Hopewell Lake Campground

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.

Carson National Forest

Nestled alongside the gentle waters of El Rito Creek, the El Rito Campground Group Shelter offers an intimate gathering space within the broader El Rito Campground. This secluded retreat provides the perfect basecamp for groups seeking to explore the high country while enjoying the soothing sounds of flowing water just steps from their shelter.

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.

22280 U.S. Highway 64, Tres Piedras, NM 87577

Perched at an breathtaking 10,400 feet, the twin jewels of Upper and Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds invite adventurous souls into the heart of Colorado's pristine backcountry. These 12 secluded campsites serve as your gateway to the majestic Cruces Basin Wilderness, where alpine lakes mirror the endless sky and the landscape unfolds in panoramic splendor. Here, dispersed camping takes on new meaning as you settle into nature's amphitheater, far from the crowds yet close to wilderness wonders.

Carson National Forest

Nestled at 8,000 feet where mountain air meets pristine waters, this hidden gem offers four thoughtfully developed campsites alongside endless dispersed camping opportunities. Just west of the New Mexico Game & Fish Recreation Area, anglers and nature enthusiasts discover their own slice of paradise where the river's gentle rhythm sets the pace for unforgettable adventures. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters or simply soaking in the high-altitude tranquility, this riverside retreat promises the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness escape.

15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140

Perched at a breathtaking 10,000 feet, Trujillo Meadows Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of Colorado's high country. This mountain sanctuary offers 50 thoughtfully positioned campsites where the scent of pine mingles with crisp alpine air. Wake to the gentle rustling of aspen leaves and spend your days exploring the adjacent meadow that gives this special place its name. The campground thoughtfully divides into Upper and Lower sections, each with its own character. For those seeking a front-row seat to nature's grandeur, sites 40 and 41 offer exclusive access to an observation platform overlooking a cascading waterfall. While sites 34-39 create an intimate inner loop perfect for tent campers, the remaining sites welcome RVs ready to tackle mountain roads. Modern amenities including restrooms, potable water, and barrier-free facilities ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Adventure awaits just beyond your campsite, with the Los Pinos Trail #736 promising spectacular ridge-line views and the legendary Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offering journeys through time.

Conejos Peak Rd 15571 CR T-5, La Jara, CO, 81140, USA

Nestled along the pristine Conejos River in the heart of Rio Grande National Forest, Mogote Campground offers a tale of two worlds. The lower loop invites you to fall asleep to the gentle murmur of the river, where towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral alongside cottonwoods, spruce, willows, and shimmering aspens. Venture to the upper loop and discover a completely different landscape—one where the forest opens up to reveal high desert vistas under an endless Colorado sky. This diverse terrain makes Mogote a perfect basecamp for those seeking both riverside serenity and expansive mountain views.

Carson National Forest

State Road 115, Building 358, Canjilon, NM 87515

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

Carson National Forest

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

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

22280 U.S. Highway 64, Tres Piedras, NM 87577

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

Carson National Forest