Echo Campground

4.78

110 reviews

U.S. Highway 84, approximately 14.5 miles southwest of Canjilon or 15 miles northwest of Abiquiu, NM

Stargazing

Featured in:Fall Camping New Mexico#3 Summer Camping New Mexico#3 Tent Camping New Mexico#3 +9 more

Quick Facts

6,640 ft

Price

$5 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Canjilon Ranger District, Carson National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,640 ft

Price

$5 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Canjilon Ranger District, Carson National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Echo Campground

$5.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees are $20 per single site per night, $35 for double sites, and $5 per extra vehicle per night. The group shelter, accommodating up to 40 people,...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

575-684-2489null

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What Campers Say

4.78

Top-Rated

Based on 110 reviews

100 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewswell-maintainedsites

"User reviews for Echo Campground are generally positive, emphasizing its scenic beauty, proximity to the Echo Amphitheater Trail, and well-spaced campsites. However, restroom maintenance is a recurring concern."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

U.S. Highway 84, approximately 14.5 miles southwest of Canjilon or 15 miles northwest of Abiquiu, NM

Echo Campground

U.S. Highway 84, approximately 14.5 miles southwest of Canjilon or 15 miles northwest of Abiquiu, NM

Driving directionsEcho Campground is accessible via U.S. Highway 84, located approximately 14.5 miles southwest of Canjilon and about 15 miles northwest of Abiquiu.

The campground is adjacent to U.S. Highway 84, ensuring straightforward access for most vehicles. However, it cannot accommodate large RVs due to the road and campsite layout.

Nearby places

Canjilon (14.5 miles, approx. 20 minutes), Abiquiu (15 miles, approx. 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Canjilon (14.5 miles) or Abiquiu (15 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Echo Campground

Echo Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer days bask in warm sunshine with temperatures climbing into the balmy 80s and 90s, perfect for evening campfires and stargazing. As autumn approaches, the landscape erupts in golden hues before winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy cold-weather camper. Savvy visitors know that late spring and early summer (particularly around Week 23) bring that perfect sweet spot of comfortable temperatures and clear skies, making it prime time for outdoor adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open in summer; can be hot (high 80s–90s) but trails and views are accessible.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Milder temps and scenic views make fall very pleasant for visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Milder spring weather and trail access; scenery noted year‑round.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year‑round but limited winter activities and variable conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active alerts noted, but some reviews mentioned periods of bathroom neglect and water contamination issues.

About Echo Campground

Tucked alongside the scenic U.S. Highway 84, Echo Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with 21 thoughtfully placed campsites, including three convenient pull-through spots perfect for smaller rigs. This charming roadside retreat may not have the bells and whistles of modern RV parks, but what it lacks in hookups it more than makes up for in raw natural beauty. The real treasure here is the direct access to the Echo Amphitheater Trail, where adventurers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of ancient eroded cliffs and sweeping panoramas of the Rio Chama Valley below.

Echo Campground offers 21 campsites suitable for tent and small RV camping. The campground cannot accommodate large RVs, as explicitly stated in the authoritative content. There are no hookups available.

Historical SignificanceStep into a natural wonder that has captivated visitors for generations. The Echo Amphitheater isn't just a geological marvel—it's a place where ancient voices still seem to linger in the air. This massive natural acoustic chamber has inspired countless stories and legends, as visitors discover the magical way their voices bounce off the towering canyon walls, creating an otherworldly echo that seems to carry messages across time. It's a place where geology meets mythology, inviting you to add your own voice to the centuries-old chorus.

Weather and SeasonsEcho Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer days bask in warm sunshine with temperatures climbing into the balmy 80s and 90s, perfect for evening campfires and stargazing. As autumn approaches, the landscape erupts in golden hues before winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy cold-weather camper. Savvy visitors know that late spring and early summer (particularly around Week 23) bring that perfect sweet spot of comfortable temperatures and clear skies, making it prime time for outdoor adventures.

ElevationNestled within the sprawling wilderness of Carson National Forest, Echo Campground sits at a refreshing mountain elevation that offers crisp, clean air and cooler temperatures than the valleys below. This high-country location provides the perfect base camp for exploring the diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes that make this corner of the national forest system so special.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be awestruck by nature's artistry at every turn. The star attraction, Echo Amphitheater, rises like a massive natural cathedral with its dramatic cliff face painted in layers of geological time. This stunning backdrop frames your camping experience, while expansive views stretch across the Rio Chama Valley, revealing a tapestry of mesas, canyons, and distant peaks. The spectacular rock amphitheaters surrounding the campground create an ever-changing display of light and shadow, particularly magical during sunrise and sunset when the rocks seem to glow with inner fire.

Geological RegionEcho Campground sits at the heart of one of Carson National Forest's most geologically fascinating areas. Here, millions of years of erosion have sculpted the landscape into a masterpiece of natural architecture. The dramatic cliff faces tell the story of ancient seas and shifting continents, while the Rio Chama Valley below showcases the powerful forces of water and time. This unique geological wonderland offers visitors a front-row seat to Earth's incredible creative powers, where every rock formation and canyon wall serves as a page in our planet's epic story.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified.

Check-out

Not specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay duration is unclear.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per site as inferred from typical single-site camping capacities.

Groups

The group shelter can accommodate up to 40 people, as per the fee information: '$50 for Group Shelter (up to 40 people).

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 21 sites, including 3 small pull-throughs. Sites are described as 'well spaced' and private in some reviews.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can likely be made through the Canjilon Ranger District office, though the office is temporarily closed.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned but some user reviews indicate campsites may be available upon arrival.

Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly detailed in the source materials.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned. However, Olivia Savell noted that 'The amphitheater is not wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeThe 21 campsites include small pull-throughs, indicating limited space. User reviews suggest sites are 'private and nicely spaced' (Janice Poirot).

PrivacyUser reviews describe the sites as well-spaced and private. For example, Careth Christine mentions, 'The camp spots are well spaced.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the Echo Amphitheater Trail may offer better views.

Amenities available

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Echo Campground include hiking the Echo Amphitheater Trail, which offers spectacular views and opportunities for outdoor learning and scenery viewing. Picnicking is another highlight, with options for individual picnics under shelters or group picnics at the group site.

HikingThe Echo Amphitheater Trail is a short, paved day hike with dramatic cliff views. According to authoritative content, it provides 'spectacular views along an easy trail to [an] eroded dramatic cliff face.' Several user reviews emphasize the beauty of this hike, such as Bennett Beasley stating, 'The echo cave is awesome! The views are super nice!'

Wildlife viewingWhile not explicitly listed, the campground's natural setting and proximity to the dramatic cliffs suggest opportunities for observing local flora and fauna.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Echo Amphitheater Trail provides opportunities for outdoor learning and interpretive experiences. The authoritative content mentions 'Outdoor Science and Learning' and 'Interpretive Areas/Exhibits.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife encounters are possible. Some reviews noted road noise, and rough road conditions limited access for larger vehicles.

Active AlertsNo active alerts noted, but some reviews mentioned periods of bathroom neglect and water contamination issues.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicySpecific fire policies are not stated.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Canjilon, NM, approximately 14.5 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no mention of trash and recycling facilities in the provided information.

Water FeaturesThere are no water features directly within the campground, but potable water is available at the group shelter.

Camp HostNo information provided regarding campground hosts.

Weather at Echo Campground

Reviews

4.8

110 reviews

Top-Rated

Echo Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Echo Campground are generally positive, emphasizing its scenic beauty, proximity to the Echo Amphitheater Trail, and well-spaced campsites. However, restroom maintenance is a recurring concern.

Review Summaries

Based on 110 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the campground's scenic views, well-maintained and well-spaced sites, and the easy access to the Echo Amphitheater Trail. Examples: 'Super cool campground! The echo cave is...

Based on 110 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users mention restroom issues. For instance, Sara Parrilli noted, 'Absolutely neglected bathrooms... Toilets are literally overflowing.' Road noise and lack of potable water were minor...

Based on 110 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site as the campground has limited spots (21 campsites). Bring your own water due to the lack of potable water on-site.

Based on 110 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Scenic views and hiking are highlighted year-round. However, summer temperatures can be high ('The days were in the high 80s-low 90s,' reported Betsy), and restroom conditions may vary.

Based on 110 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful camp site. It is right off the highway but we could barely hear the traffic.' (Careth Christine) 2. 'The echo cave is awesome! The views are super nice!' (Bennett Beasley) 3. 'Not...

Based on 110 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback is limited, but users appreciate the spacious and private sites. For example, 'Nice quiet campground... Many sites were private and nicely spaced.' (Janice Poirot)

Based on 110 reviews