E
Ellen C.
Scout
ScoutJemez Falls Campground
Awesome place to camp
This is one of the places to camp in New Mexico
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Gallina, NM
Rio Chama Campground, located along Forest Road 151 near Abiquiu, provides several secluded camping spots for visitors traveling with pets. This free dispersed camping area features tent and RV sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Oak Point Campground offers alternative pet-friendly accommodations with drive-in and walk-in access, also welcoming both tents and RVs in a natural setting. Most campers report finding private spots with river access, perfect for dogs who enjoy water. Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area provides additional options with basic amenities including toilets and trash collection. The sites throughout this area are well-spaced, providing privacy even during busy weekends.
The Rio Puerco Campground features four camping spots with scenic views and pet-friendly policies. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though some bench seating has deteriorated over time. Dogs can explore the beautiful stream running through the campground, with several waterfalls accessible via bushwhacking trails along the Rio Puerco. The road conditions are suitable for children's biking activities, creating additional recreational opportunities for families camping with pets. Campers should note the remote location requires preparation, as most sites lack drinking water, showers, or hookups. Sites are available on a first-come basis with many campers reporting better luck finding spots mid-week rather than during busy weekend periods.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Gallina, New Mexico (74)
1. Rio Chama Campground
14 ReviewsGallina, NM12 milesWebsite+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."
"We 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."
2. Rio Puerco Campground
6 ReviewsGallina, NM10 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsYoungsville, NM12 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. Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area
8 ReviewsYoungsville, NM13 milesWebsite"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."
"In my van and with Grandkids & dog in a tent. We had a rock campfire ring and I bring my folding table & chairs. The kids love to hang hammocks in the cedar trees."
5. Riana - Abiquiu Lake
20 ReviewsCañones, NM21 milesWebsite+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."
6. Rio De Las Vacas Campground
7 ReviewsCuba, NM16 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsGallina, NM9 miles"Hiking trails from the campground. Beautiful area."
8. Echo Amphitheater Campground — Carson National Forest
7 ReviewsCanjilon, NM18 miles$10 - $50 / night
"Small campground next to U.S. Highway 84. There are 9 campsites with 3 small pull-throughs. I have seen large RVs in the day use area, not sure if this is tolerated. No services. "
"Hour outside of santa fe."
9. Clear Creek Campground (Nm) — Santa Fe National Forest
4 ReviewsCuba, NM17 milesWebsite+1 (575) 289-3264$20 - $75 / night
"Pets are allowed. There is good hiking areas to take you to many canyons and none of the trails are very steep."
"Each site is surrounded by ponderosa pines. A small creek flows through the campground."
10. Coyote Canyon Camping Area
3 ReviewsYoungsville, NM15 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Gallina, NM
64 Photos of 74 Gallina Campgrounds
Michael N.
Rio Chama Campground
Megan V.
Oak Point Campground
Michael N.
Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area
Samantha L.
Cuba Hwy Pulloff on Forest Road 88
Ken M.
Clear Creek Campground (Nm) — Santa Fe National Forest
Maeci W.
Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
Katriza L.
Fenton Lake State Park Campground
Katriza L.
San Antonio Campground
Melissa D.
Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park
Nora S.
Jemez Falls Campground
Celina M.
Willow Creek Campground — Heron Lake State Park
Katriza L.
Las Conchas Trailhead - Primitive Climber's Camp
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Gallina, NM
421 Reviews of 74 Gallina Campgrounds
marycatmathis ..
RangerOak Point Campground
Lovely, Beachy, Scenic
These 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!
- Beth B.
GuideRio Chama Campground
Great place to watch the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Train
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. 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.
- NNattalie G.
TravelerEdward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area
Edward Sargeant Wildlife Area
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. Pets allowed. Wonderful views of the mountains and a good road and trail for hiking and biking and horseback riding. There are creeks, small ponds, maybe a lake deeper in, fir, aspen, and pine trees. You can roam off the road/trail anywhere. iIf you get a combination to the lock on the gate you can drive your vehicle down I rode that goes deep into the wilderness area for fishing and hunting. It is run by the New Mexico wild wildlife services. At sunrise or sunset you are very likely to see elk maybe even a whole herd and other wildlife. You cannot camp there in the winter but it’s great for cross country skiing. There’s also a laundromat just down the road, probably a mile from the camping area. I live in the region and often go there throughout the year to take my dog on walks or cross country ski.
James F.GuideRiana - Abiquiu Lake
Nice camp hosts
The campgrounds is nicely laid out and decent. There isn't much for shade or privacy. The camp hosts are very friendly and helpful. 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. Didn't get a chance to fish or get to the waters edge this trip. The area is near where Georgia O'Keefe lived and did some of her work.
- sseryna R.Scout
FR376 Dispersed
Amazing
This camp spot is one of the best free camp sites in New Mexico. Would definitely go again. Highly recommend to anyone who loves to camp and drive four wheelers
Alan B.
LegendPajarito Springs (Dispersed)
Great Spot for Free Camping before the Caldera!
This is a nice secluded dispersed campsite on the eastern flanks of the Valles Caldera. It's the closest CG to Sante Fe along the 4 before it enters the caldera proper. While most of the trees in this area were burnt by fires less than 10 years ago, it still provides great views of the valley below and the highest mountains in all of New Mexico! The campground has no amenities so bring everything you'll need and bring along a high clearance vehicle if you plan on heading up the road beyond the campsites that are right off the pavement to the right.
Besides exploring the caldera there are plenty of amazing things to do in nearby Sante Fe! Our favorite attraction was the MeowWolf permanent art exhibit. It's an absolutely amazing surreal piece of art that you walk through and interact. I cannot stress enough how much you should visit because in addition to being an art pillar in New Mexico they also contribute to local and soon regional art and philanthropic endeavors.
Brian O.LegendBlanco Campground — Heron Lake State Park
Kinda spooky.
Nothing wrong with this campground, per se...
The sites are large, and shadier than we'd have thought (we brought a patio umbrella all the way from Chicago and discovered our site was under a large pinion pine, go figure).
The pit toilets and the plumbed facilities are clean and maintained.
Open fires are not allowed.
But, we rarely saw anyone. One couple walking their dog and the camp host who we didn't meet until we were leaving. We joked that all the RV's were "Breaking Bad" meth labs, this being New Mexico. The sense of desolation is enhanced by the wind, the cawing of birds and occasional howls of coyotes or wolves (?). It was downright spooky.
Heron lake is currently at 25% capacity. Which means the boat ramp and marina are perhaps a mile from the current shoreline, dried up and one of the saddest sights you'll see.
However, it was a good base of operations for our trips to Chama to spend the day on the scenic railroad, as well as day trip into Taos.- Jennifer H.Guide
Rio Puerco Campground
Pecos, NM
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.
Guide to Gallina
The Gallina area of New Mexico sits at approximately 7,200 feet elevation in the Carson National Forest. Dispersed camping options near Gallina provide access to the Rio Chama and Rio Puerco rivers where campers often find seclusion even during busy periods. The forested terrain offers a mix of pine coverage and river access, with most sites lacking formal facilities.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: At Rio De Las Vacas Campground, trails connect directly to campgrounds. "A hiking trail can be accessed from site #4. Nearby is Eureka Mine now abandoned and a mountain top view from Bluebird Mesa. San Pedro Peaks Wilderness is about four miles west on the campground," notes a former camp host.
Kayaking and tubing: The Rio Chama provides opportunities for water recreation at several camping areas. At Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area, one camper reports, "This area is popular with kayakers and the roads leading to this area are busy with trailers. Seems a given, since it's close to the river!"
Fishing opportunities: The rivers near Gallina support fishing throughout the camping season. "The stream runs beside sites 1 thru 4. That stream is a river, Rio de las Vacas. Trout have been caught in it," reports a camper familiar with the area.
What campers like
Seasonal weather patterns: The mountains around Gallina experience distinct seasonal changes. "Days were hot as they are in NM but the nights were pleasant. People were having a good time but were chill at night, something I always appreciate at free sites," notes a summer visitor to Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area.
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting provides opportunities to spot local animals. At Oak Point Campground, campers appreciate "Mountains in the distance, a river right next to camp, gravel and dirt roads, lots of woods.. what more can you ask for?" while another mentions the abundant bird life: "river is very soothing and birds are always chirping."
Star visibility: The remote location offers exceptional night skies. "You can see every star on a clear night," reports one camper at Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area, highlighting the minimal light pollution in this region.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many camping areas requires navigating unpaved roads. At Resumidero Camping Area, "The camp sites were far apart and you could chose between open meadows or in the trees," but reaching these sites requires suitable vehicles.
Limited services: Most camping areas near Gallina lack amenities. "No water, no trash, no outhouses.. only rock fire-pits, which were clutch," writes a visitor to Oak Point Campground, while another advises: "Bring it in and cart it out. Make sure the dirt road is dry enough in monsoon season so you don't get stuck."
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate seasonally. One camper reports about Echo Campground: "Electric hookups eliminate need for generators and associated noise. $20/night or $10 with senior parks pass," but notes availability is limited to warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: The natural settings provide entertainment for children. "Great hiking and climbing for kids. Sights level and pit toilets clean," reports a grandparent who stayed at Rio De Las Vacas Campground.
Camping with pets: Pet friendly camping near Gallina, New Mexico includes options for dogs who enjoy water access. "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," notes a visitor to Oak Point Campground, where dogs can safely explore.
Space considerations: When camping with children or pets, look for sites with adequate room. At Coyote Canyon Camping Area, "There are only 3 spots, each has a table and 2 have fire rings. You can't drive your car right up to each site, but you can park fairly close."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: For larger vehicles, research before arrival. "The road to the campground is about 6 miles of curvy dirt and gravel single lane. But a woman managed it in a Jaguar so not too bad just go slow," notes a camper at Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area.
Level sites: RV campers should prioritize campgrounds with level pads. At Clear Creek Campground, "The road and sites are all paved, with a mix of larger spaces (fit our 35 ft. 5th wheel just fine) and smaller tent / pop up trailer size spots."
Cell connectivity: Mobile reception varies widely across the region. "Cellular connectivity is nonexistent," reports an RVer at Clear Creek Campground, suggesting visitors should plan accordingly for communication needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Gallina, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Gallina, NM is Rio Chama Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 14 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 74 dog-friendly camping locations near Gallina, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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