Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Counselor? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Counselor campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Campground is closed for current season of use. Coyote Ranger District @ 575-638-5526 for current status
The Rio Chama is a developed no-fee campground where reservations are not required. Located along the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River, the developed campground offers a great place for families,
Ten individual campsites each include a picnic table and a campfire ring. RV's up to 20 feet can be accommodated in only a few sites. No potable water, or hookups.
Guide
We found a secluded spot, not on the river. It was nice due to the area being overwhelmed with people. Overall it was enjoyable but can be a long winding journey for those that are impatient.
TravelerCampsites are close together but far enough to maintain some privacy. The bathrooms were well-maintained. Definitely worth the visit!
GuideWe did a night here and it was amazing. Even though it rained it did not deter our trip. It was still dry enough to do all things camping. They also have a restroom which is a nice bonus.
ScoutThis was a great spot right along the river with bathrooms only about 20 mins/8 miles from the Hwy. This spot has a lot of potential to make it however you want, had we of had more time we would’ve gone further up the river because I think there were better spots along the river about a mile up but we found three trees to hammock from and that’s all you can ask for in the desert. Will definitely come back here but go further up stream and bring fishing poles and kayaks.
Guide
We had a great time camping by the river over Memorial Day weekend. There are a lot of sites all down the dirt road leading up to this more defined campground area. Definitely have some sort of raft or kayak or SUP to put in the river upstream and float down to the boat ramp or to your campground. The dirt road is easy for all cars/trailers.
GuideThis is probably the most lush place at fall it has everything the mountains the trees the creek and more you can go so far in or not it doesn’t matter they are all good there are several campgrounds in it other than it alone one is for like rvs and another is like a beach it is cool you can swim in some parts others the water flow was fast , Have Fun.
GuideWe visited memorial day weekend 2021 with a group of 6. This spot is beautiful with a good amount of tree coverage. It's an easy dirt road drive down the river and you will pass many dispersed site and a couple of defined camping grounds. The sites are all close to the river and at most a quick drive away from a place to put your kayak or tube in the water. Not a ton of large group sites.
GuideChama canyon is our weekend go-to place. Only 2 hrs from Albuquerque. Many campsites available (some are dispersed) along the river. Almost every single site here offers a nice shade and shelter for strong sunlight during the day and strong wind at dusk (it gets really windy at dusk!). River is very soothing and birds are always chirping. You can find a Andy beach access to the river from some campsites. It gives you more private, primitive, and exciting camp feel to it compared to stay at the Amphitheater campsite nearby.
TravelerWill update this when we leave but this is by far our favorite camp site on our trip so far. We’ve been boondocking and dispersed camping for about two weeks now. Only spending a night or two at each site in search of something better and I think we found it!
GuideMountains in the distance, a river right next to camp, gravel and dirt roads, lots of woods.. what more can you ask for? We stayed Wednesday through Friday night. Only a few other cars around when we first arrived.. if you’re traveling here during the weekend, expect a more crowded experience as caravans started pulling in Friday.
Pro tips: No water, no trash, no outhouses.. only rock fire-pits, which were clutch. Beware of the dirt! We had a blanket of dirt/dust on our bedding until we sealed the tent shut.
TravelerThis place is gorgeous! There are tons of spots for dispersed camping. We got a spot along the river which was beautiful but a little windy and noisy from the stream. But we didn’t mind! We came on a Sunday afternoon and passed quite a few people leaving. So other than a few campers, we pretty much had the place to ourselves for 2 nights. It was very peaceful! The road to get there is about 10 miles but it takes about 40 minutes to drive. It’s a little rough and narrow in spots. But totally worth the drive! We will definitely be back!
GuideBeautiful place to camp. Free campground with plenty of sites. Found a nice trail. Toilets and campground very clean
TravelerWe were able to find a very private spot with easy access to the river!(went on a random Saturday) We will be visiting again. Great for our dog too. Some spots are unshaded, so recommend you bring a tent cover or something.
ScoutWe actually stayed down the road about a mile and half from Rio Chama Campground, however we were still in the park and off of Forest Road 151. We camped off-the-grid on a spot right by Rio Chama. We were lucky to have found a spot mid-day and that had a sort of “beach front” type inlet to the river. Definitely a place to launch kayaks or rafts. If you prefer to have bathrooms, head towards the actually marked campground, but if you want to “rough it” then find a dispersed camping lot.
Always remember: PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN!! Please don’t leave your trash at any site and keep the wilderness- WILD.
RangerDecent campground with lots of first-come, first serve dispersed camping options along the forest road. Trees are available but can be difficult to hammock camp. Very peaceful location listening to the river all night.
Guide
Took me 4 hours of picking up trash Lots of poop and used tampons Other then that good spot for rio grande trout fishing
RangerI've stayed here twice now since being in New Mexico. This site is right on the water, overlooks the canyon, and is close to a hike to the right side of the canyon through a dried up riverbed. I *love* staying here. It's so peaceful, quiet, enough trees to keep you shaded from the harsh sun here. The road is runner friendly, so you can go on a jog if you like. Its definitely a campsite for people looking to strictly hang out.
views and sunsets are EPIC. Stay here instead of the packed Rio Chama campground if you're a casual camper who doesn't need amenities. And pick up your toilet paper so this place stays nice!
Rangerit was memorial weekend, but it looked very crowded at this specific campsite. you’re much better off doing dispersed camping down the road, which is easy to find and closer to the main road.
RangerThese coordinates are a rough estimate, but this entire forrest road is filled with amazing campsites you can simply pull off and camp in. currently there’s a fire ban, so it makes it hard to stay warm at night, but the stars are amazing. it’s quiet. it’s lovely. there’s canyon walls for miles. it’s really amazing. some of these pics are from the nearby canyon that’s a bit of a walk up the road, but most are from our campground. loved our first experience camping in New Mexico!
TravelerGreat place! Many options for camping. We chose a secluded site and the only people we saw were kayakers. There are hiking spots, the echo amphitheater, and a monastery to visit. We even made objects from the clay in the river. Then fired them in the camp fire.
GuideRio Chama RV park in Chama, New Mexico, is at the intersection of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the upper Rio Chama. A nice place to stay May 1 thru mid October. The train passing by twice a day is an exciting event and it's a short walk to the train yard.
Pull through sites have great shade and full hookups with 30 or 50 amp electrical service. Spacious tent sites with full service restrooms nearby. Pet friendly with dog park and free wifi. A great place for fishing, train watching and relaxing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Counselor, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Counselor, NM is Rio Chama Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Counselor, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Counselor, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
