Santa Barbara Campground

Campground · 21 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Carson National Forest (NF) · Open Access

21
Bookable sites
65 ft
Max rig length
up to 40
People per site
2
Accessible sites
8,839 ft
Elevation
Santa Barbara Campground
Photo: Carson National Forest · Recreation.gov

Overview

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.

Recreation

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

Facilities

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.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.

The facts

  • 21 bookable sites
  • 2 accessible sites
  • Vehicles up to 65 ft
  • Up to 40 people per site
  • Loops: SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND

Site types

  • 19 Standard Nonelectric
  • 2 Group RV Area Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Water hookups
  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

21 campsites at Santa Barbara Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeWaterMax rigPeople
001SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—32 ft24 🐾
002SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDGroup Rv Area NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—32 ft32 🐾
003SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—43 ft8 🐾
004SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—38 ft8 🐾
005SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlight—40 ft8 🐾
006SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricParallelPavedSlight—25 ft8 🐾
007SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—40 ft8 🐾
008SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—40 ft8 🐾
009SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—30 ft8 🐾
010SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—65 ft8 🐾
011SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront30 ft8♿ 🐾
012SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricParallelPavedSlightRiverfront30 ft8♿ 🐾
013SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—40 ft8 🐾
014SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront35 ft8 🐾
015SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—30 ft8 🐾
016SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—40 ft8 🐾
018SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDGroup Rv Area NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—25 ft40 🐾
019SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront42 ft16 🐾
020SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront48 ft8 🐾
021SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront45 ft16 🐾
022SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront40 ft8 🐾

Getting there

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.

36.08910, -105.61010 · 36°5'20.8"N 105°36'36.4"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in1.92.22.72.11.61.33.14.22.01.92.22.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Santa Barbara Campground

Can you reserve a site at Santa Barbara Campground?
Yes, Santa Barbara Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Santa Barbara Campground have?
21 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Santa Barbara Campground?
65 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Santa Barbara Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Santa Barbara Campground.
Does Santa Barbara Campground have hookups?
Water.
Are campfires allowed at Santa Barbara Campground?
Campfires are allowed at Santa Barbara Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Santa Barbara Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Santa Barbara Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Campsite (includes parking for one vehicle) $22/night
  • Double campsite $40/night
  • Triple campsite $60/night
  • Group campsite $70/night
  • Campsite for Senior or Access pass holders $11/night
  • Extra vehicle $11/night
  • Trailhead parking $7/day
  • Day use $11/day

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Santa Barbara Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.