Rio Chama Campground, Small Group Sites

4.79

20 reviews

Featured in:Boating Camping New Mexico

Quick Facts

6,410 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open from Mid April ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,410 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open from Mid April ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Rio Chama Campground, Small Group Sites

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

None. No fee is charged for camping.

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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What Campers Say

4.79

Top-Rated

Based on 20 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingwater

"The Rio Chama Campground receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and opportunities for activities like rafting and hiking. Visitors appreciate the 'unbeatable views' of the mountains and river, the cleanliness of the vault toilets, and the spaciousness of the campsites. However, some reviewers noted issues such as cow droppings near campsites and challenges accessing the site during rainy weather."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Rio Chama Campground, Small Group Sites

36.3551, -106.6727

Driving directionsAt Jct. of SH 96 and US 84, travel 8 miles to FR 151, then travel on FR 151 12 miles to campground.

Forest Road 151 is not recommended for travel when wet.

Best Time to Camp at Rio Chama Campground, Small Group Sites

Experience the dynamic beauty of New Mexico's high country throughout the seasons at Rio Chama. Spring brings wildflower blooms and excellent fishing conditions as snowmelt feeds the river. Summer offers warm days perfect for river activities and cool, starlit evenings around the campfire. Fall transforms the riverside cottonwoods into a golden corridor, while crisp air makes for ideal hiking weather. Each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette, ensuring no two visits are ever the same.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers river activities but is popular; busy weekends and site competition noted.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 13% in NM

Fall is particularly praised for vibrant colors and cooler weather.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflower blooms and good fishing as snowmelt feeds the river.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed mid‑October through mid‑April; winter stays not applicable.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from Mid April through Late October.

About Rio Chama Campground, Small Group Sites

Escape to Rio Chama, a hidden gem nestled along the pristine waters of the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River. This no-fee developed campground welcomes adventurers without the hassle of reservations, offering the perfect spontaneous getaway for families, groups, and RV enthusiasts alike. Wake up to the gentle sounds of the river just steps from your campsite, spend your days casting lines into crystal-clear waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply relaxing by the water's edge. Whether you're seeking a weekend of outdoor recreation or a peaceful riverside retreat, Rio Chama provides an authentic camping experience where the river's rhythm sets the pace for your stay.

The Rio Chama Campground provides group camping opportunities with basic facilities. It is suitable for tent camping and can also accommodate smaller RVs (up to 20 feet). Dispersed camping is available along the gravel road leading to the campground.

Historical SignificanceThe Rio Chama corridor has served as a lifeline for centuries, witnessing the passage of ancient peoples, Spanish explorers, and frontier settlers. This storied waterway has long been recognized for its importance, earning designation as a Wild & Scenic River to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. Today's campers follow in the footsteps of generations who have found sustenance, recreation, and renewal along these banks, continuing a tradition of connection with this remarkable landscape.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic beauty of New Mexico's high country throughout the seasons at Rio Chama. Spring brings wildflower blooms and excellent fishing conditions as snowmelt feeds the river. Summer offers warm days perfect for river activities and cool, starlit evenings around the campfire. Fall transforms the riverside cottonwoods into a golden corridor, while crisp air makes for ideal hiking weather. Each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette, ensuring no two visits are ever the same.

ElevationPerched at 6,410 feet above sea level, Rio Chama offers a refreshing mountain escape where the air is crisp and clear. This moderate elevation provides comfortable conditions for most visitors while delivering cooler temperatures than the desert lowlands—a welcome respite during summer months. The altitude enhances your camping experience with brilliant night skies perfect for stargazing and invigorating morning air that beckons you to explore.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground showcases the raw beauty of northern New Mexico's river country, where the Rio Chama has carved a living corridor through the landscape. Towering cottonwoods and willows line the riverbanks, providing natural shade and habitat for diverse wildlife. The river itself shifts from peaceful pools perfect for fishing to lively riffles that sparkle in the sunlight. Surrounding hills and mesas frame distant vistas, while the immediate riverside environment creates an intimate natural sanctuary where eagles soar overhead and the evening light paints the canyon walls in warm hues.

Geological RegionSet within the dramatic terrain of the Colorado Plateau's southern reaches, Rio Chama occupies a fascinating geological crossroads. The river has sculpted its course through layers of ancient sedimentary rock, revealing millions of years of Earth's history in the surrounding cliffs and mesas. This unique positioning creates a diverse landscape where high desert meets mountain environments, resulting in the striking scenery and ecological richness that makes the Rio Chama valley such a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Two group sites are available, each equipped with two picnic tables and fire rings. User reviews describe the campsites as 'spacious' and note that some offer shade and privacy.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityNo advanced reservations. Walk up only.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeSites can accommodate smaller RVs up to 20 feet in length. The space at group sites is described as spacious by users.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site; some sites are more shaded and likely more secluded, while others are close together. A reviewer noted, 'Be choosy because the amount of shade you get will vary greatly from site to site.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Rio Chama Campground can engage in several outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, river access, and picnicking. The campsite is also lauded as an ideal location for rafting and kayaking.

HikingHiking opportunities include access to the Continental Divide Trail, which is a few miles from the campsite. User reviews highlight the area's natural beauty, such as picturesque mountain and river views.

FishingFishing is permitted in accordance with New Mexico Game & Fish Department regulations. Specific user reviews do not mention the quality of fishing.

BoatingThe campground is described as an excellent place for rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding. One reviewer stated, 'Easy put-ins for rafts, kayaks, paddleboards.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

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, Small Group Sites

Reviews

4.8

20 reviews

Top-Rated

Rio Chama Campground, Small Group Sites is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Rio Chama Campground receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and opportunities for activities like rafting and hiking. Visitors appreciate the 'unbeatable views' of the mountains and river, the cleanliness of the vault toilets, and the spaciousness of the campsites. However, some reviewers noted issues such as cow droppings near campsites and challenges accessing the site during rainy weather.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic beauty, clean vault toilets, spacious sites, excellent river access for water sports, proximity to hiking trails, and a no-fee camping experience.

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Cow droppings near campsites, wind exposure at less sheltered sites, and access challenges during or after rain due to the dirt road.

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early on busy weekends like Memorial Day to secure a site. Bring your own water as none is available. Consider bringing tools to clear cow droppings if needed. Choose campsites carefully based...

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is particularly praised for its vibrant colors and cooler weather. Spring and summer reviews highlight the campground's popularity and challenges with securing a site on busy weekends.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Amazing location! Easy put-ins for rafts, kayaks, paddle boards. Exceptionally clean vault toilets. Campsites with shade. Unbeatable views!!' 2. 'One of the most, if not THE MOST beautiful sites...

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some campsites are noted for their shade and proximity to the river, while others are described as less sheltered and closer together. No specific site numbers are mentioned.

Based on 20 reviews