4.3220 reviewsPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
10 campsites
Season
April - November
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
10 campsites
Season
April - November
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans
256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account
Learn more about alerts →Rio Chama Campground
36.3551, -106.6727
Paddlers and fall campers get the most out of this place. Grab one of the five riverside sites early on a weekday in mid-October: 50–70°F days, clearing river flows, and cottonwood color with almost nobody around. Continental Divide Trail access is right there for hikers.
No potable water means packing everything in. Cow manure on sites and the path to the vault toilets is a recurring complaint, not a fluke. Holiday weekends fill fast with no reservations and no ranger host to manage the chaos.
Reference information about Rio Chama Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Located on the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River. </p><p>Ten individual campsites each include a picnic table and a campfire ring. RV's up to 20 feet can be accommodated in only a few sites. No potable water, or hookups. </p>
Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.
Fall delivers the best conditions. Mid-October days run 50–70°F with nights in the 20s–40s. River flows drop and clear up, making paddling and fishing easier. Bug pressure decreases and crowds thin compared to summer weekends. The campground operates April through November but closes when snow arrives. Late May through early June offers warm, dry weather. Expect wind during busy weekends. Check hunting season dates before visiting in fall.
Mid‑October recommended: cottonwood/aspen color, lower flows, clearer paddling and fishing; best season.
Rio Chama Campground provides basic amenities suitable for a rustic camping experience. Each of the ten individual campsites includes a picnic table and a campfire ring; however, there are no hookups or potable water available on-site. Restroom facilities consist of vault toilets, which have received positive reviews for cleanliness from users.
Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.
Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.
Rate Rio Chama Campground
Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.
Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.
Be the first to review this campground
Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.
