Is Rio De Los Pinos Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Rio De Los Pinos Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Rio De Los Pinos Campground?

Rio De Los Pinos Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Rio De Los Pinos Campground have?

Rio De Los Pinos Campground has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Rio De Los Pinos Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Rio De Los Pinos Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Rio De Los Pinos Campground?

Popular activities at Rio De Los Pinos Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rio De Los Pinos Campground

5 reviews

Featured in:Best Campgrounds New Mexico

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Rio De Los Pinos Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

(575) 758-8678

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Rio De Los Pinos Campground

36.9549, -106.1749

Weather at Rio De Los Pinos Campground

Best Time to Camp at Rio De Los Pinos Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions, with daytime temperatures in the 45–65°F range and nights dropping near freezing. Mid-September through October brings peak aspen color and lower, clearer river flows that improve trout fishing in morning and evening hours. Summer heat stays manageable at this elevation. Big-game hunting seasons overlap with parts of fall, bringing additional activity to the area. Winter can limit access depending on snowfall.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Explicit: mid-Sept–Oct brings peak aspen color and best conditions; fall recommended.

Planning Tips

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Rio De Los Pinos Campground

Rio De Los Pinos Campground sits at 8,000 feet in Carson National Forest, offering four primitive sites near Antonito, Colorado. The campground sits just west of the New Mexico Game & Fish Recreation Area, where the river provides the main draw for anglers and hikers seeking high-altitude solitude.

Rio de Los Pinos Campground offers a mix of developed and dispersed camping options. The developed section includes 4 campsites, while the dispersed camping area allows for more flexible setups along the river.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions, with daytime temperatures in the 45–65°F range and nights dropping near freezing. Mid-September through October brings peak aspen color and lower, clearer river flows that improve trout fishing in morning and evening hours. Summer heat stays manageable at this elevation. Big-game hunting seasons overlap with parts of fall, bringing additional activity to the area. Winter can limit access depending on snowfall.

ElevationPerched at 8,000 feet above sea level, this high-country haven offers the crisp, clean air and expansive views that only true mountain camping can provide. The elevation creates a unique ecosystem where alpine meadows meet riparian corridors, offering cooler temperatures even in summer's peak and a chance to experience New Mexico's diverse vertical landscapes. Visitors should prepare for the thin air and allow time to acclimate to fully enjoy all the area has to offer.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe river cuts through a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity and erosion, exposing rock formations that trace millions of years of geological change. Pines and aspens line the banks, with cottonwoods scattered through the valley. The surrounding mountains rise above the river corridor, creating a setting where water, rock, and forest meet. Fall brings the aspens into gold, typically peaking from mid-September into October.

Geological RegionSet within New Mexico's dramatic mountain terrain, this area showcases the powerful forces that shaped the Land of Enchantment. Ancient volcanic activity and millennia of erosion have carved deep valleys and exposed fascinating rock formations that tell the story of our planet's dynamic past. The river continues this geological narrative, constantly reshaping the landscape and creating the diverse habitats that make this region so ecologically rich and visually stunning.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no details about hotel-style lodging accommodations at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Details about group camping sites are not provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityNo details are available about accessibility features for this campground.

Site SizeSpecific sizes of campsites are not detailed in the materials.

PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not described.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

I manage this campground

Things to do at Rio De Los Pinos Campground

The Rio de Los Pinos Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking activities like fishing, hiking, and picnicking. According to official sources, this site offers superb river fishing access and is suitable for backpacking and day hikes. Picnicking is also listed as an activity, with single picnic sites available. Hunting and shooting opportunities are also mentioned.

Fishing4.0/5

Description: 'excellent'/'superb' river and stream fishing; river is main draw for anglers.

Hiking3.0/5

Supports backpacking and day hikes, but no trail details or difficulty info provided.

Water Sports2.0/5

River access exists but boating/kayaking aren't highlighted or supported in materials.

Winter Activities1.5/5

At 8,000 ft likely snowy in winter, but no cross-country or downhill facilities noted.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation, remote primitive campground with few sites suggests low light pollution.

Photography3.5/5Aspen color in fall, river corridor and exposed rock formations offer photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Rio De Los Pinos Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

There are no user reviews provided in the source material.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

User-provided positive highlights are not available.

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

No common complaints are cited in the provided materials.

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no reviews specific to particular campsites or areas of the campground.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips or recommendations for campers are not included in the source.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends or user reviews across different seasons are detailed.

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

No direct quotes from users are available.

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews or comments about accessibility features are available.

Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews related to the campground's pet policies or pet-friendly features are available.

Based on 5 reviews

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Rio De Los Pinos Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(575) 758-8678

Go if

Fly fishers and solitude-seekers who move fast on first-come sites will find the Rio de Los Pinos a legitimate score: free, riverside, and far enough from Antonito that crowds rarely materialize.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling everything in, and with only four sites this fills fast on fall weekends during hunting season, leaving late arrivals without a spot.

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