Rio Chama Campground
4.778 reviewsRio Chama Campground
$0.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Santa Fe National Forest honors America the Beautiful Interagency Passes. Senior Pass (Lifetime and Annual) and Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single unit campsites. Sites are mentioned by users to be no-fee camping.
About this campground
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.
The campground caters primarily to tent campers and small RVs, with additional options for dispersed camping nearby.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsFrom April through November, Rio Chama Campground awakens from its winter slumber to welcome adventurers seeking riverside serenity. Late May through early June emerges as the sweet spot for camping, when warm sunshine bathes the canyon walls, rain clouds rarely appear, and comfortable humidity levels create ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and stargazing. As winter approaches, the campground transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, closing its gates until spring's return brings new life to the Rio Chama valley.
ElevationPerched at 6,406 feet above sea level, the campground sits in that magical elevation where mountain air feels crisp and clean, yet breathing comes easy. This mile-high vantage point offers cooler summer temperatures and spectacular star-filled nights far from city lights.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River serves as your constant companion at this remarkable campground, its crystal-clear waters creating a natural soundtrack for your stay. Come mid-October, the surrounding canyon erupts in a symphony of gold and crimson as aspens and cottonwoods paint the landscape in autumn's finest palette. Mountain vistas frame every view, while the riverside setting provides endless opportunities for quiet contemplation or exciting water adventures. Previous visitors can't stop talking about waking up to mist rising off the river and falling asleep to the gentle murmur of flowing water.
Geological RegionThis hidden gem lies within the protective embrace of the Santa Fe National Forest, where the Rio Chama has carved its spectacular path through ancient landscapes. Designated as a Wild & Scenic River, this waterway represents one of the Southwest's last free-flowing mountain streams, offering a glimpse into the untamed beauty that defines northern New Mexico's high country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features for campers with disabilities is provided.
Sites SizeMost sites are spacious and can accommodate tents or small RVs up to 20 feet in length. However, users note variability in site size and shade.
Sites PrivacyReviews suggest that campsites provide some level of privacy, with sites 'separate enough for privacy,' although they may be closer together by modern standards.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommend being selective about campsites due to varying levels of shade and privacy.
Best CampsitesFive campsites are situated along the Rio Chama River, offering exceptional views and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No group camping options are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are described as close together by modern standards, with half situated along the river and the remainder in a row further back.
Open and Closed SeasonApril - November
Reservation PlatformsCall Santa Fe National Forest for additional information.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rio Chama Campground offers a range of outdoor activities centered around its scenic location by the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River.
Hiking
Nearby hiking trails include portions of the Continental Divide Trail, described by users as easily accessible and offering beautiful views.Boating
The campground offers easy access for river-related activities such as rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Multiple user reviews commend the 'easy put-ins for rafts.'Wildlife viewing
No specific details about wildlife viewing opportunities are mentioned, but the scenic environment suggests potential for spotting local fauna.Winter Activities
No information about winter recreation options is provided.Water Sports
Activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are frequently mentioned in user reviews as being popular by the river.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Call Coyote Ranger District (575-638-5526) for fire restrictions. The campground includes campfire rings at each site.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews cite the presence of cow poop at some campsites as a notable issue. Additionally, heavy rainfall can make access roads muddy and challenging.
Active alertsCall Coyote Ranger District at 575-638-5526 for fire restrictions.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Call Coyote Ranger District @ 575-638-5526 for current fire restrictions.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresSituated along the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River.
Common complaintsCow poop at campsites and paths to bathrooms, windy conditions during weekends, and crowded conditions during Memorial Day and similar holidays.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsAt Jct of SH 96 and US 84, travel 8 miles on US84 to FR 151. On FR 151, travel 12 miles west to campground.
The campground is accessible via a 12-mile gravel road, which includes three cattle grates and some washboard sections. Reviews indicate that the road is passable by passenger vehicles under normal conditions, but heavy rainfall or monsoons can make the upper part of the road muddy and require 4WD and good tires.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.8
8 reviews
Rio Chama Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the campground's breathtaking views, cleanliness, and river access, while noting limitations such as the lack of potable water and occasional overcrowding during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the 'exceptionally clean vault toilets,' 'unbeatable views,' and 'easy put-ins for rafts.' Tent campers particularly enjoy the picturesque riverside sites, described as 'one of the...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include the absence of potable water, cow manure near campsites, and potential road washouts during heavy rains. One user noted, 'Our campsite and the path to the bathroom were covered...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early during peak weekends to secure a site, and consider bringing a tool to clear cow manure from campsites. Some users recommend dispersed camping along the gravel road as an alternative...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Fall is particularly recommended due to the vibrant autumn colors. Memorial Day weekend can be crowded, with all campsites and nearby dispersed options filling up quickly.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Amazing location! Easy put-ins for rafts, kayaks, paddle boards.' - Kevin Bishop
2. 'The fall colors were amazing. The mountain views were a picturesque background for our riverside camp site.' -...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users highlight the variability in shade among campsites and recommend being choosy. Half of the sites are riverside, offering the best views and access.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted, but must be kept on a leash. No specific reviews mention pet-related experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025