Camping in Red River, Angel Fire, or Ruidoso in Oct

Your days will be fine (50-60) but expect light freezing for night time temps (20-30). We stayed up north until the temps down south are nicer. Generally mid Oct is when we head south. The temps start to get cold enough to bust a hose if you leave it out overnight.

Ruidoso will be a little warmer a little longer.

For beauty I'd pick Red River or Angel Fire.

Good idea. It is tall so be ready for frost.

AS a day trip, drive over to Chama from Red River area (US64) and back via Antonio, CO (17 and US 285 or CO 142-159-NM 522). Less than 300 miles but great scenery.

NMDriver2 wrote:
AS a day trip, drive over to Chama from Red River area (US64) and back via Antonio, CO (17 and US 285 or CO 142-159-NM 522). Less than 300 miles but great scenery.

That was my first thought when OP mentioned fall colors yesterday.

Catching fall colors anywhere is a tricky bet. With the draught in the west, who knows when the aspens will turn? We spent about 3 weeks in Santa Fe a few years ago waiting for the trees. When they turned it was spectacular. Great photos, great weather and great food! From SF, we made a day trip to ABQ for the Balloon Fiesta and watched a COLD early morning flight--even had time to return to SF for breakfast after the balloon landings!

We were in Taos at exactly that time last year. Had great weather--warm days and cool nights, which is the reason we do most of our camping at that time of year. We went to Taos on US 64 from Raton via Cimarron Canyon and Angel Fire.

Then we went down to Cochiti Lake, the Corps of Engineers campground south of Santa Fe, for a few days. Great campground with paved sites, electrical hookups, water, and a dump for $11/night with our Senior Pass. While there, big flocks of sandhill cranes were flying overhead on the last leg of their trip from Monte Vista NWR in the San Luis Valley to Bosque del Apache NWR, where they spend the winter.

NMDriver2 wrote:
AS a day trip, drive over to Chama from Red River area (US64) and back via Antonio, CO (17 and US 285 or CO 142-159-NM 522). Less than 300 miles but great scenery.

I believe you are referring to Antonito, CO? Great little town and while there, one must drive buy the Beer Can Castle - Cano's Castle - Beer Can Folk Art

fanrgs wrote:
We were in Taos at exactly that time last year. Had great weather--warm days and cool nights, which is the reason we do most of our camping at that time of year. We went to Taos on US 64 from Raton via Cimarron Canyon and Angel Fire.

Then we went down to Cochiti Lake, the Corps of Engineers campground south of Santa Fe, for a few days.

Had to comment that this is a common place for us to stay, Cochiti Lake, since my wife's uncle lives very nearby in Pena Blanca. However, this year we did Angel Fire first, then Cochiti Lake.

Some of the RV Parks and Campgrounds in Angel Fire, Eagle Nest and Red River close in early to mid-October. Some of the Forest Service campgrounds along the Red River on Highway 38 close after Labor Day. I think most close by the end of September. Eagle Nest Lake State Park should be open.

The Balloon Fiesta is Oct. 6-14. Many of the RV Parks from Santa Fe South including Cochiti will be full or nearly so for the 2 weeks before and after. Some raise their rates during this period. There are usually dry camping sites available at Cochiti. There are usually sites available at the Tetilla Peak campground on the East side of Cochiti Lake. Looks like it closes on October 16 this year.