Twining Campsite
Taos Ski Valley NM Boondocking
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| 103 Sutton Place Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico GPS: 36.59594, -105.450511 Elevation: 9409′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Twining Campsite Taos Ski Valley NM Boondocking: Open May-Oct. The maximum RV length at Twining is 22 feet. The location has 4 sites for tents or trailers, each with a pad, table, fire ring, and grill.
Open May to October. Four sites for tents or trailers by Taos Ski Valley provide trailheads to high country, including 13,161′ Mount Wheeler Facilities: 4 campsites for trailers (RV’s under 22′) Tables, grills, toilets. Water available from stream; not recommended for drinking.
Attractions: Camping/picnicking Fishing access for Rio Hondo Hiking Trails – Trailheads for Wheeler Peak Wilderness and Columbine Hondo Wilderness Study Area Wheeler Peak Trail #90 Williams Lake Trail #62 Bull of the woods pasture road Trail #90 Long Canyon Trail #63 Goose Lake Trail #64 Gold Hill Trail #63-64
Directions:19.7 miles north of Taos on State Highway 150
Visited this campground while camping downstream at Cuchilla del Medio Campground. The location has 4 tent sites each with a pad, table, fire ring, and grill. All sites overlook the ski resort hotels. There is a vault toilet across the street uphill at the Bull of the Woods/Wheeler peak trailhead. There are no defined RV sites at the campground, but there is are large parking lots nearby which might allow overnight stays in an RV.
About This Location
If you’re after a quiet, free place to camp near Taos Ski Valley, boondocking at Twining is a straightforward choice. There aren’t a ton of sites—just a handful for tents—but you’ll have easy access to trails and all kinds of outdoor fun.
You can park and camp right up against nature, no hookups or crowds to deal with.
Twining Campground sits by the Bull of the Woods Trailhead. If hiking or exploring Wheeler Peak is on your mind, you’re in the right spot.
It’s a nice pick for anyone who wants to unplug and just enjoy the wild, but still be close to the action in Taos Ski Valley.
Boondocking here means you’re roughing it a bit—minimal facilities, so you’ll want to come prepared. If you’re fine with basic camping and want to be close to the valley’s highlights, this spot gives you that.
Location And Access Of Twining Campsite Taos Ski Valley NM Boondocking
You’ll find the Twining Taos Ski Valley boondocking area tucked near Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico. It’s pretty close to Highway 150, so getting there isn’t a hassle.
The site is just off Twining Road, right across from the Bull of the Woods Trailhead. That means you’re steps away from hiking and outdoor adventure as soon as you wake up.
If you’re heading in from Highway 150, just follow the signs toward the ski lifts. Look for parking areas like Coyote Lot and Bear Lot—those are near the campground and work for RVs or campers.
The actual campsite is tiny—only four tent sites, nestled in an aspen grove. It stays quiet and it’s not far from the lower parking lot for Taos Ski Valley.
You can use this spot as a base for wandering local trails or just soaking up the outdoors.
Quick Facts:
- Near Highway 150, Taos Ski Valley
- Steps from Bull of the Woods Trailhead
- Four tent-only sites
- Coyote and Bear lots nearby for RVs
- Aspen grove for some peace and quiet
Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect From Twining Campsite Taos Ski Valley NM Boondocking
To get there, start in Taos and head north on US-64/Paseo Del Pueblo Norte. When you reach NM-150, hang a right and follow the winding road up into the mountains.
The boondocking area is close to Twining Campground, which has a few tent sites. Nature trails are right there, including Bull of the Woods just across Twining Road.
Expect a quiet, basic camping vibe. No hookups, no fancy facilities—bring your own water, food, and whatever else you need.
Parking works for tents and smaller vehicles. If you’ve got a big rig, you might have a tough time squeezing in.
Here’s a quick checklist you’ll want to keep in mind:
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Water | Bring plenty for your stay |
| Shelter | Tent or small camper is best |
| Supplies | Food, firewood, basic gear |
| Trash | Pack it all out |
| Vehicle | Mountain roads—take it easy |
Hiking is right outside your door, and you’ll have a shot at a real, crowd-free nature experience. Cell service? Don’t count on it being great.
Amenities And Activities At Twining Campsite Taos Ski Valley NM Boondocking
Boondocking at Twining in Taos Ski Valley is about as natural as it gets. No electrical hookups, no running water.
You’ll find picnic tables and, over at the Bull of the Woods Trailhead, some restrooms. They’re not fancy, but they get the job done.
Parking’s in designated spots, but don’t expect much in the way of extras. Sometimes there are porta potties and trash bins around the Taos Ski Valley parking areas, but bring your own water, food, and camping gear just in case.
Plenty to do, though. You’ve got hiking trails right nearby—some easy, some a real workout. If you’re into fishing, the local rivers and streams are worth a shot.
You can also cycle or try horseback riding in the area. In winter, skiing is right there, and if you’re into wildlife or photography, you’ll have plenty of chances.
| Amenities | Details |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables | On-site |
| Restrooms | At Bull of the Woods Trailhead |
| Parking | Designated near campsite |
| Trash and Porta Potties | In Taos Ski Valley area (sometimes) |
| Activities | Options near Twining |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Lots of trails close by |
| Fishing | Rivers and streams to explore |
| Skiing | Taos Ski Valley (winter) |
| Horseback riding | Available in the area |
| Cycling | Trails and roads for biking |
Camping Regulations And Restrictions For Twining Campsite Taos Ski Valley NM Boondocking
Camping at Twining Taos Ski Valley Boondocking comes with a few important rules. It’s mainly for tents and low-impact camping, with not much in the way of formal facilities.
Don’t camp on municipal property, parks, or trails—overnight parking and camping are off-limits there by local ordinance. Stick to the allowed areas so you don’t get hassled.
If you use the Taos Ski Valley RV lots, be aware overnight stays cost $25 plus tax per night. You can stay up to seven nights in those designated spots, and each site is about 30 by 30 feet.
No reservations for Twining campground—just first come, first served. Keep your camp simple and low impact.
Here’s a quick summary:
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Overnight parking | Not allowed on municipal land |
| Camping duration | Max 7 nights at RV lots |
| Costs at RV lots | $25 + tax per night |
| Camp spot size | About 30′ x 30′ |
| Reservation | None at Twining campground |
Stick to the rules, respect the area, and you’ll have a good time.
Leave No Trace At Twining Campsite Taos Ski Valley NM Boondocking
When you camp at Twining Campsite Taos Ski Valley NM Boondocking, it’s honestly crucial to follow Leave No Trace rules. These guidelines protect the natural area and keep things decent for everyone.
Always pack out everything you bring in. That means trash, food scraps, weird odds and ends—just take it all with you.
Campfires? They can really mess up the land and, let’s be real, wildfires are no joke. Stick with a camp stove if you can.
If fires are actually allowed, keep them tiny and stick to existing fire rings. No need to reinvent the wheel.
Stay on established paths and campsites. Please don’t start making new trails or clearing out fresh spots.
That helps prevent soil erosion and keeps the plants happy. It’s not hard to do, just a little self-control.
Respect wildlife by keeping a good distance. Don’t feed animals or poke around in their homes.
Keep your food locked up tight so critters don’t get any ideas. Nobody wants a raccoon party at 2 a.m.
Use toilets if they’re around. If not, dig a small hole at least 200 feet from water sources to bury human waste.
Cover it back up when you’re done—seriously, don’t skip that step.
Keep noise down so the area stays peaceful. You’ll enjoy the quiet, and so will everyone else.
It’s not rocket science, but it makes a big difference.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Restrooms Tables Grills |
RV Camping Tent Camping Wildlife Viewing |
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