The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Chama, NM

452 Reviews

Chama, New Mexico camping ranges from simple city park sites to forest campgrounds with mountain views. Chama City Park Campground has basic spots with picnic tables and fire rings. Chama Area State Park campsites look out over the Rio Grande and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. National Forest camping around Chama gives you good access to big woodland areas. The Chama Recreation Area has camping near hiking trails and fishing spots. Chama County Park Campground has larger sites with good tree cover. Most campgrounds sit close enough to town that you can grab a meal or supplies in Chama when needed. White Sands makes a good day trip if you want to see something different. The area works well for hiking, fishing, or just hanging out at your campsite. The mountain weather can change quickly here, so check forecasts before you go. Pack smart and know the local rules to keep your trip running smoothly.

Map showing campgrounds near Chama, New MexicoExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Buckles Lake Rd

Buckles Lake Rd

25 min away

Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake

Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake

43 min away

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Chama Contest

Enter to Win

Best Camping Sites Near Chama, New Mexico (149)

    1. Rio Chama RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Chama, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 756-2303

    "The Rio Chama flows along the edge of the campground. The staff was friendly and helpful. The town of Chama is within walking distance. Definitely worth staying."

    "A little close to the road, car noises but lots of trees camouflaging them. River access from 7 am-dusk. Bathrooms, both flushing and portable potties, also has showers. VERY friendly folks!!"

    2. Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Chama, NM
    2 miles

    "The spot is really close (2 miles) to the town of Chama, New Mexico (elevation about 8,000ft in Southern Rockies) and has one outdoor toilet, open areas for RVs or tents no electrical hook ups or water"

    "We wanted to stay close to Chama but not be crowded in an RV park and this is just the ticket. There are some deep potholes but our RV had no problem. There are two pit toilets."

    3. Willow Creek Campground — Heron Lake State Park

    11 Reviews
    Tierra Amarilla, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 588-7470

    $15 - $35 / night

    "The lake is dismally low as the boat ramps are totally not usable. I don't know when they were last usable and it looks like it has been a while."

    "If you are coming for the lake you maybe disappointed.  With the drought, the lake level is very low and the shore line off in the distance. "

    4. Twin Rivers RV Park & Campground

    3 Reviews
    Chama, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 756-2218

    $29 / night

    "Although our fellow RVers weren’t real close, we were close to the shower facilities and there were lots of small campers using those giving us very little privacy."

    "Especially near the Toltec train station."

    5. Sky Mountain Resort RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Chama, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 756-1100

    "Sky Mountain is nestled in a grove of Cottonwood and Spruce trees next to Rio Chama. Each site is spacious with plenty of room to move around."

    "The river flows next to the grounds and the trees provide lovely shade. The campground is super clean and well maintained. The hosts, Bill and Julia, are friendly and welcoming."

    6. Little Creel

    3 Reviews
    Chama, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 756-2382

    "Joined the family down in Chama, NM for a fun 4-day, 3-night stay at this RV park. Good size RV park with all the amenities you need to camp with your RV, Tent or rent a cabin."

    "There is a creek that runs behind the park and the spaces along this creek cost more."

    7. Elkhorn Lodge Chama

    1 Review
    Chama, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 756-2105

    8. Blanco Campground — Heron Lake State Park

    5 Reviews
    Tierra Amarilla, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 588-7470

    $30 - $90 / night

    "The park has several nice trails and the bathrooms/showers were pretty clean and well maintained, although there are only 2 shower stalls, one of them HA, for the whole campground."

    "Trails, lake, boating, and wildlife watching."

    9. Trujillo Meadows

    3 Reviews
    Chama, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 852-5941

    "If you need to dump your tanks in Chama, the Little Creel will let you dump in an empty RV space for $10."

    10. Island View — Heron Lake State Park

    5 Reviews
    Tierra Amarilla, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 588-7470

    $15 - $35 / night

    "I did a fair amount of research online regarding walk-in tent camping at Heron Lake, during the week."

    "This is a no wake lake

    Fishing was good. Caught quite a few fish

    Showers and bathrooms were very clean and well stocked.

    Fires were allowed. Picnic tables and fire rings provided"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 149 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Chama Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Chama, NM

168 Photos of 149 Chama Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Chama, NM

452 Reviews of 149 Chama Campgrounds

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Turkey Springs

    Quiet Spot Among the Trees

    Easy access to flat spots. Tall trees and very quiet. There was trash that we picked up. It looked like there were some long term campers. I would camp there again.

  • shannon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

    Weekend hot springs with wife !

    Nice little campground next to hot springs . Nice level site . Hook up were on passenger side and towards front of TT we had enough hose and cords to reach . It says they have loaners if needed . 20% discount if you camp and visit hot springs. Hot springs were very relaxing. No fire or outside smoking . On site bathroom and shower however we didn’t use or check them out . Had a great week end with wife

  • Bonnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    East Fork Campground

    Need water

    The park was beautiful. We know this is a campground with no connections at the sites but we did expect to be able to fill our tank at the water stations. There is not way to connect a hose at the stations. The host advised we would have to use buckets for water and we were not prepared for that. He also advised Pagosa Springs was in water conservation and did not offer any public water access. We did not stay the two nights we had reserved and went to a different campground.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Pass Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Nice spot, quick and easy to get to off the main road.

    Traveling through the area and needed an easy location, this fit the bill. Wide open area with fire pit and some wood gathered. Sufficiently distant from neighboring sites. A little local road traffic with dust from ATV haulers. Across the valley from the highway so some road noise but nothing terribly annoying.

  • Bonnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Buckles Lake Rd

    Beautiful Views

    Spent one night at a campsite just off of the roadway. So serene and peaceful with beautiful views. Roads in were gravel and in good shape. Definitely want to come back and stay longer.

  • N
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Twin Rivers RV Park & Campground

    Great time , nice hosts, excellent facilities and quiet.

    We found this RV park in our travels from Cortez thru Pagosa Springs and would return when in this area. Especially near the Toltec train station.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    FS Road 631/633

    Quiet dispersed camping spot at the end of fs 633

    We took fs road 633 until the end and found the perfect spot. So quiet and completely alone. We've seen lots of birds and even 2 wild pheasants! We did hike down the canal and took that to the piedra falls which was beautiful and a great way to spend a hot afternoon! We did have a bear at the campsite about 15 min after dusk. We were already in the RTT and he moved along pretty quickly. Just a reminder to have bear bags and everything put up.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spots right on the river

    We found a spot about 4.5-5 miles in. And was right on the river with lots of privacy. The area is nice and quiet overall. We came in on a Wednesday and left Friday so not too much traffic. We will definitely be back to this spot!

  • B
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (south Central Co)

    Off Grid at its best

    Though we haven't had any success fishing yet, the campground is well laid out. I can't even see my neighbors. The views are spectacular. Oxygen is a bit thin so get acclimated first.

Guide to Chama

Camping near Chama, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities that make it a great getaway. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just soaking up nature, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The area is known for its excellent fishing spots. Campers at Hopewell Lake Campground rave about the trout fishing, with one reviewer saying, "The trout fishing is fun and always a success at the lake."
  • Hiking: There are plenty of trails nearby. A camper at Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "Nice campground with plenty of fun activities. Hiking, fishing, and rock hounding are all nearby."
  • Wildlife Watching: The natural surroundings are perfect for spotting wildlife. One visitor at Aspen Glade Campground noted, "Wildlife is abundant. Air is cool. One of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever camped at."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful scenery. A review for Ponderosa Campground highlights, "The view was beautiful and it’s a short hike down to wade in the cool water."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Lake Fork Campground said, "The showers were still closed at the end of May during my stay, but the restrooms were clean."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their hospitality. One camper at The Last Resort RV Park & Campground mentioned, "Rich is continually upgrading the property. He was very responsive and always willing to help."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at Rio Chama Campground pointed out, "Campsites are close together but far enough to maintain some privacy. The bathrooms were well-maintained."
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds are only open during specific months. For instance, Heron Lake State Park Campground operates from May 15 to September 17.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be aware of wildlife in the area. A visitor at Del Norte Dispersed Camping advised, "Folks out here apparently also do not care to pick up their trash or have any common courtesy of how to leave a campsite."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. One family at Pagosa Riverside Campground enjoyed, "The amenities were plentiful with 24/7 laundry room, showers, bathrooms, hookups, and a general store."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A camper at Aspen Glade Campground mentioned, "This campsite is not just for fly fishermen but for outdoor relaxation, biking, nature watching, hiking."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Hopewell Lake Campground reminded, "Be prepared for summer monsoon rains."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lake Fork Campground noted, "If you can pull in facing the lake, it's a fabulous view!"
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A review for The Last Resort RV Park & Campground stated, "There is a fishing pond and a volleyball court."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Roads can be rough, so a sturdy vehicle is a must. A visitor at Del Norte Dispersed Camping mentioned, "The road is full of washboards."

Camping near Chama, New Mexico, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Chama, New Mexico?

The Chama area offers several excellent camping options. Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area is just 2 miles from town at 8,000 ft elevation, offering mountain views, hiking trails, and an outdoor toilet. For those seeking riverside camping, The Last Resort RV Park & Campground on the Blanco River offers full RV hookups in the loop area and partial hookups by the river, plus a small cabin option. Nearby state parks like Heron Lake provide additional options with both primitive and developed sites. The region's mix of mountain, forest, and riverside settings means campers can find the perfect spot regardless of their preferred camping style.

What amenities are available at Rio Chama campground?

Rio Chama Campground offers pull-through sites and is conveniently located at the intersection of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the upper Rio Chama. The campground operates seasonally from May 1 through mid-October. A notable feature is the train that passes by twice daily, creating an exciting attraction for campers. The location provides easy walking access to the train yard, making it ideal for railroad enthusiasts. While specific amenities aren't detailed in reviews, the campground's strategic location near the river and historic railroad makes it a popular choice for visitors to the Chama area.

When is the best season for camping in Chama, New Mexico?

The prime camping season in Chama runs from late spring through early fall, with most campgrounds like Rio Chama Campground operating from May 1 through mid-October. Summer offers warm days perfect for outdoor activities, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Early fall brings spectacular foliage as aspens turn golden. At 8,000 feet elevation, Chama experiences cool nights even in summer, so pack accordingly. Spring can be unpredictable with late snowstorms possible. Water levels at Heron Lake State Park and other water bodies may vary seasonally, affecting activities like boating and fishing. Winter camping is limited due to heavy snowfall and closed facilities.

Are there free camping options available in the Brazos area near Chama?

Yes, free dispersed camping is available in the Brazos area near Chama. Oak Point Campground offers free primitive camping along forest roads with numerous pull-off sites. These spots provide beautiful canyon views, peaceful surroundings, and stargazing opportunities. The sites are situated right on the water, overlooking the canyon, and near hiking trails. Another option is the Lower Lagunitas Campground area, which offers free camping in a scenic setting with opportunities for wildlife viewing. Remember that dispersed camping typically means no facilities, so come prepared with your own water and waste disposal plan, and always check current fire restrictions before your trip.

Keep Exploring