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Soda Pocket Campground
Overview
Soda Pocket Campground is a scenic, high-altitude destination located within the Carson National Forest near Raton and Tres Piedras, New Mexico. This campground is primarily designed for those seeking a true back-to-nature experience. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, it provides a quiet, forested escape far removed from the noise of commercial RV parks. Visitors will appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and the opportunity to disconnect completely while surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and expansive mountain views.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the heart of Northern New Mexico, Soda Pocket is tucked away in the high country, offering a refreshing retreat from the desert heat. The campground serves as a gateway to the Carson National Forest, providing immediate access to rugged wilderness and unpaved forest roads. The altitude contributes to crisp, clean air and cool evenings, making it an excellent spot for summer camping when lower elevations become uncomfortably warm during the day.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a primitive, dry-camping facility geared toward self-sufficient travelers. While you will not find full hookups or modern resort luxuries here, the site offers designated campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilets are available on-site to provide basic convenience for guests. The campground is best suited for tents, truck campers, or smaller RVs, as the access roads and natural terrain may be challenging for large motorhomes or long fifth-wheel trailers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The surrounding area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy quiet exploration. Guests often spend their time hiking or mountain biking on nearby forest trails that wind through scenic meadows and dense woods. For those interested in local culture, the historic town of Raton and the unique landscapes of the Enchanted Circle are within driving distance. Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with elk and deer frequently spotted roaming through the forest near the camp.
Who This Park Is Best For
Soda Pocket Campground is ideal for off-grid enthusiasts and boondockers who prioritize solitude over amenities. It is a fantastic choice for those traveling with smaller, maneuverable setups who want to wake up deep in the national forest. If you are looking for a place to practice Leave No Trace camping, enjoy dark night skies, and experience the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountain foothills, this forest service gem is a perfect match.
User Reviews
Tony Vigil
Very clean and beautiful. Amazing stay
Taite Winter
Sugarite Canyon State Park is awesome & this is a wonderful campground. There is easy trail access to some lovely hikes from both sides of the campground. Sites 20-23 have prime views of the canyon. The camp host, Sandy, is very welcoming & keeps this campground very well maintained. Soda Pocket Campground is definitely more intended for car camping or trailers/RVs as there are no tent pads. The covered picnic table & bear box are very handy especially in inclement weather. There are fire pits, however, there is currently a fire ban so we weren’t able to use them. The road to the campsite is locked at night (there is a code), but I didn’t feel that this was well explained when booking and is difficult to navigate in the dark.
Dao Tran
Beautiful camping area. Corrugated dirt road climb to get there. Clean, quiet, peaceful, cooler than the surrounding areas.
David de Lajunta
Great campsite. #2 and #3 are the best. Good tree cover and next to meadow that attracts Elk and Deer.
Andrea Johnson
I prefer dispersed camping, but this was alright for an overnight stay. Quiet for the most part…until the camper near by kicked their generator on from 9:30-10pm. Clean, well kept and nice walk to the trail head. Not suitable for tents, but nice if you have a camper or are car camping.
N Stark
Very picturesque, great views with fishing and hiking trails. Showers at entrance/exit. Visitor's Center also at entrance.
Marsha O'Guin
Love it there.
A Smith
Dates of stay 22-24 July 19: Very similar review to the SUGARITE CANYON STATE PARK review I submitted, but just in case this is the only thing you check...here it goes. Lost cell phone signal about 4 miles after exiting I-25. The dirt road leading to Soda Park is steep, washboard, and two miles long. Lake Maloya (boat dock) is 3 miles from Soda Pocket Campground. No water at Soda Pocket. Boil water advisory at park. The lower campground (Lake Alice) has the water. Pit toilets were very clean and nice, whoever thought of putting a urinal in the men's vault toilets is a genius! Bear box at each campsite and bear proof trash and recycle bins located near each vault toilet. The shower house (very nice) is at the entrance of the park and Soda Pocket Campground is about 4 miles away. Ice at visitor center for $3.00 per 10 lb bag (better than in town). Views of the valley / canyon are better at the back of campground, but less shade opportunities back there.
Dan Harper
I stayed at the Soda Pocket camp site area. This camping area has no hook ups and pit toilets. It does have picnic tables with shade, some amazing views and is a starting spot for several hikes. On the hikes there were many kind of wild flowers. You are about 2.5 miles from the bigger lake which is great for fishing and paddling. The camp host was helpful. If you do need hookups, there is another camping area in the bottom of the canyon. There are also showers near the park entrance. Across the canyon you could see elk with your binoculars in the evening. There were also deer, fox, turkey and an amazing variety of birds including gold finch, blue birds, etc. I believe they used to have water available at this camp site. I would give it five stars if it had water.
Erin Smith
I haven't been here yet, but I've noticed and wanted to point out that there is an annual pass for out-of-staters for $225. It saves you $10 a night for an electric site. Factoring in the 14 day on, 7 day off cycle, your 23rd day here and on (30 actual days) the pass would pay for itself and then you would subsequently save $10 every day thereafter for electricity. It's still a pain to leave for 7 days, but hey, just throwing that out there. If you're in-state, it only takes two weeks for the pass to pay for itself. This combined with the amenities is an excellent deal you don't see often.