Rio Chama Campground, Abiquiu, NM

Coyote Ranger District

Santa Fe National Forest

Free Camping Along Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River

This is a free, developed campground offered by Santa Fe National Forest. Open only from April through November, it offers 12 sites, some of which are large enough for 20-28 foot long trailers or motorhomes. The road throughout the campground is firm-packed dirt, suitable for any vehicle.

Authority

Coyote Ranger District logo

Coyote Ranger District

Santa Fe National Forest

District Office

Tel: (575) 638-5526

Official campground webpage

Particulars

GPS: 36.3557, -106.6730

Elevation: 6,421 feet

Reservations: First come, first served

Camping Fee: None

Permit: None

Max stay: 14 days in a 45-day period

Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, trash cans

Submitted by

Admin Staff

Admin Staff

Boondocker's Bible

Camping at Rio Chama Campground

Rio Chama Campground, nestled along the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River in the Santa Fe National Forest, sits at an elevation of approximately 7,200 feet and is nestled inside a grove of Pinyon Pine, Juniper, and Cottonwood. Known for its riverside ambiance, the area is popular among campers, anglers, and paddlers. The campground is a launch point for river trips down the Rio Chama, providing easy access to the river for fishing, rafting, and kayaking. Visitors will find 18 campsites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, accommodating both tents and small-to-mid-size RVs.

Forest Road 151 leads to this campground along firm-packed dirt, suitable for any vehicle, though in wet conditions it can get muddy. The town of Abiquiu, located about 27 miles to the southeast, provides the nearest fuel and supplies.

Rio Chama Campground gets packed during the weekends in Summer. You’re best bet is to get here between Monday to Thursday. If you get shut out of a campsite, there are a couple of other popular boondocking areas along the same Forest Road.

Other Campsites Within 20 Miles Radius

Associated Documents

Santa Fe National Forest Order 10-494, Occupancy rules, camping limits, alcohol possession, public nudity, (eff: June 10, 2021, term: December 31, 2026)
Motor Vehicle Use Map, Coyote, Cuba, & Espanola Ranger Districts, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2024)

Leave a Comment