Santa Barbara Campground

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Water Systems Out of Service at Some Recreation Sites

The following recreation site water systems are currently offline. Visitors should bring their own water.

Site	Status	Online By Date
Cimarron Campground	Water system repairs needed	To be determined
Echo Campground, Picnic Area, Trailhead	Water system repairs needed	Expected by mid-August 2026
Hopewell Lake Campground and Day Use Area	Water system repairs needed	Expected by late spring 2027
McCrystal Campground (non-potable for horses only)	Awaiting supplies, significant rainfall	Unknown (McCrystal Creek is dry)

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.

Camp site features

Across 21 camp sites:

Water hookups: 8 of 21 sites
Picnic table: all 21 sites
Pets allowed: all 21 sites
ADA accessible: 2 of 21 sites
Group sites: 2 of 21 sites
Longest rig: 65 ft
Largest party: 40 people

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

96 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

David F

Loop:Santa Barbara Campground

Site:

Reviewed 5 days ago

Always peaceful and beautiful

Tamara S

Loop:Santa Barbara Campground

Site:

Reviewed 6 days ago

Beautiful and clean, great camp hosts. Unfortunately, quite a bit of smoke from the Frijoles fire and cows within the campground at one point. A calf was right outside our vehicle and the dog was enthralled. Hoping to get back up there one more time before it closes.

Greg V

Loop:Santa Barbara Campground

Site:

Reviewed 11 days ago

This is a wonderful campground. Nice spaces, lots of shade, a babbling creek nearby, and a wonderful trail for hiking.

Michael P

Loop:Santa Barbara Campground

Site:

Reviewed 14 days ago

Beautiful area

James P

Loop:Santa Barbara Campground

Site:

Reviewed 19 days ago

Beautiful campground, well maintained, lots of hiking available. We were there during the week so quiet. Great place to get away!! If you're into quiet, midweek might be best. This campground has 3 group sites, did hear of a recent instance where all three were booked, wasn't quiet.

Donna O

Loop:Santa Barbara Campground

Site:

Reviewed 22 days ago

We enjoyed our stay there even though they had to turn off the water. We had; I think the best site #20

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve Watch

Popularity: Quiet

Busiest in August, when about 22% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 8 years of reservations.