r/NewMexico • u/madi_clare • 1d ago

Camping mid March

I’ve been to NM in April, mostly southern areas though. I’m looking to camp either Santa Fe National forest or Gila area around mid March. I’m fine with cold, but is there usually snow? I don’t have a 4x4 vehicle which is my biggest concern. I was really looking forward to Columbine campground specifically but saw some pretty snowy pics from someone who stayed early march. Any advice?

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u/crittyhopper 1d ago

Camping pretty much anywhere in the Santa Fe NF mid March will be very cold at night, consider it winter camping. High elevation areas, which is most of it, will probably have snow. Columbine campground is in Carson NF and is closed for the winter per the USFS site, probably won't open until May I'd guess, like most of the campgrounds in the area. You'd be much better off aiming at the Gila, which will also be cold at night and may have some snow depending, but will be far more doable.