Cimarron Campground

I've been coming to Valle Vidal since the 1980's and back then, this campground was a jewel. Then, Congress decided to turn many campgrounds over to private concessionaires who reduced amenities and raised prices in the name of profit. In 2025, you have no trash cans or running water. No trash cans in bear country. Think about that. This is why very few people come this far to camp. And they charge exorbitant fees considering the amenities are "primitive campground" conditions - fire pit, outhouse and picnic table. Blame privatization by your Congress. Write to them and complain about the pirates that have taken over our campgrounds.

This is by far one of the nicest campgrounds that I have been to. Plenty of corals for horses with water troughs. Has fire rings and tables. Lots of wildlife. I visited off season but I imagine fishing is good. Lots of fishing restrictions so do your homework before you visit.

What a beautiful area. Great campground. Vaults and sites well maintained. Great tasting cold water. Lots of deer meandering right thru campsite. Hikes to Lake Shuree put several trout on the campfires. Mmmm. A super camp host. Beautiful views on both access roads. Great outing.

The road in from either direction is fine for my non-4WD station wagon. Coming from the west, you get some great scenery in the canyon. The campground is a large semi-wooded loop. Some sites have corrals. I have stayed here four times. Unfortunately, each time has been with rowdy party groups in a couple or more campsites, The on-site "caretaker" stays in his trailer and never quiets anyone down. I think it now has a reputation at area schools as a weekend party spot. Skip this campground. Worth the extra money to have a nice site at Rio Castilla Park to the west.

The camp host Josh was very helpful and took his job to heart. Very consciences in taking care of the campground. Happy he finally got new tires for his work truck. To bad the campground does have water as advertised. It is a long way in to get there. Wish the road could be graded more often because there are parts that are really rough.