Rio Chama
Open for the season from April through November. First-come, first-served with no reservations required. No camping fee. Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect forest-wide.
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…
Herbicide Application in Hermit's Peak Calf Canyon (HPCC) burned area
Starting the week of June 1 , contractors will be applying herbicide to invasive plants in the Hermit's Peak Calf Canyon (HPCC) burned area. Signs will be posted near treatment areas stating the name of the herbicide or management strategy used and the dates of when to avoid the area. Efforts will…
Temporary area, road, and trail closures for Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon post-fire impacts
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Santa Fe National ForestPecos/Las Vegas Ranger District TEMPORARY AREA, ROAD, AND TRAIL CLOSURES FOR HERMITS PEAK AND CALF CANYON POST-FIRE IMPACTSPROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following are…
Campground and Equestrian Area Closure for Field Tract, Panchuela, Jacks Creek Campgrounds
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestPecos-Las Vegas Ranger DistrictCampground and Equestrian Area Closure PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following is prohibitedon the National Forest System (NFS) lands and…
All Offices Closed - April 22, 2026
OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTThe Supervisor’s Office in Santa Fe, NM, and all district offices (Cuba, Jemez, Coyote, Española, Pecos, and Las Vegas) will be closed on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, while our customer service representatives attend annual training. We’ll be back to our regular hours on…
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Order Number: # 03-10-00-26-03U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestEmergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions PROHIBITIONS Pursuant to 16 U.S.C § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on all National Forest System lands (NFS) in the Santa…
Possessing Domestic Sheep or Goats within Wilderness areas
Order Number: # 03-10-00-26-01U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestPossessing Domestic Sheep or Goats within Wilderness areas PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibitedwithin areas described in this…
Temporary Area Closure for the Tesuque Peak Powerline on the Espanola Ranger District
The area in the vicinity of Tesuque Peak Powerline is temporarily closed for a powerline rebuild and restoration project.
Headquarters Well Area Closure on Española Ranger District
Order Number: 03-10-06-25-17U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestEspanola Ranger DistrictCamping Area Closure at Headquarters WellPROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b) the following is prohibitedon the National Forest…
Jemez Cave Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide natural and cultural resource protection for the Jemez Cave and for public safety and welfare until current damage to natural and cultural resources can be assessed and a long-term management strategy developed.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions Order for the Santa Fe National Forest
The Santa Fe National Forest has the need to limit the stay of the visitors to lessen the opportunity of residency; and to comply with State Law prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21; and to protect general visitors sensitive to public nudity from human…
Special Closure for the Santa Fe Watershed on the Espanola Ranger District
Special Closure Order for the Santa Fe watershed
Santa Fe Watershed Closure Order on the Espanola Ranger District
WHEREAS, bathing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and other forms of human occupancy of the Santa Fe River Watershed in the Santa Fe National Forest, causes pollution of the water flowing therein used by the residents of Santa Fe, New Mexico , for drinking and domestic purposes, to a degree…
About
Rio Chama Campground offers rustic camping along the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River in northern New Mexico's Santa Fe National Forest. This free campground provides 10 individual sites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. The setting is heavily used due to its scenic location and proximity to the Chama River Canyon Wilderness. This is a primitive facility with no potable water, hookups, or amenities beyond basic restrooms. Campers should come fully prepared with water and supplies. Vehicle access is limited, with only a few sites able to accommodate RVs up to 20 feet. The access road (FR 151) requires 12 miles of travel from US 84. The campground serves as a base for exploring the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River corridor. Note that motorized vehicles and mechanized equipment are prohibited in the adjacent Chama River Canyon Wilderness. All pets must remain leashed.
Directions
From the junction of SH 96 and US 84, travel 8 miles north on US 84 to FR 151. Turn west on FR 151 and travel 12 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 20ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 638-5526 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Rio Chama Campground | |
| Santa Fe NF Alerts |
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