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A white Tacoma with a camper shell parked on a rise above a broad, empty basin under building cloud.

Forest Service group campground

Holy Ghost Group Area

Forest Service group campground in Santa Fe National Forest, San Miguel County, New Mexico. 8,268 feet. 14 miles from Pecos.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Managed by
Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest
Elevation
8,268 ft USGS elevation model, at the mapped point
Sites
1 1 group standard area non-electric
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov
County
San Miguel County

Overview

Holy Ghost Campground is tucked away in the Santa Fe National Forest, on the cusp of the breathtaking Pecos Wilderness in Holy Ghost Canyon. This group campground sits high in the canyon, with Holy Ghost Creek gently flowing alongside it. A network of trails invites hikers and horseback riders to discover the stunning landscapes of the surrounding wilderness.

For more information on first-come, first-served sites, be sure to visit the Holy Ghost Campground website.

Recreation

Hiking and horseback riding are the most popular activities at Holy Ghost Campground. Holy Ghost Trail #283 runs along Holy Ghost Creek for 4.2 miles and connects with Winsor Trail #254, which accesses a 350-mile network of trails within the Pecos Wilderness. This includes Skyline Trail and 4 beautiful lakes (Katherine, Stewart, Johnson, and Spirit Lake).

Anglers enjoy fishing along Holy Ghost Creek. Supports Rainbow and Brown Trout. Stocked regularly by New Mexico Game and Fish. Visit https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov for a weekly stocking report and fishing regulations.

Facilities

Recreation staff or a campground host regularly patrols the area and is available to answer any questions campers may have.

The campground features one accessible group campsite that can accommodate up to 40 people. This site includes a vaulted toilet, bear-proof trash bins, a covered pavilion, picnic tables, a large grill, and a spacious fire pit, making it ideal for gatherings.

Located at the far end of Holy Ghost Campground, this group site offers privacy and convenience. Individual campsites in the main campground below are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each are equipped with a grassy tent pad, picnic table, and campfire ring with grill.

Accessible vault toilets and trash collection are provided for your convenience. Please note that there are no hookups available, so be sure to bring your own water or a filter for stream water. The road leading to the campground can be narrow in some areas, drive with caution.

Natural Features

Holy Ghost Campground is nestled among a lush ponderosa pine and fir forest, right where aspen trees begin to flourish, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico. During the summer, the area bursts into color with vibrant wildflowers, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures.

The campground is bordered by Holy Ghost Creek, offering scenic views of both the forest and the majestic mountains. Nature lovers will delight in the diverse wildlife and variety of bird species that inhabit the surrounding area, making this a perfect spot for hiking, horseback riding, and simply taking in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Nearby Attractions

There are many hiking and fishing areas along the Pecos River, offering great opportunities for anglers and hikers alike. Just 50 minutes away, Pecos National Historical Park features prehistoric archaeological ruins, 19th-century ranches, and a Civil War battlefield, providing a rich glimpse into the area’s history.

The town of Pecos is located about 22 miles south of the campground. 46 miles to Santa Fe.

The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • backpacking
  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • wildlife viewing

The land around Holy Ghost Group Area

The ringed pin is this group campground; the others are its nearest neighbours. Switch on forest roads or BLM routes to see the way in.

Map layers

Layers
Base map
Legend

Federal land, by managing agency

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Department Of Defense (DOD)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Other Federal
  • State
  • Local
  • Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
  • Alaska Native Allotment

Federal campgrounds, by agency

  • Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife and others

State and local land (USGS PAD-US)

  • State land
  • County and city land
  • Regional agency or district
  • Land trust or conservancy

Gaps with no tint inside public land are private parcels, often old mining claims and homesteads. They are not open to the public.

Dashed clay lines on the base map are unpaved tracks from OpenStreetMap. They show what exists on the ground, not what is legal to drive.

Select any point to see who manages the land.

Boundaries are approximate and land status changes. This map is a planning aid, not a survey or a statement of access. Confirm routes, closures and camping rules with the managing office.

Nearest campgrounds

Camping near

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated March 11, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.

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