Rio Puerco Campground

4.25

14 reviews

Quick Facts

8,235 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Santa Fe National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,235 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Santa Fe National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Rio Puerco Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There are no fees to use Rio Puerco Campground.

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

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 14 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

"User reviews for Rio Puerco Campground present mixed sentiments. Positive highlights include its secluded and scenic nature, proximity to a running stream, and the availability of hiking trails. Negative feedback often focuses on wildlife concerns, lack of trash cans, and cleanliness issues with the restroom."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Rio Puerco Campground

36.0999, -106.7245

Driving directionsTake NM 96 to FR 103. Travel FR103 for 13 miles to Campground.

Access is limited during winter months due to snow depth.

Nearby places

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Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Rio Puerco Campground

Experience nature's dramatic seasonal symphony at Rio Puerco, where each season paints the landscape with its own distinct palette. Summer brings crystalline blue skies and sun-drenched days perfect for exploration, though wise campers pack warm layers as temperatures can plummet to a crisp 40°F after sunset. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, though Mother Nature occasionally limits access when she blankets the forest roads in deep powder. The shoulder seasons offer their own magic, with spring wildflowers and autumn's golden aspen displays.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer reviews note usability and a portable toilet; good weather and creek access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Likely pleasant fall conditions and scenic views, though few explicit fall-specific reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring may offer good creek flow and hiking but can be muddy; limited explicit spring reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but access limited by snow depth; limited winter usability noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round with access limited in winter due to snow depth.
Current Alerts: Limited services may be available year-round. Users are advised to bring their own supplies and be prepared for remote camping conditions.

About Rio Puerco Campground

Escape to the untamed beauty of Rio Puerco Campground, a hidden gem nestled deep within the Santa Fe National Forest. This pristine primitive camping haven welcomes adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences without the burden of fees or reservation hassles. Your rustic retreat comes complete with sturdy picnic tables perfect for al fresco dining under starlit skies, while a seasonal portable toilet (available during summer months) provides basic convenience in this otherwise undeveloped paradise.

Rio Puerco Campground is a primitive site with limited facilities. It accommodates tent and RV camping, but lacks hookups, potable water, or amenities for group camping.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's dramatic seasonal symphony at Rio Puerco, where each season paints the landscape with its own distinct palette. Summer brings crystalline blue skies and sun-drenched days perfect for exploration, though wise campers pack warm layers as temperatures can plummet to a crisp 40°F after sunset. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, though Mother Nature occasionally limits access when she blankets the forest roads in deep powder. The shoulder seasons offer their own magic, with spring wildflowers and autumn's golden aspen displays.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,235 feet above sea level, Rio Puerco Campground offers a true high-country experience. This lofty elevation gifts visitors with refreshingly cool mountain air, spectacular vistas, and the occasional dusting of snow even in unexpected seasons. The thin air adds an invigorating edge to every adventure while painting sunrises and sunsets in particularly vivid hues.

Natural Features and SceneryA babbling stream serves as nature's soundtrack at Rio Puerco, its crystal-clear waters weaving through the campground and creating a serene ambiance. The surrounding wilderness teems with life, from the entertaining antics of resident chipmunks who've perfected the art of campsite reconnaissance to the diverse wildlife that calls this forest home. Adventure beckons just steps from your tent, with hiking trails branching directly from the campground into the magnificent backcountry beyond.

Geological Regionnull

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Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

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Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not accepted; sites operate on a first-come-first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not accepted.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features mentioned in official or user reviews.

Site SizeRV sites are limited to accommodating vehicles up to 20 feet.

PrivacyUser reviews describe the area as 'secluded' and far from major amenities. Campsites are close to car parking.

Recommended SitesOne user notes that the campsites are close to car parking, making unloading convenient.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers opportunities for fishing and picnicking as confirmed by official sources. User reviews add context to recreational activities available, such as hiking trails and wildlife viewing. Some reviews mention chipmunks and a running stream.

HikingUser reviews mention hiking trails accessible from the campground. No specific details regarding trail difficulty or length are provided.

FishingFishing is confirmed as an activity by official sources. Specific details about fish types or quality are not mentioned.

Wildlife viewingUser reviews highlight encounters with wildlife such as chipmunks and a large mountain lion carrying prey. Campers are advised to remain cautious of wildlife.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews highlight wildlife hazards, including sightings of a mountain lion carrying prey. Additionally, there are mentions of large animals brushing against tents during the night.

Active AlertsLimited services may be available year-round. Users are advised to bring their own supplies and be prepared for remote camping conditions.

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 Puerco Campground

Reviews

4.3

14 reviews

Satisfactory

Rio Puerco Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Rio Puerco Campground present mixed sentiments. Positive highlights include its secluded and scenic nature, proximity to a running stream, and the availability of hiking trails. Negative feedback often focuses on wildlife concerns, lack of trash cans, and cleanliness issues with the restroom.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the scenic, secluded nature of the campground, proximity to a running stream, and the presence of wildlife and hiking trails.

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include wildlife encounters such as mountain lions, lack of trash cans, and cleanliness issues with the restroom facilities.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all essential supplies due to the site's remote nature, using a water filter system for the creek, and being cautious of wildlife.

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Access is limited during winter months due to snow depth. Summer reviews mention the availability of a portable toilet and increased usability of the site.

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Super nice secluded area! It’s far from everything so bring all the food/water you need!" - Sasha Castro; "Bathroom needs to be cleaned but otherwise it is an amazing place to camp out. No trash...

Based on 14 reviews