Above 7,000 feet in northern New Mexico's high country, Blanco Campground sits within Heron Lake State Park where pinion pines provide unexpected shade across spacious sites. The campground accommodates RVs up to 60 feet with full hookups, though some pull-through sites require backing in due to hookup placement on the inner loop's one-way road configuration.
Large, widely-spaced sites feature picnic tables and fire rings, with both plumbed facilities and pit toilets maintained throughout the campground. "All of the sites are spacious and quite widely spaced," notes Ray & Terri F., who found their site level enough to skip most leveling procedures. The elevation keeps temperatures moderate even in summer, while quiet hours help maintain a low-key atmosphere where wildlife sounds carry across the landscape.
Heron Lake's current low water levels have moved the shoreline roughly a mile from the boat ramp and marina, though the park's trail system remains accessible for hiking and biking. The campground serves as a staging point for day trips to Chama's scenic railroad or excursions into Taos. Cell coverage runs about two bars of LTE service, and the limited grocery selection in nearby Chama means advance planning for supplies. For those exploring the broader region, places to camp around Tierra Amarilla offer additional high-country options.
Description
A picturesque lake set among the tall pines of northern New Mexico, Heron Lake State Park has been designated a “quiet lake” where boats operate at no-wake speeds only, making it an excellent location for all types of paddle craft. Heron Lake also has amazing sailing, cross- country skiing, and hiking. The park is a fisherperson’s paradise with record-size trout and kokanee salmon. Ice fishing is very popular in winter. Several campgrounds line the shore of this scenic lake with primitive and developed campsites are available for every taste.
Park Elevation 7,167 ft
Please see the Park Alerts section for more information.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound at Heron Lake, where you may see the elusive mountain lion, black bear, elk, deer, marmot, bald eagles, and osprey.
Access the hiking and fishing trail along the gorgeous Rio Chama from the dramatic caprock stairway near Heron Dam. The 5.5-mile trail, which crosses the river by suspension bridge, affords panoramic views and an adventurous route to neighboring El Vado Lake.
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The use of off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) is prohibited in New Mexico State Parks, as stipulated by the NM OHV Act and State Park Regulations (NMSA 66-3-1011, 16-2-33 19 NMAC Ch 5 Sec 2.16 A).
Make it your goal to extinguish hot coals. If your campfire is too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Drown it with water, stir it with a shovel, and repeat until your campfire is out cold! Learn more from Smokey Bear.
July 1st through TBD, Rio Chama Trailhead is closed for repairs.
Please bring proof of your reservation with you to your campsite.
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove is prohibited. The use of devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
**Park staff may move your reservation to a different site in cases of inclement weather or site inaccessibility.**
THE CUSTOMER MUST CONTACT THE PARK TO ADVISE THEM OF LATE ARRIVAL THE SITE WILL BE RELEASED FOR RESERVATIONS / FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER 4:00 P.M.. NO REFUND WILL BE DUE.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBlanco Campground — Heron Lake State Park is located in New Mexico
Directions
Directions are as follows: From Albuquerque, NM, drive north on interstate 25 for 58 miles to Santa Fe, NM. From Santa Fe, drive north on US84/285 for 22 miles to Espanola, NM. At Espanola, cross the Rio Grande River and go north on US 84. (US84/285 forks in Espanola) Follow signs to Abiquiu, Tierra Amarilla and Chama. Continue north on US 84 for approximately 70 miles to Tierra Amarilla. At Tierra Amarilla, continue for about 2 miles to State Road 95, turn on State Road 95 and head west for 6miles. The entrance to all campgrounds will be located between mile marker 6 and mile marker 11 on State Road 95. Visitor center is located ½ mile past mile marker 6. Physical Address: 640 State Road 95, Los Ojos, NM 87551
Address
HC-75 Box 1051
Los Ojos, NM 87551
Coordinates
36.691599697762676 N
106.66277640000001 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/24/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 25 usersLast on 4/24/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/24/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 25 usersLast on 4/24/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 48 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 21 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 37 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 45 min from Pueblo, CO
