Rio Puerco Campground
4.186 reviewsQuick Facts
8,235 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
8,235 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsRio 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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What Campers Say
4.18
Satisfactory
Based on 6 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."
Fees & Passes at Rio Puerco Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: null
Cancellation: Not applicable as reservations are not accepted.
Prices verified August 10, 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 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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
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: 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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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features mentioned in official or user reviews.
Sites SizeRV sites are limited to accommodating vehicles up to 20 feet.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews describe the area as 'secluded' and far from major amenities. Campsites are close to car parking.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesOne user notes that the campsites are close to car parking, making unloading convenient.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round with access limited in winter due to snow depth.
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.
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.
Hiking
User reviews mention hiking trails accessible from the campground. No specific details regarding trail difficulty or length are provided.Fishing
Fishing is confirmed as an activity by official sources. Specific details about fish types or quality are not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
User 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
Winter usability is limited due to snow depth affecting access.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No fire rings are provided, but user reviews mention lighting fires during Stage 1 fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsUser 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.
Weather at Rio Puerco Campground
37
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingUser reviews highlight the absence of trash cans, requiring campers to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near a creek described as full enough for water filtration systems.
Common complaintsComplaints include difficulty in finding the campground based on Google's directions, unclean restrooms, and wildlife encounters.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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
null
Nearby supplies
null
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
6 reviews
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 6 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 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Concerns include wildlife encounters such as mountain lions, lack of trash cans, and cleanliness issues with the restroom facilities.
Based on 6 reviewsPro 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 6 reviewsSeasonal 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 6 reviewsCamper 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 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers mentioned in reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mentioning pet policies or experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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