Within Santa Fe National Forest, Holy Ghost Campground sits at 8,200 feet elevation along Holy Ghost Creek, providing access to the Pecos Wilderness. The US Forest Service manages this drive-in campground with 16 sites, charging $8 per night for both camping and day use.
The narrow, potholed access road requires careful driving for the final three miles through Holy Ghost Canyon. "Take it slow and don't tailgate. There is two way traffic on a one lane road," advises Aaron S.. Trailers over 25 feet face significant challenges on this route. Sites near the creek fill first, with campers recommending spots 7-10 for water access and 11-16 for more privacy in the back section.
Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit, with vault toilets and bear-proof trash cans throughout the campground. No water service exists, so campers must bring their own supply. The creek provides fishing opportunities, and multiple hiking trails begin from the campground, including a route to a backcountry lake that requires an early start and following the fork left at the trail junction.
Weekend crowds arrive early, often by Thursday or Friday, to secure preferred spots. Skunks frequent the area, requiring secure food storage and controlled pets. Sites offer varying degrees of shade from surrounding forest, with those closest to the creek providing the sound of running water. For additional options, campers can explore dog-friendly camping around Santa Fe National Forest or consider nearby Holy Ghost Group Area for larger gatherings.
Description
Situated in a beautiful steep canyon right along Holy Ghost Creek, 16 miles north of Pecos on NM 63 and FR 122. Uses: camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking. Facilities: vaulted toilets, water, trash bins, tables and grills. No hook-ups or showers. Special Instructions: Horse trailers are not allowed, but can be parked at Terrero. Picnickers must pay fee. Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundHoly Ghost Campground is located in New Mexico
Directions
16 miles north of Pecos on Highway 63 and Forest Road 122
Coordinates
35.77286056 N
105.70131755 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 6 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 1 hr 42 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 59 min from Farmington, NM
- 4 hrs 5 min from Pueblo, CO


























