El Rito Campground--Group Shelter

Santa Fe National Forest

Discover the charm of Coyote Creek and Santa Fe, where rustic picnic areas blend seamlessly with modern camping amenities. This diverse destination offers something for every outdoor enthusiast, from peaceful day-use areas perfect for family gatherings to well-appointed campsites that serve as your basecamp for adventure. Whether you're seeking a quick afternoon escape or planning an extended stay, you'll find the perfect spot to connect with nature and create lasting memories.

PO BOX 290, ABIQUIU, NM, 87510-0290, USA

Perched dramatically on a bluff above the shimmering waters of Abiquiu Lake, Riana Campground beckons adventurers with its 52 thoughtfully positioned sites, where 13 feature convenient electric hookups. This well-appointed outdoor haven combines the rugged beauty of New Mexico's high desert with modern comforts including hot showers, flush toilets, and a family-friendly playground where children's laughter mingles with the desert breeze.

Santa Fe National Forest

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.

Santa Fe National Forest

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.

U.S. Highway 84, approximately 14.5 miles southwest of Canjilon or 15 miles northwest of Abiquiu, NM

Tucked alongside the scenic U.S. Highway 84, Echo Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with 21 thoughtfully placed campsites, including three convenient pull-through spots perfect for smaller rigs. This charming roadside retreat may not have the bells and whistles of modern RV parks, but what it lacks in hookups it more than makes up for in raw natural beauty. The real treasure here is the direct access to the Echo Amphitheater Trail, where adventurers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of ancient eroded cliffs and sweeping panoramas of the Rio Chama Valley below.

Carson National Forest

Carved by wind and time into the russet cliffs of Carson National Forest, Echo Amphitheater stands as one of Northern New Mexico's most enchanting natural wonders. This remarkable sandstone formation doesn't just captivate the eye—it performs acoustic magic, bouncing sounds back to visitors in crystalline clarity that has inspired legends for generations. Whether you're seeking a scenic picnic spot, a unique camping experience with modern amenities, or simply a moment to marvel at nature's artistry, this Rio Arriba County gem offers an unforgettable escape.

State Road 554, Building 1221, El Rito, NM 87530

Nestled alongside the babbling waters of El Rito Creek, this hidden gem offers a true escape into nature's embrace. With 11 intimate campsites perched at an impressive 7,600 feet, El Rito Campground invites adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Days here unfold with the gentle soundtrack of flowing water, while evenings bring star-filled skies unmarred by city lights. Whether you're casting a line into the creek's promising pools or exploring nearby trails that wind through evergreen forests, this rustic retreat delivers the simple pleasures of high-country camping. Come prepared for a back-to-basics experience—there's no potable water on-site, and facilities are limited, but that's precisely what makes El Rito so special.

State Road 115, Building 358, Canjilon, NM 87515

Nestled deep within a pristine spruce forest, Canjilon Lakes Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover its hidden world of crystalline lakes and babbling streams. This high-country retreat offers an escape where anglers cast lines into mirror-like waters, hikers traverse scenic trails, and bird-watchers delight in spotting rare mountain species among the towering evergreens.

Carson National Forest

Escape to the serene wilderness of Trout Lakes Campground, where three pristine alpine lakes await your fishing line and the forest whispers stories of solitude. This hidden gem in the backcountry offers 12 intimate primitive campsites, perfectly sized for tent adventurers and small camper enthusiasts seeking an authentic connection with nature. As summer unfolds its peaceful embrace, you'll discover why this tranquil retreat has become a sanctuary for those who prefer their camping experiences untouched by crowds. When autumn arrives, the surrounding aspen groves burst into a breathtaking display of golden flames, creating a photographer's paradise and memories that linger long after the campfire's last ember fades.

Arrive first at Tres Piedras Ranger Station, 22280 Hwy. 64, Tres Piedras, NM (use as arrival point due to route changes)

Step into conservation history at this beautifully restored 1,300-square-foot Craftsman bungalow where legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold once lived and worked. Nestled in the Tres Piedras Ranger District just 30 minutes west of Taos, this full-amenity retreat sleeps eight and offers an authentic three-season escape into New Mexico's high country—complete with the solitude Leopold himself cherished, including limited cell service and a pack-in, pack-out approach to wilderness living.

PO Box 159, Los Ojos, New Mexico, 87551, United States

Nestled in the heart of New Mexico's high country, Heron Lake beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine waters and seven thoughtfully developed campgrounds, plus two secluded primitive sites for those seeking a more rustic experience. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn for world-class fishing, paddling across mirror-smooth waters on a SUP board, or hiking the scenic trails that wind through pine-scented forests, this mountain paradise offers endless adventures. The stunning Visitor Center Great Room has become a coveted venue for life's special moments, from intimate weddings with lake views to corporate retreats that inspire creativity amid nature's grandeur.

640 State Road 95, LOS OJOS, New Mexico, 87551, United States

Nestled in the high desert of Northern New Mexico, Heron Lake beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its dramatic landscape of shimmering waters set against rugged mesas. This cherished camping destination transforms throughout the seasons, offering anglers pristine fishing opportunities, hikers miles of scenic trails, and water sports enthusiasts a playground for adventure. While recent years have seen fluctuating water levels that add to the lake's ever-changing character, visitors continue to discover the raw beauty and solitude that make Heron Lake a treasured escape from the everyday.

Carson National Forest

Nestled high in the clouds at 9,500 feet, Hopewell Lake Campground beckons adventurers to discover its crystalline waters and mountain serenity in the heart of Carson National Forest. This alpine sanctuary invites you to cast a line for trout at dawn, paddle across mirror-still waters, or explore winding trails on foot or horseback while breathing in the crisp mountain air that defines life above the treeline.

Carson National Forest

PO BOX 290, ABIQUIU, NM, 87510-0290, USA

U.S. Highway 84, approximately 14.5 miles southwest of Canjilon or 15 miles northwest of Abiquiu, NM

Santa Fe National Forest

State Road 115, Building 358, Canjilon, NM 87515

Santa Fe National Forest

State Road 554, Building 1221, El Rito, NM 87530

Carson National Forest

Carson National Forest

Arrive first at Tres Piedras Ranger Station, 22280 Hwy. 64, Tres Piedras, NM (use as arrival point due to route changes)