosphere and well-maintained sites, it offers a peaceful respite from the everyday hustle. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview, helping you understand why this local gem is so highly regarded by those who cherish a genuine wilderness experience.

New Mexico's diverse landscapes offer an unparalleled array of outdoor opportunities, from high deserts to majestic mountains. For those who yearn for a more secluded and authentic camping experience, away from crowded RV parks, Upper Lagunitas Campground perfectly fits the bill. We understand that for many locals, camping is about finding solitude, connecting deeply with nature, and enjoying activities like exploring wilderness areas and casting a line in pristine waters. The reviews consistently highlight its "beautiful spot" and "spaced out sites," underscoring its appeal for those who value peace and privacy.

Located within the expansive Carson National Forest and serving as a gateway to the Cruces Basin Wilderness, Upper Lagunitas offers more than just a place to sleep. It's a basecamp for exploration. Despite its secluded feel, it's accessible for vehicles with "decent clearance," making it a feasible destination for many adventurous New Mexicans. The mention of "friendly hunters" and "cool long distance bikers" indicates a shared respect among visitors for the natural environment and a welcoming atmosphere, even during specific seasons. The promise of "lots of fish down there!" is an undeniable draw for anglers seeking a rewarding experience.

This introduction sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Upper Lagunitas Campground. We will delve into its precise location near Tierra Amarilla and the specifics of its accessibility, including notes on the forest road. We'll outline the services and amenities typical of such a wilderness-oriented campground, drawing on direct customer observations. We'll also highlight the unique features and attributes that make it such a cherished spot, from its scenic beauty to its proximity to a designated wilderness area. Essential contact information will be provided, culminating in a conclusion that explains why this particular campground is so exceptionally suitable for local New Mexicans seeking a quiet, adventurous, and truly authentic outdoor experience in the mountains.

Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen angler, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets, Upper Lagunitas Campground invites you to discover its charm and natural grandeur. Get ready to experience a place where the wilderness truly comes alive, promising a memorable return.

Upper Lagunitas Campground is located near Tierra Amarilla, NM 87575, USA. This places it within Rio Arriba County, in the northern part of New Mexico, nestled deep within the Carson National Forest. This region is characterized by its high-altitude forests, alpine meadows, and pristine waterways, offering a quintessential mountain wilderness experience.

A key aspect of the campground's location is its proximity to the Cruces Basin Wilderness. This designated wilderness area is a significant draw for hikers and backpackers seeking remote and untamed landscapes. The reviewer explicitly mentioned hiking in "Cruses Basin Wilderness" during their stay, highlighting the campground's role as an access point to this unique natural resource. The location also makes it an excellent base for various other outdoor activities such as fishing, as evidenced by the comment "Lots of fish down there!" in reference to the nearby lakes.

Accessibility to Upper Lagunitas Campground involves navigating Forest Road (FR) 87. Reviews indicate that "FR 87 was well gravelled and maintained, except for a few rough spots." While a reviewer drove an "XTerra 4WD," they believe "any vehicle with decent clearance would have been fine." This is important information for potential visitors, suggesting that while it's not a paved road, it's generally manageable for a range of vehicles, not exclusively requiring high-clearance 4x4s. Tierra Amarilla itself is located off US Route 64/84, a major highway connecting to larger towns like Chama to the north and Española/Santa Fe to the south, making the overall journey accessible for New Mexicans.

The secluded nature of the campground is also a direct result of its location. Being "spaced out" and having only "4 sites" contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. This contrasts with more developed and crowded campgrounds, appealing to those seeking solitude and a genuine wilderness feel. The high elevation of the forest contributes to cooler temperatures, making it a desirable escape during the warmer seasons, as implied by the reviewer's desire to "return to camp again in the warmer season."

In summary, Upper Lagunitas Campground’s location deep within the Carson National Forest near Tierra Amarilla, with its access to Cruces Basin Wilderness and manageable forest roads, makes it an ideal, secluded mountain escape for New Mexicans seeking a true wilderness camping experience.

Upper Lagunitas Campground, being a more primitive and secluded forest campground, offers essential services designed to facilitate a comfortable wilderness experience. Based on customer reviews, the focus is on maintaining a clean and well-spaced environment for campers.

• Spaced Out Campsites: A primary service is providing designated campsites that are "spaced out," ensuring privacy and a sense of solitude for campers. This is a significant advantage for those seeking a peaceful wilderness experience. The reviewer "counted 4 sites, spaced well apart."

• Clean Campground: The campground is described as "clean," indicating that efforts are made to maintain a tidy and pleasant environment for visitors. This suggests regular upkeep and attention to waste management.

• Fire Rings: Each site appears to have an "awesome fire ring," allowing campers to build contained campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance (contingent on local fire restrictions). The presence of "someone left a bunch of firewood" suggests a culture of sharing, though campers should always bring their own.

• Access to Hiking Trails: While the "La Junta trail" may be a specific one, the campground serves as a base for "hiking in Cruses Basin Wilderness." This implies access to a network of trails for outdoor exploration, which is a key service for wilderness campers.

• Fishing Opportunities: The proximity to lakes with "Lots of fish down there!" highlights a significant recreational service. Anglers can enjoy fishing in the nearby waters, making it an attractive spot for fishing enthusiasts.

• Vehicle Accessibility (with clearance): While FR 87 has "a few rough spots," it is "well gravelled and maintained," allowing access for vehicles with "decent clearance." This service ensures that the secluded location is still reachable for most adventurous campers.

• No Water/Restrooms Mentioned: Importantly, no direct mention of potable water sources or restroom facilities (like vault toilets) is made in the reviews. For primitive forest campgrounds, this often means campers should be prepared to bring all their own water and practice Leave No Trace principles for waste. This is an implied aspect of the "wilderness" experience.

These services collectively offer a basic yet highly functional and appealing environment for those seeking a secluded, clean, and activity-rich wilderness camping experience at Upper Lagunitas Campground.

Upper Lagunitas Campground boasts several key features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional destination for those seeking a secluded and authentic wilderness experience in the mountains of northern New Mexico. These attributes are directly supported by glowing customer reviews.

• Secluded and Spacious Sites: The campground is praised for having "spaced out sites," with one reviewer counting "4 sites, spaced well apart." This ensures a high degree of privacy and a peaceful atmosphere, a significant draw for campers looking to escape crowds and enjoy solitude in nature.

• Gateway to Cruces Basin Wilderness: Its strategic location for "hiking in Cruses Basin Wilderness" is a major highlight. This offers unparalleled access to a designated wilderness area known for its pristine beauty, challenging trails, and abundant wildlife, making it ideal for avid hikers and backpackers.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The promise of "Lots of fish down there!" in the nearby lakes is a strong feature for anglers. This provides a rewarding recreational activity directly accessible from the campground, enhancing the overall outdoor experience.

• Stunning Sunrises and Sunsets: The campground offers a "Great spot for sunrise and sunset." This natural spectacle adds immense value to the camping experience, providing breathtaking photographic opportunities and memorable moments of natural beauty.

• Well-Maintained Forest Road Access: While leading to a secluded spot, "FR 87 was well gravelled and maintained, except for a few rough spots." This ensures that the campground is accessible for "any vehicle with decent clearance," making it reachable for a broader range of campers seeking this wilderness experience.

• Clean and Tidy Environment: The campground is noted as being "clean," indicating that the natural beauty is preserved through good maintenance, contributing to a pleasant and respectful camping experience.

• "Awesome Fire Ring" at Sites: The presence of an "awesome fire ring" at each site enhances the traditional camping experience, allowing for campfires (when permitted) for warmth, cooking, and a classic wilderness ambiance. The mention of shared firewood indicates a friendly, communal spirit.

• Sense of Community with Fellow Outdoor Enthusiasts: Reviewers mention chatting with "friendly hunters" and meeting "cool long distance bikers," suggesting a welcoming atmosphere where diverse outdoor enthusiasts can connect and share their experiences.

• Escape from Crowds ("Valuable resource in this summer of Covid"): The reviewer's comment about it being a "Valuable resource in this summer of Covid" implies its suitability as a naturally socially distanced and less crowded option, which remains a desirable quality for those seeking solitude.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of Upper Lagunitas Campground as a truly special place for those seeking a peaceful, activity-rich, and authentic wilderness camping experience amidst the stunning landscapes of northern New Mexico.

For inquiries or additional information regarding Upper Lagunitas Campground, direct contact is available through the provided phone numbers. Given its location within the Carson National Forest, these numbers typically connect to the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for managing this district of the forest. It is always recommended to call ahead for the most current information regarding opening and closing dates (as it's suitable for "warmer season" camping), road conditions for FR 87, fire restrictions, water availability (as not directly mentioned in reviews), and any specific guidelines for camping in a more primitive forest setting.

Address: Tierra Amarilla, NM 87575, USA

Phone: (575) 758-6200

Mobile Phone: +1 575-758-6200

Having both a local landline and a mobile phone number provides convenient options for potential visitors to reach out. When calling, it is advisable to do so during standard business hours of the Forest Service office. A direct call is the best way to get detailed, up-to-date information before planning your trip, ensuring your expectations align with the current offerings and conditions of this secluded mountain campground. This is particularly important for checking on the accessibility of the lakes and any specific trail information.

Upper Lagunitas Campground is exceptionally well-suited for local New Mexicans, particularly those who cherish a genuine, secluded, and activity-rich wilderness experience in their home state.

Firstly, for New Mexicans who seek solitude and a break from crowded areas, the "spaced out sites" and the quiet atmosphere of Upper Lagunitas are invaluable. It offers a true escape into nature, allowing for profound relaxation and a deeper connection with the surrounding environment without the distractions of bustling campgrounds. This aligns perfectly with the desire for a peaceful retreat that many locals often seek.

Secondly, its prime location within the Carson National Forest and its direct access to "Cruses Basin Wilderness" make it an ideal base for avid hikers, backpackers, and nature explorers. New Mexicans who are passionate about exploring their state's extensive trail systems and designated wilderness areas will find Upper Lagunitas to be a perfect starting point for challenging and rewarding adventures. The promise of "Lots of fish down there!" further appeals to the numerous local anglers.

Furthermore, the campground's accessibility, even with "a few rough spots" on FR 87, for vehicles with "decent clearance" means it's within reach for many adventurous locals. This balance of being remote enough for a true wilderness feel, yet accessible for most personal vehicles, is a key convenience for New Mexicans planning their trips.

Finally, the opportunity to witness "Great spot for sunrise and sunset" and enjoy the "awesome fire ring" epitomizes the quintessential camping experience that many New Mexicans cherish. It's a place where simple pleasures are amplified by stunning natural beauty and a shared respect for the outdoors, fostering a sense of community among fellow enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Upper Lagunitas Campground stands out as a premier destination for local New Mexicans seeking a secluded, clean, and activity-rich wilderness escape in the beautiful mountains of their home state. It promises a peaceful retreat where the grandeur of nature takes center stage, making it a highly recommended spot for an authentic outdoor adventure.

Upper Lagunitas Campground

Tierra Amarilla, NM 87575, USA