Best Campgrounds near Gallina, NM

The region surrounding Gallina, New Mexico offers several camping opportunities within the nearby Santa Fe National Forest and along the Rio Chama watershed. Dispersed camping areas like Whirlpool and Resumidero provide primitive sites with minimal facilities, while established campgrounds such as Rio Chama Campground and Rio Puerco Campground offer more defined camping spaces. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with select areas providing picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Several campgrounds remain open seasonally from May through October, with some closing during winter months.

Forest roads throughout the area vary in quality and accessibility. Many campgrounds require traveling on unpaved roads that may become difficult during wet weather. "We wound up at a driveway where we were quickly chased off by vicious dogs. Take the 62 to the 103 and turn left. Do not turn at county 425 after the Santa Teresa Capilla," noted one camper about navigating to Rio Puerco. Most dispersed sites lack drinking water, requiring visitors to pack in their own supplies. Elevation in the region generally ranges between 6,000-8,000 feet, creating cooler temperatures even during summer months. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly from late spring through early fall. Cell service remains limited or nonexistent at most camping locations.

Riverside camping represents a significant draw for the area, with many sites positioned along the Rio Chama and Rio Puerco. Campers consistently mention the peaceful sounds of running water as a highlight of their experience. According to visitor feedback, "We found a secluded spot, not on the river. It was nice due to the area being overwhelmed with people." While some campgrounds can become crowded during peak summer weekends and holidays, dispersed sites along Forest Road 151 provide more isolation. Several camping areas feature proximity to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic canyon views. The Resumidero Camping Area receives positive reviews for its combination of meadow and forested sites, with one visitor noting "the camp sites were far apart and you could choose between open meadows or in the trees."

Best Camping Sites Near Gallina, New Mexico (96)

    1. Rio Chama Campground

    14 Reviews
    Gallina, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 638-5526

    "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."

    2. Rio Puerco Campground

    6 Reviews
    Gallina, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 638-5526

    "New Mexico is just beautiful and this park really brings that to life. Its a great place for fishing, camping, hiking and breath taking river veiws. Love every picture I took here."

    "It's actually only 10 miles off the main road, & 6 miles after the pavement ends, but Google took us down the wrong path."

    3. Oak Point Campground

    6 Reviews
    Youngsville, NM
    12 miles
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    "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."

    4. Riana - Abiquiu Lake

    20 Reviews
    Cañones, NM
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 685-4371

    $10 - $80 / night

    "There are nice trails that you can hike or mountain bike. Some are near cliff edges and not for the beginners. The lake is nice for New Mexico and sees a lot of use."

    "Good views of lake & surrounding area from site. Vault toilet & drinking water a short walk away. Juniper provided minimal privacy. Site has lantern poll, fire ring, trash can & table."

    5. Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Youngsville, NM
    13 miles
    Website

    "Seems a given, since it’s close to the river! I found a site right next to the Rio and even though it was muddy, I still appreciated being able to get in to cool down a bit."

    "One down side being close to the river is the bugs, literally thousands of them can make it unpleasant. Outside of that the spot on the river is fantastic for viewing pleasure."

    6. Rio De Las Vacas Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cuba, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 289-3264

    $20 / night

    "Access to good trails for day hiking. One of the best camping spots I’ve visited. Stayed on a Sunday night - was quiet and peaceful."

    "Clear Creek was full so we camped her for the night and had a great place to park the pop up and our friends were out behind us in their tent. Very beautiful area!"

    7. Resumidero Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Gallina, NM
    9 miles

    "Hiking trails from the campground. Beautiful area."

    8. Clear Creek Campground (Nm) — Santa Fe National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Cuba, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 289-3264

    $20 - $75 / night

    "Each site is surrounded by ponderosa pines. A small creek flows through the campground."

    "The area provides lots of opportunities to hike or drive the many forest roads that are nearby. If you enjoy exploring in an atv/utv the forest roads range from well maintained to pretty rough."

    9. Coyote Canyon Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Youngsville, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 438-7840

    "Great experience, not too far, about 7 miles off the beaten path."

    "You can’t drive your car right up to each site, but you can park fairly close."

    10. Fenton Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 829-3630

    $15 - $90 / night

    "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)."

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Recent Reviews near Gallina, NM

411 Reviews of 96 Gallina Campgrounds


  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Jemez Falls Campground

    Nice setting with adjacent trails.

    Most sites level. Ryan, campground host was very helpful and professional. Sites well-spaced and relatively private. Trees and shade everywhere. Short hike to Jemez Falls. About 4 miles to Valle Calderas and a couple more to Bandalere.

    Vault toilets very clean and convenient to most sites.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Cuba Hwy Pulloff on Forest Road 88

    FR 88 - dispersed camping 10-19-25

    Right off hwy - beginning of has limited spots (25’ or less total length) as you start going up the road it gets way rutted / washboarded out - I would recommend 4x4 - some spots need high clearance. Cell service ATT - 1 / 2 bars at the bottom as you go up the road you get better service

  • Arthur B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Titilla Peak

    Tetilla Peak campground

    This campground has mix of gravel dirt on awesome peak overlooking Cochiti Lake! Most of the campsites have shelter ( a cover) and a picnic table. Will note that the bathroom/showers have no light until sundown, and it remains dark in there during the day.

  • Kristin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Camp May Road

    Perfect for a close camp to Los Alamos

    Easy to find pull off spots, lots of good trees. The road is closed Monday-Thursday due to being on lab property. Overall beautiful spot!

  • Angela L.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Titilla Peak

    I love beautiful views!

    Most of the sites on the outside overlook the Rio Grande or the Cochiti Lake. The views are amazing! Bathrooms and showers are available.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Sparkling Location!

    Spotless, spacious level concrete pads with barbecues and sheltered picnic tables. No campfires are permitted. Water views from many sites. Boat launch and swimming beach are both less than a mile from the lower loop and available for day use as well as two campers. Dump station, free, hot showers, dumpster, portable water, and electric available at various sites. There is a Ranger on duty at the visitor center up the hill and a good walking/hiking trail that begins near the boat launch. Some steep spots so don’t forget that you’re at over 5000’ here.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Rio Chama RV Park

    Beautiful huge cottonwoods

    Came to take Toltec Railway. Right on Rio Chama River walking distance from train station and Chama. Great hosts. Road e-bikes around safely. Huge gorgeous cottonwood trees.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Jemez Falls Campground

    Tranquil in the pines

    Quiet spot, decent separation of sites, water, clean pit toilets, interesting hiking right from the campsite, decent cell connection (xfinity).

  • B
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Cochiti Recreation Area

    Beautiful area

    We stayed at Cochiti to be close to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The area is beautiful and the campground is great. Sites are spacious with paved pads and a parking spot next to your RV sites it has a concrete area with a covered picnic table. We stayed in the Buffalo loop and had 50 amp electric as well as water. The bathhouse was near and was clean and nice


Guide to Gallina

Camping near Gallina, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax in nature, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Jemez Falls Campground. One camper mentioned, "I've been to this campground several times, sometimes camping, sometimes just for the hiking. The views are awesome!"
  • Fishing: Head to Rio De Las Vacas Campground for some fishing. A reviewer shared, "Spacious campground with big old pines with a beautiful creek flowing through. Access to good trails for day hiking."
  • Sightseeing: Visit Riana - Abiquiu Lake for breathtaking views. One visitor said, "Great campground with amazing views... All the grounds are clean and well maintained."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Beauty: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Fenton Lake State Park noted, "The landscape was beautiful, with beaver dams and songbirds giving us amazing views."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Vista Linda Campground mentioned, "Great place on a Tuesday, hardly anyone there and campsites close to the water."
  • Helpful Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their friendliness. One camper at Riana - Abiquiu Lake said, "Camp hosts were very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jemez Falls Campground, do not have showers or electric hookups. A camper noted, "It is a nice campground to spend a night or two as it does not have showers."
  • Reservation Systems: Be aware of the reservation systems in place. One reviewer mentioned, "Reservation system ran till the end of September, then First come First served came into effect."
  • Wildlife: Expect to see various wildlife. A camper at Rio Chama Campground shared, "This is probably the most lush place at fall... you can go so far in or not."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Heron Lake State Park that offer spacious sites. A reviewer said, "Camp spots are nice and roomy. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Fenton Lake State Park enjoyed hiking and fishing, saying, "We typically come up to Fenton Lake once a year and last year was fantastic."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along all necessary supplies, as some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A camper at Vista Linda Campground noted, "There’s lots of great sun for solar power in the valley but none of the sites have electricity."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Riana - Abiquiu Lake mentioned, "Great sites for our 17' camp trailer."
  • Be Prepared for Wind: Wind gusts can be common, so secure your belongings. One camper at Rio Chama Campground advised, "Wind gusts are common so tie down the tumbleweeds or they'll escape!"
  • Know the Quiet Hours: Respect the quiet hours enforced at many campgrounds. A visitor at Fenton Lake State Park appreciated the enforced quiet time, saying, "Quiet time from 10pm-6am is enforced & enjoyed."

Camping near Gallina, New Mexico, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gallina, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gallina, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 96 campgrounds and RV parks near Gallina, NM and 30 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gallina, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gallina, NM is Rio Chama Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 14 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gallina, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 free dispersed camping spots near Gallina, NM.

What parks are near Gallina, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Gallina, NM that allow camping, notably Abiquiu Lake and Santa Fe National Forest.