How much does camping cost at Big Arsenic Springs?

Camping fees at Big Arsenic Springs range from $3.5-$7/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Big Arsenic Springs first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Arsenic Springs operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Arsenic Springs before I book?

Yes! Big Arsenic Springs has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Arsenic Springs?

Big Arsenic Springs is open Open year-round (reported by visitors).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Arsenic Springs?

Big Arsenic Springs does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Arsenic Springs?

Fire policies at Big Arsenic Springs: User reports indicate campfires are allowed and firewood has been available; visitors should follow current BLM fire restrictions and local conditions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Big Arsenic Springs?

Cell phone service at Big Arsenic Springs is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

Are dogs allowed at Big Arsenic Springs?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Arsenic Springs. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Arsenic Springs?

Big Arsenic Springs offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Arsenic Springs?

Popular activities at Big Arsenic Springs include Hiking, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Arsenic Springs

4.87

31 reviews

Big Arsenic Springs

Scenic Views

Featured in:Swimming Camping New Mexico

Quick Facts

Price

$3.5 - $7/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$3.5 - $7/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Big Arsenic Springs

$3.50 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

User reports indicate a daily permit/overnight fee around $7; some reviews mention a reduced $3.50 daily permit (unclear who qualifies).

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.87

Top-Rated

Based on 31 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanrestrooms

"Generally highly rated for spectacular canyon and river views, well-maintained vault/pit toilets, roomy and sometimes very private sites, and good trail access. Reviewers consistently praise the scenery and hiking; many note the campground is basic with limited services."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Arsenic Springs

36.6756, -105.6814

Nearby supplies

Visitors report no water or food available for about 15 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Big Arsenic Springs

Spring and fall are when Big Arsenic Springs truly shines, offering that sweet spot of perfect hiking weather and comfortable camping temperatures. Summer days can climb into the 80s°F with intense desert sun, while winter nights dip into the 30s°F, making shoulder seasons your best bet for exploring the gorge. Pack layers year-round—high-desert weather has a mind of its own.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 6% in NM

Spring offers mild temps and fewer visitors; reviewers recommend it alongside fall.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round (reported by visitors).

About Big Arsenic Springs

Perched on the dramatic rim of the Rio Grande gorge, Big Arsenic Springs offers adventurous campers a front-row seat to one of New Mexico's most spectacular natural amphitheaters. This well-maintained BLM campground keeps things refreshingly simple—vault toilets, spacious sites, and those jaw-dropping canyon views that make you forget you ever needed Wi-Fi. For ultimate solitude, venture past the day-use area where a few especially secluded sites await.

BLM-managed rim-side campground offering individual sites with spacing and options for larger rigs; limited developed amenities.

Weather and SeasonsSpring and fall are when Big Arsenic Springs truly shines, offering that sweet spot of perfect hiking weather and comfortable camping temperatures. Summer days can climb into the 80s°F with intense desert sun, while winter nights dip into the 30s°F, making shoulder seasons your best bet for exploring the gorge. Pack layers year-round—high-desert weather has a mind of its own.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to the Rio Grande snaking through volcanic canyon walls hundreds of feet below, the morning light painting the gorge in shades of rust and gold. This is high-desert country where the landscape doesn't apologize for its ruggedness—scattered vegetation offers pockets of shade while keeping the horizon wide open. The setting strikes that perfect balance between exposed desert drama and just enough shelter to make camp comfortable, with unobstructed vistas that seem to stretch into forever.

Geological RegionRio Grande Gorge (volcanic canyon) / Rio Grande Rift

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Rim-top campground with trails down into the Rio Grande gorge; primary recreational uses are hiking, camping and river access for swimming. Wildlife viewing is reported.

Hiking

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRugged, uneven terrain and steep canyon rim present fall and footing hazards; many sites are uneven and may require attention for leveling larger vehicles. No on‑site drinking water reported — bring water. Cell coverage may be inconsistent.

Weather at Big Arsenic Springs

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.9

31 reviews

Top-Rated

Big Arsenic Springs is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Generally highly rated for spectacular canyon and river views, well-maintained vault/pit toilets, roomy and sometimes very private sites, and good trail access. Reviewers consistently praise the scenery and hiking; many note the campground is basic with limited services.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Panoramic views of the Rio Grande gorge, clean restrooms, spacious sites (some very private), good trail access to the river, suitable for larger RVs in several spots, scenic and quiet setting.

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited services: no water or food nearby (about 15 miles), no electric hookups, and generally minimal facilities beyond vault toilets. Weak Verizon signal, potential for strong winds on the rim, and...

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra water and supplies (services and food are many miles away). Expect steep hikes to the river; bring good footwear and be prepared for uneven/rocky sites. Arrive prepared for limited cell...

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Generally reported as quiet and open year-round; one reviewer noted very low occupancy in late September. Windy conditions are mentioned but not tied strongly to a particular season.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Great campground on the rim of the Rio Grande gorge. Views for miles in every direction.” — “Beautiful well-maintained campground right on the Rio Grande gorge.” — “No water or food for about 15...

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites sit along the rim with wide spacing and excellent views; several spots can accommodate larger RVs but may be hard to get level. There are also campsites and at least one outhouse down by the...

Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

Trail access to the river is roughly 1 mile down and 1 mile back up; reviewers describe the ascent as strenuous ('harder coming up')—children (ages 4 and 6) have completed it but mobility-impaired...

Based on 31 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

4.7

(32)

Little Arsenic Springs Campground

Perched on the dramatic rim of the Rio Grande Gorge within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, this intimate BLM campground delivers some of New Mexico's most spectacular canyon views from just five well-spaced sites. Each spot comes equipped with a shade ramada, picnic table, and grill, while vault toilets serve the campground and trails lead adventurous souls down into the gorge itself.