Rio Chama Campground

Star4.79
20 reviews
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

6,406 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

April - November

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Santa Fe National Forest site

Official Website
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Rio Chama Campground
$0.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Santa Fe National Forest honors America the Beautiful Interagency Passes. Senior Pass (Lifetime and Annual) and Access Pass holders receive a 50%...
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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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Provider
575-638-5526null
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What Campers Say

4.79

Top-Rated

Based on 20 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleansites

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews consistently praise the campground's breathtaking views, cleanliness, and river access, while noting limitations such as the lack of potable water and occasional overcrowding during peak times."

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Campground Map

Rio Chama Campground

36.3551, -106.6727

Driving directionsAt Jct of SH 96 and US 84, travel 8 miles on US84 to FR 151. On FR 151, travel 12 miles west to campground.
The campground is accessible via a 12-mile gravel road, which includes three cattle grates and some washboard sections. Reviews indicate that the road is passable by passenger vehicles under normal conditions, but heavy rainfall or monsoons can make the upper part of the road muddy and require 4WD and good tires.
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Best Time to Camp at Rio Chama Campground

From April through November, Rio Chama Campground awakens from its winter slumber to welcome adventurers seeking riverside serenity. Late May through early June emerges as the sweet spot for camping, when warm sunshine bathes the canyon walls, rain clouds rarely appear, and comfortable humidity levels create ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and stargazing. As winter approaches, the campground transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, closing its gates until spring's return brings new life to the Rio Chama valley.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer with boating/kayaking and hiking, but peak weekends can be crowded.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in NM

Fall is highlighted: "canyon erupts in a symphony of gold and crimson" and reviews recommend fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Open April–November; late May–early June noted as a sweet spot for visits and river activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter (open April–November).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: April - November
  • Current Alerts: Call Coyote Ranger District at 575-638-5526 for fire restrictions.

About Rio Chama Campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of a Wild & Scenic River, Rio Chama Campground offers an intimate retreat with just ten thoughtfully spaced campsites. Each site invites you to gather around your own campfire ring and enjoy meals at a dedicated picnic table, creating the perfect setting for memorable outdoor experiences. While the campground welcomes smaller RVs (up to 20 feet at select sites), this rustic haven embraces a back-to-basics approach—you'll need to bring your own water and won't find hookups, ensuring an authentic connection with nature.
The campground caters primarily to tent campers and small RVs, with additional options for dispersed camping nearby.
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Reserving a campsite

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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rio Chama Campground offers a range of outdoor activities centered around its scenic location by the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River.
HikingNearby hiking trails include portions of the Continental Divide Trail, described by users as easily accessible and offering beautiful views.
BoatingThe campground offers easy access for river-related activities such as rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Multiple user reviews commend the 'easy put-ins for rafts.'
Wildlife viewingNo specific details about wildlife viewing opportunities are mentioned, but the scenic environment suggests potential for spotting local fauna.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews cite the presence of cow poop at some campsites as a notable issue. Additionally, heavy rainfall can make access roads muddy and challenging.
Active AlertsCall Coyote Ranger District at 575-638-5526 for fire restrictions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Rio Chama Campground

Reviews

4.8
20 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Rio Chama Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the campground's breathtaking views, cleanliness, and river access, while noting limitations such as the lack of potable water and occasional overcrowding during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the 'exceptionally clean vault toilets,' 'unbeatable views,' and 'easy put-ins for rafts.' Tent campers particularly enjoy the picturesque riverside sites, described as 'one of the...
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Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the absence of potable water, cow manure near campsites, and potential road washouts during heavy rains. One user noted, 'Our campsite and the path to the bathroom were covered...
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Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early during peak weekends to secure a site, and consider bringing a tool to clear cow manure from campsites. Some users recommend dispersed camping along the gravel road as an alternative...
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Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is particularly recommended due to the vibrant autumn colors. Memorial Day weekend can be crowded, with all campsites and nearby dispersed options filling up quickly.
Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Amazing location! Easy put-ins for rafts, kayaks, paddle boards.' - Kevin Bishop 2. 'The fall colors were amazing. The mountain views were a picturesque background for our riverside camp site.' -...
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Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users highlight the variability in shade among campsites and recommend being choosy. Half of the sites are riverside, offering the best views and access.
Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, but must be kept on a leash. No specific reviews mention pet-related experiences.
Based on 20 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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