The lake sits at an elevation of 6,400 feet on the Rio Chama, a tributary of the legendary Rio Grande. Be aware that the roads can be snowy, icy or muddy and rutted ( 4-wheel or All-trak recommended). Get Directions. at Hunting and trapping near developed recreation sites and areas is not allowed. Drive for about eight miles until you enter the Wilderness Study Area. Climbers can find sandstone routes nearby, while hikers and mountain bikers will be delighted by the number of trails. The landscape is diverse enough to keep you occupied for weeks. On a mesa. The Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area is located far from city lights, making it a great place to set up a night of stargazing. Camping is prohibited within 900 feet of any developed water source such as a guzzler or watering trough so that the water is accessible to wildlife and livestock. Blanca. Rio Chama flows are highly variable, based on water availability, irrigation demand, and rainfall. Durango and Telluride are each about hour away, and Moab is about 2.5 hours away-including Arches and Canyonlands National parks. There are so many things to do/see nearby: Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. The space is 18x20 and can accommodate 2-4 people. These animals include elk, mule deer, oryx, Mexican wolves, and bighorn sheep. This means it is open for public use with no fees for entry. Boaters must wear a Coast Guard-approved type III-V, properly-adjusted, lifejacket at all times when you are in or near the river. If you plan on camping out in the area, you'll want to pack your own water and batteries for any equipment that you bring with you since the area is primitive. On most public lands in New Mexico, you may not drive off existing roads and trails to hunt, even to retrieve downed game animals. United States government. Please refer to the campground map when making multi-site reservations and expect 100 to 250 feet walking distance between adjacent sites. Tennis Has Met Its Match: Play Pickleball at These 45 RV Campgrounds, 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS ) or https:// means you've safely Come enjoy a secluded and unforgettable mountain experience! ) or https:// means you've safely Call Coyote Ranger District @ 575-638-5526 for current fire restrictions. With all the improvements made by his father and family through the years, you will also learn to have a love for the history and beauty here on this unique 30-acre treasure. Monies from fees charged at developed campgrounds are used to maintain those areas for everyones enjoyment. BLM provides seasonal whitewater boating opportunities on the Rio Chama and the world-class Rio Grande in northern New Mexico, and on the Gila River Lower Box Canyon in southern New Mexico. In the canyon area, you'll probably see hawks, owls, falcons, and bald and golden eagles. Remember, there are no trash bins in this WSA, so you will be expected to take any trash you bring into the area back out with you when you are done, including food scraps. Often neglected or overlooked, cave invertebrates are often more sensitive than many other cave adapted species. Mountain biking opportunities are outstanding in terms of scenery and variety of riding experiences. There are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already. The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of New Mexico hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. There are two small group sites at the campground and they're both free! While the Forest Service recommends purchasing a map to distinguish public land from private, you can find somewhere to camp with enough space to hang up a hammock and enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, youll have your RV to return to for the night where youll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. However, it should be noted that the nighttime in the Rio Chama WSA is usually quite chilly, even when the days are hot. Once you arrive, self-register at the kiosk and then settle in! We also have a seasonal garden, where you can harvest herbs and greens. However, if a member of the community finds one of these locations to be useful for overnight RV parking and creates an entry, we may approve the listing. The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. This means it is open for public use with no fees for entry. BLM's overall policy is to allow dispersed camping on all the lands it administers with the following conditions and exceptions: Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public lands in New Mexico for no more than a period of 14 days within any period of 28 consecutive days. Displaying cached listings. Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River A Permit through recreation.gov is required between El Vado Ranch and Chavez Canyon from April 15 to September 15. Public trails attract all kinds of recreationists and helping make sure you have easy trail access and safe travels on them are among the priorities of the BLMs outdoor recreation planning staff. Going to sleep and then waking to the sound of coyotes, owls, and nearby roosters, with 360-degree views is magical beyond description. If theres one thing better than camping, its free camping, especially in a wooded or beachfront area. Abbott Creek Camping Area draws OHV users to rev their engines and explore the nearby area with gas-powered fun. The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! Riana Campground is located on a 150 ft. bluff overlooking the scenic Abiquiu Lake in northern New Mexico, just one hour northwest of charming Santa Fe. Tremendous camping opportunities can be found on public lands throughout New Mexico. Permits for rafting in this northern section are awarded through a lottery system in order to keep a low number of rafters on the river at one time. Anglers can fish in both Deer Creek and Mill Creek, and hikers will find plenty of trails for low- or high-mileage days. Their cozy airbeds and air pads will add extra comfort to your, 2022 The Dyrt, Inc | All rights reserved, 12 Free Campgrounds in California and How to Find More, 6 Private Campgrounds to Book When Your Favorite National Parks are Full. The camp is in a wilderness setting with electricity supplied by a diesel generator that operates from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. April 1, at 8 AM 'Weekend' 'Weekday' Warning All launches must be permitted. Although there are no picnic shelters or areas set up within the Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area, picnicking is still permitted. Dispersed, primitive camping is also available at this site with no fees for overnight stays. connected to the .gov website. If anything, itll make you wish you had more time to explore. As far as activities go, theres plenty to do. Wander our land to enjoy a 20 minute hike to a creek in the forest or climb up Shaggy Peak average 3 hour round trip. Not only do you have to bring everything you need in, you must take everything you use or create out, including . Please do not park your vehicles near these waters or take any actions that would disturb wildlife or livestock from using these waters. Dispersed Camping Rules & Regulations. Selecting a campsite is usually on a first come first serve basis. The Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is a Bureau of Land Management-owned area of over 15,000 acres. Campground usage is also light and operates on a first come, first served basis but bewareduring summer days when the heat rises, the area becomes dry and heavy fire restrictions are enforced. We hope you enjoy the same style of camping. You are invited to stay on 185 acres surrounded by beautiful mountains in the Rio Grande National Forest. Famous American painter, Georgia O'Keefe, had her ashes scattered over its top. Even though there are no hook-ups, RVs can boondock in the secluded lakeside spaces. Cave and karst lands provide specialized habitats and environments. Go to the Bureau of Land Management websites. All boaters must comply with State of New Mexico and BLM regulations for boating safety, equipment, and registration. You may also find some swallows making their nests in the banks and cliffs along the sides of the river. fill in the gaps in our data. It also includes a QR-code-accessible mini store for easy purchases of firewood, toiletries and Ramble merchandise. Alabama Hills Dispersed Camping. view and you will be listed as the contributor. Be the first to add a note for Rio Chama Dispersed Camping! There are 27 bat species that live in New Mexico. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. at Along this trail, you'll see rock formations and a view of Ghost Ranch from atop a mountain. Didnt stay once we got there. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. at Please watch for flow information on the USGS website. It is a single room with Kitchenette, shower, bathroom, a queen size bed, and work space. Due to adverse weather, many campgrounds are only seasonally available. Campground Camping The Casita is located 9 miles north of Madrid and 20 minutes southwest of Santa Fe off of the scenic byway NM 14, the old Turquoise Trail. At a Glance General Information Directions: There is much hidden beneath the surface of New Mexico's lands -- an exciting world of wonder, waiting for exploration. Close to outdoor adventures; fishing, hiking, biking, atv trail access. Rent a bike or bring your own -- weve got our very own three mile gravel path for you to shred that provides direct access points to local bike and Bureau of Land Management trails. The Rio Chama WSA is an excellent destination for those who want to observe and photograph wildlife. Viewing Wildlife new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Camp Kush is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic mountain/mesa views of the Four Corners region, all only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. If you'd like to raft overnight south of the monastery, you will also need to obtain a BLM-issued permit, but these are easier to obtain even though they are still given through a lottery system. Next level hosting generously provided by. In 1978 the River was designated as a State Scenic and Pastoral River thus designating part of the Santa Fe National Forest as Chama River Canyon Wilderness. Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping. NOTE: The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area. Unless posted, all roads are available for mountain biking. The only motor boating opportunities on public lands in New Mexico are located on the 121-surface-acre Santa Cruz Lake (Lake), north of Santa Fe. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas. Our routes show total mileage as well as driving time and turn by turn directions. Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. Your permission is required to enable this feature. Bring your shoe prints! If it falls within our guidelines, it will be moved to the main Rio Grande National Forest - Chama, NM Chama, NM Located on Highway 17, 10 miles south of the Colorado border. at There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. These include developed campgrounds and primitive, dispersed camping opportunities, which can be found in a wide variety of backcountry environments -- from the wide open high plains and deserts of southern New Mexico to the alpine mountains of northern New Mexico. Those who wish to picnic here should bring their own chairs, blankets, or towels to sit on as well as trash bags to pick up after themselves.