1 campground with availability this weekend
Horse camping opportunities near Counselor, New Mexico are limited. Based on available data, none of the campgrounds in the area specifically advertise horse corrals or dedicated equestrian facilities. Rio Chama Campground, located in Abiquiu, permits pets but does not feature horse-specific amenities such as corrals or designated equestrian campsites. The campground operates from May to November and offers free camping with basic amenities including toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Many visitors note the dispersed camping options along the river, which provide more privacy for those traveling with animals.
For equestrians seeking horse camping options, the surrounding forest roads provide numerous dispersed camping sites that may accommodate horses. Oak Point Campground, also in Abiquiu, offers free primitive camping with drive-in access that could potentially serve horse owners bringing their own containment systems. The dirt roads are reported to be easily accessible for cars and trailers. Fenton Lake State Park Campground, while offering more amenities like electric hookups, also lacks specific horse facilities. Riders planning to camp with horses in this region should prepare to bring portable corrals or high-line equipment, as well as all necessary water and feed for their animals. Horse campsites in this area reward self-sufficient riders who arrive prepared with their own gear and supplies.
"Rio 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."
"It's an easy dirt road drive down the river and you will pass many dispersed site and a couple of defined camping grounds."
"I’ve been coming to Fenton Lake for camping with family since I was little and we’ve always loved it. It’s beautiful and well taken care of."
"We typically come up to Fenton Lake once a year and last year was fantastic however this year the park rangers aren’t that friendly (or that helpful)."
Available this weekend
from $15 - $90 / night
"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"
"I'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."
GuideA very nice area for camping. During the rainy season there might even be some water in the creek. But there is a crowded area when you first turn into the road. There was about 20 RVs there when I drove past. They were shooting guns pretty late into the night. Further up the road the sites thin out. The easy access ones fill up quick. If you have some ground clearance there are a few more options.
TravelerWe stayed here just after Memorial Day weekend in late May, and again in mid-June. Such a great campsite! Although at 8,000 feet of elevation, prepare for cold nights and intermittent rain, hail, and high winds, even during the "summer" season. We experienced day time temps of 70s - 80s and nighttime drops to the low 40s on both trips. There was a burn notice in effect in May, which was lifted for our June trip - probably because the significant afternoon hail storms on the first two days of our trip nicely saturated everything! ;) Day time weather was usually clear until noon, and then intermittent afternoon storms would set in, usually clearing by 6 pm. Basically, typical New Mexican mountain weather!
The sites are very well maintained, and the Camp Host was incredibly friendly and made regular rounds. FYI - there is NO cell signal at any of the tent sites, although we were able to get a signal (Verizon) within 50 feet of the ranger station if you need to check your phone.
A note about the various campsites. There are four main loops past the RV/electric hookup section. Loop 1 (sites 1 - 9), loop 2 (sites 10- 14), loop 3 (sites 16 -18), and loop 4 (sites 19 -30). Each of the four main areas have their pros/cons and would be ideal depending on personal preference.
Loop 1 - this is where we stayed in both May and June. It's the easiest walk to the lake, but also has the oldest vault toilet. This toilet locked itself a couple times after people left, and we had to ask the camp host to open it back up. Ultimately, he taped the lock in the unlocked position which worked fine. Several of the toilets have been upgraded throughout the site, but this one is still on the list.
Loop 2 - there's a playground next to site 14 and this is a GREAT loop for folks with kids. If you're not a kid person, you'd probably prefer a different loop.
Loop 3 - this is a beautiful loop with a brand-new vault toilet. With only sites 16, 17, and 18 sharing this loop, it seemed a little quieter.
Loop 4 - the final loop. Furthest away from the lake, you'll get less traffic from folks going up and down the road to their site.
Honestly, all of the sites are beautiful and your favorite site will depend a lot on personal preference. The river runs along the south side of the campsite road and we saw folks fishing - and catching fish! - at those campsites that backed up to the river.
This is a beautiful campground and we will definitely be back!
GuideWe 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!
GuideWell, made it through the ice roads just to get stuck in the snow 20 feet from our spot. The ranger and people were very helpful getting unstuck. Be prepared for self recovery.. take water for winter months.
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.
ScoutWe enjoy our visits to Fenton Lake although it gets busy in the Summer. Thankfully the camping is isolated from day use and is not as busy. Camp towards the back and enjoy the hike along the creek to the lake.
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.
RangerWe typically come up to Fenton Lake once a year and last year was fantastic however this year the park rangers aren’t that friendly (or that helpful). For instance, my father-in-law came up for a day but the power went out all over and didn’t have access to an ATM to pay the $5 day pass. They wouldn’t allow him to come up to our site to tell us (no cell service to call us) so he parked outside and had to hike in. He’s 73.
Also during our stay, a couple of ladies across our campsite got locked out and my husband and other male friend helped break into it as the park ranger watched claiming he couldn’t help for liability reasons so he just watched us like a hawk, completely unhelpful.
We were stopped several times when driving around and park rangers stop and walk up to your car to check we’re all paid up. I can understand this but it was rather excessive being stopped 2-3 times and then park rangers stopping at the camp to check the vehicles 4-5 times a day when we stayed for 3 nights feels like overkill. Expect to run into a park ranger often and see their trucks driving pass your site like clockwork.
Aside from that, our stay was very nice. We stayed at campsite 8 which was very nice for a big family. There’s no one behind you or to either side of you. The site easily accommodated our 32ft RV and the camp site could host 3+ tents. It’s close to the playground which was finally open! It rained heavily one night and flooded the back road behind the playground but they had the tractor out fixing this quickly.
If you’re coming for fishing, get there and grab a spot before 7am for your best chance of catching something. My husband caught two the day we left. It’s very packed and usually stays that way until about 5-6pm. One of the park rangers did mention that we had a better chance fishing the stream beside the campsites and did find a family that caught several fish that way so that’s much more private and easier, especially for little kids or if you don’t like crowds.
Dispersed camping offers the most accessible options near Counselor, New Mexico, particularly for those with horses. Located in the high desert terrain at approximately 6,800 feet elevation, this region experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, even during summer months. The dirt access roads throughout the area can become challenging after rainfall, requiring vehicles with decent clearance.
River activities at Rio Chama: Camp along the Rio Chama where the river provides kayaking and tubing opportunities. "We found a nice trail. Toilets and campground very clean," notes Karen N. about Rio Chama Campground.
Fishing access: Fish the well-stocked waters at Fenton Lake where catching is reportedly good throughout the season. "Fishing is usually good though as it is well stocked. Temperatures at night can get down in the low forties after being in the eighties during the day," shares James F. about Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Canyon exploration: Hike through nearby dried riverbeds and canyons for striking views. A visitor at Oak Point Campground mentions, "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."
River proximity: Sites directly adjacent to Rio Chama offer water access and soothing sounds. "We were able to find a very private spot with easy access to the river! We will be visiting again. Great for our dog too," reports Joselyn A. about Rio Chama Campground.
Star visibility: Clear night skies provide exceptional stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. "The stars are amazing. It's quiet. It's lovely. There's canyon walls for miles," notes a camper at Oak Point Campground.
Natural shade: Many sites feature good tree cover to protect from intense New Mexico sun. Fenton Lake State Park Campground has "LOTS of shade. We sat out for hours and enjoyed the quiet," according to Reuben.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds now require online reservations despite signage indicating otherwise. "Despite what the board says on entry don't pay the camping fee! The ranger will kick you out for not reserving online... There's no cell service for 25mins drive," warns Lauren W. about Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Seasonal crowds: Holiday weekends bring significantly more visitors, particularly at established sites. "It was memorial weekend, but it looked very crowded at this specific campsite. You're much better off doing dispersed camping down the road."
Wind conditions: Evening winds can become strong in canyon areas, affecting tent camping. "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!)."
Playground access: Families with children may prefer sites near dedicated play areas. "There's a playground next to site 14 and this is a GREAT loop for folks with kids. If you're not a kid person, you'd probably prefer a different loop," advises Nicole B. about Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Weekend planning: Arrive early on weekends to secure suitable family spots as sites fill quickly. "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," shares Hannah L.
Water activities: Bring flotation devices for river recreation with children. "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," suggests Megan V. about Oak Point Campground.
Limited hookups: RV sites with electrical service are limited and should be reserved well in advance. "The one loop with electric sites is a bit back from the water, but there is still LOTS of shade," explains a reviewer about Fenton Lake.
Road conditions: Dirt access roads remain generally passable for larger vehicles and trailers with care. "The dirt roads are easy for all cars/trailers," confirms one camper about the roads leading to dispersed sites.
Water management: No dump stations exist at many area campgrounds, requiring self-contained systems. "30 amp service only. Decent water pressure. No dump station on site (another drawback). No cell service of any kind."
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 4 equestrian camping locations near Counselor, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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