Rio Chama Campground
4.778 reviewsQuick Facts
6,406 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
10 campsites
Season
April - November
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
6,406 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
10 campsites
Season
April - November
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsRio 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider575-638-5526null
What Campers Say
4.77
Top-Rated
Based on 8 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."
Fees & Passes at Rio Chama Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: null
Cancellation: null
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Santa Fe National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsFrom 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.
ElevationPerched at 6,406 feet above sea level, the campground sits in that magical elevation where mountain air feels crisp and clean, yet breathing comes easy. This mile-high vantage point offers cooler summer temperatures and spectacular star-filled nights far from city lights.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River serves as your constant companion at this remarkable campground, its crystal-clear waters creating a natural soundtrack for your stay. Come mid-October, the surrounding canyon erupts in a symphony of gold and crimson as aspens and cottonwoods paint the landscape in autumn's finest palette. Mountain vistas frame every view, while the riverside setting provides endless opportunities for quiet contemplation or exciting water adventures. Previous visitors can't stop talking about waking up to mist rising off the river and falling asleep to the gentle murmur of flowing water.
Geological RegionThis hidden gem lies within the protective embrace of the Santa Fe National Forest, where the Rio Chama has carved its spectacular path through ancient landscapes. Designated as a Wild & Scenic River, this waterway represents one of the Southwest's last free-flowing mountain streams, offering a glimpse into the untamed beauty that defines northern New Mexico's high country.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features for campers with disabilities is provided.
Sites SizeMost sites are spacious and can accommodate tents or small RVs up to 20 feet in length. However, users note variability in site size and shade.
Sites PrivacyReviews suggest that campsites provide some level of privacy, with sites 'separate enough for privacy,' although they may be closer together by modern standards.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommend being selective about campsites due to varying levels of shade and privacy.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No group camping options are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are described as close together by modern standards, with half situated along the river and the remainder in a row further back.
Open and Closed SeasonApril - November
Reservation PlatformsCall Santa Fe National Forest for additional information.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
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.
Hiking
Nearby hiking trails include portions of the Continental Divide Trail, described by users as easily accessible and offering beautiful views.Boating
The 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 viewing
No specific details about wildlife viewing opportunities are mentioned, but the scenic environment suggests potential for spotting local fauna.Winter Activities
No information about winter recreation options is provided.Water Sports
Activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are frequently mentioned in user reviews as being popular by the river.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Call Coyote Ranger District (575-638-5526) for fire restrictions. The campground includes campfire rings at each site.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsUser 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.
Weather at Rio Chama Campground
28
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 1.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Call Coyote Ranger District @ 575-638-5526 for current fire restrictions.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresSituated along the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River.
Common complaintsCow poop at campsites and paths to bathrooms, windy conditions during weekends, and crowded conditions during Memorial Day and similar holidays.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Reviews from booking and map sources
4.8
8 reviews
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 8 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...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
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 8 reviewsCamper 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.' -...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
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 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted, but must be kept on a leash. No specific reviews mention pet-related experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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