Embudo sits in Rio Arriba County at approximately 5,800 feet elevation where the Rio Grande runs through a rugged landscape of canyons and desert terrain. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically between seasons, with summer highs regularly reaching 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. The high desert environment around Embudo provides distinct camping experiences that vary significantly from the nearby forested mountains.
What to do
Hiking near water sources: Orilla Verde Recreation Area offers several trails alongside the Rio Grande. "Such a great spot! Several small camp loops along the river. Each offers different amenities. We were in the arroyo hondo loop and it was primitive camping...no water access, no power, pit toilet. There are showers and potable water at the second camp loop on the road (less than a mile away)," notes Delite P. at BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area.
Stargazing opportunities: The open desert landscape at Luna Mystica provides excellent night sky viewing. "We paid $10 to park our van essentially. Parked in the gravel lot, had access to showers and bathrooms. There was also tent camping for $10 a night as well and that looked really legit with unobstructed views," says Dave L. at Hotel Luna Mystica.
Fishing in local waters: Several campgrounds offer easy fishing access from sites. According to B M. at Riana - Abiquiu Lake: "The fishing was good from the kayak lots of crappie. We found a lot of fishing lures wrapped around small bushes that were underwater before the lake dropped 20 some feet."
What campers like
Mountain views from campsites: The elevated terrain provides expansive vistas across multiple campgrounds. "Dirt road leading up to campground was totally drivable but heavily washboarded at the beginning, so be advised if you're towing. Plenty of room for my 25ft travel trailer and larger rigs should be okay as well," says PJ M. at Overlook Campground.
Riverside camping access: Many pet-friendly camping areas near Embudo offer water proximity. "We camped in Pilar CG with an RV. The RV sites are more private than at Rio Bravo, but Rio Bravo is next to the river. We liked our location. The restrooms were immaculate and the camp host was very helpful. Great birding, stargazing and nice trails to hike," notes Karen C.
Quiet, secluded sites: The region's dispersed camping options provide solitude. "A good amount of dispersed sites off of FSR558. I just pulled off to one of the closer sites but looked like tons of other sites were further in on the road. Really quiet even with the highway close by," reports Kayla D. about Forest Road 558.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Higher clearance vehicles are recommended for certain areas. "Wide open dispersed desert camping. FS-558 runs for several miles south of HWY-285. We stayed closer to the highway which is safer without 4WD. Higher clearance is helpful due to ruts in the road," shares Charlie O. from Forest Road 558.
Weather challenges: The high desert experiences extreme temperature variations. "When it doesn't snow on us anyway... but the weather was good for long soaks in the awesome hot springs. Camping area was nice, large spots, in close proximity to the springs. We had a great time, the facilities are great, and everything was awesome besides the weather," explains Thomas B.
Local wildlife presence: Animals regularly access several campgrounds. "Everyone, this is a beautiful site with lots of trees. The camp ground is nestled up in the mountains several miles from town. The stream is nice and comforting and the camp host was very informative and helpful. HOWEVER, there are herds of cows that roam the campground. They defecate EVERYWHERE," warns Phillip A. at Santa Barbara Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom access options: Plan accordingly for facilities at each site. "I would have given this property 5 stars but they've become unfriendly to families. Children under 13 are not allowed in the hot springs. The camping area is more of a campground than an RV park, in a positive way. Many of the sites are shaded with mature trees," advises Colorado C.
Look for shade structures: Desert camping areas with limited natural shade often provide structures. "Some sites sit high above, and view Santa Cruz Lake, others don't have the lake view. No water or electricity, one little vault toilet. Some sites have more privacy than others. Over all a nice little campground about a 15 or 20 minute drive to the lake," reports Matthew D.
Trail accessibility for kids: Some pet-friendly camping areas offer easy trails. "This is a great spot with wonderful huge ponderosa pines all around, but there has been a bunch of shooting up the toilets and there is a fair amount of trash around. Still we had it to ourselves during the week, and could find a spot that was clean and fit our teardrop trailer," shares Jill about Borrego Mesa.
Tips from RVers
Hookup orientation challenges: Several RV sites have unconventional layouts. "Nice little campground next to hot springs. Nice level site. Hookup were on passenger side and towards front of TT we had enough hose and cords to reach. It says they have loaners if needed," notes Shannon C.
Maneuverability considerations: Not all roads accommodate larger rigs. "Campground is a little off the beaten path, about 30m from the High Drive highway. Dirt roads were nothing to worry about, should be fine for any SUV or sedan. Campground itself is on ranch land (keep an eye out for cows) and does have trash around, but nothing too bad," states Katherine C.
Satellite and internet options: Reception varies widely between sites. "We only found a couple of possible sites to get my 34ft 5th wheel into. Very peaceful area, beautiful views and decent Verizon cell service," reports Joseph W. about camping near Abiquiu Lake.
Traveler
