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LegendPlatoro Dispersed camping
Platoro dispersed camping
Great spot near lake platoro. Peaceful and quiet with occasional vehicle or atv passing by
Camping near Tierra Amarilla, NM
147 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Tierra Amarilla in northern New Mexico include state parks with established sites and private RV parks with full amenities. Heron Lake State Park features multiple developed campgrounds including Blanco, Willow Creek, and Island View with both tent and RV sites. El Vado Lake State Park provides water-oriented camping with electric hookups and shower facilities. Most campgrounds in the region maintain separate loops for different camping styles, with designated areas for RVs requiring hookups and more primitive sections for tent campers seeking a traditional outdoor experience.
The camping season generally runs from May through October in this high-elevation region, with some campgrounds closed during winter months. Road access varies significantly between developed and primitive sites. "The camp sites are quite large and well spaced. It felt more like being out in the woods by yourself as we couldn't see another camp site from our trailer," noted one visitor about Blanco Campground. Water levels at both Heron and El Vado lakes fluctuate seasonally and have been significantly low in recent years, affecting boat ramp access and shoreline proximity. Campers should be prepared for limited amenities in the surrounding communities, with restricted cell service (typically 1-2 bars of coverage) and limited grocery options available in Chama, approximately 15-20 miles north of the main recreation areas.
The region's campgrounds receive consistent praise for their peaceful atmosphere and wildlife viewing opportunities. Several visitors mentioned encountering elk, deer, and diverse bird species. Lakefront camping remains popular despite fluctuating water levels, with Island View Campground offering particularly scenic vistas. Campers frequently comment on the spacious sites and privacy compared to more crowded destinations. According to one visitor, "We stayed in Blanco CG site 52 for 6 days. The park has gone to great lengths to make the sites level and most looked like they were. All of the sites are spacious and quite widely spaced." Night skies in the area are notably dark, making stargazing a popular activity. Trout Lakes and Hopewell Lake Campground provide additional fishing-oriented camping options with basic facilities for those seeking alternatives to the larger state parks.
Best Campgrounds near Tierra Amarilla (147)
1. Willow Creek Campground — Heron Lake State Park
"If you are coming for the lake you maybe disappointed. With the drought, the lake level is very low and the shore line off in the distance. "
"The lake is dismally low as the boat ramps are totally not usable. I don't know when they were last usable and it looks like it has been a while."
from $10 - $35 / night
Check Availability2. Blanco Campground — Heron Lake State Park
"Trails, lake, boating, and wildlife watching."
"The park has several nice trails and the bathrooms/showers were pretty clean and well maintained, although there are only 2 shower stalls, one of them HA, for the whole campground."
from $30 - $90 / night
Check Availability3. Island View — Heron Lake State Park
"I did a fair amount of research online regarding walk-in tent camping at Heron Lake, during the week."
"This is a no wake lake Fishing was good. Caught quite a few fish
Showers and bathrooms were very clean and well stocked.
Fires were allowed. Picnic tables and fire rings provided"
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability4. Sky Mountain Resort RV Park
"Directly off the highway- very easy access. Room for big rigs, full hook-ups. This place is set just off the highway and opens up to a big field, that sort of feels like a park. Lots of room."
"Sky Mountain is nestled in a grove of Cottonwood and Spruce trees next to Rio Chama. Each site is spacious with plenty of room to move around."
5. Rio Chama RV Park
"The Rio Chama flows along the edge of the campground. The staff was friendly and helpful. The town of Chama is within walking distance. Definitely worth staying."
"Right on Rio Chama River walking distance from train station and Chama. Great hosts. Road e-bikes around safely. Huge gorgeous cottonwood trees."
6. El Vado Lake State Park
"Camped away from everyone up the hill Had an Elk come into camp about 15 yards from me."
from $15 / night
Check Availability7. Trout Lakes
"Very nice little campsites, a couple different lakes in the area. Only one outhouse by one of the lakes, the rest dont have any."
8. Hopewell Lake Campground
"My wife and I have stayed at Hopewell Lake twice now. The first time we stayed here, we stumbled upon this little gem of a site while driving from Durango, CO to Taos, NM."
"No luck fishing but several people around us were catching very nice sized trout. Vault toilets were well stocked and clean."
from $24 - $125 / night
Check Availability9. Twin Rivers RV Park & Campground
"Although our fellow RVers weren’t real close, we were close to the shower facilities and there were lots of small campers using those giving us very little privacy."
"Especially near the Toltec train station."
from $29 / night
Check Availability10. Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management 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"
"We wanted to stay close to Chama but not be crowded in an RV park and this is just the ticket. There are some deep potholes but our RV had no problem. There are two pit toilets."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 32 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 10 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 21 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 34 min from Pueblo, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Tierra Amarilla, NM
160 Photos of 147 Tierra Amarilla Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Blanco Campground — Heron Lake State Park
Willow Creek Campground — Heron Lake State ParkC
Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area
Hopewell Lake Campground
Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake
Trujillo MeadowsA
Rio Chama Campground
Oak Point Campground
Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area
Aspen Glade (rio Grande National Forest, Co)
Could turn around with a small trailer
Rio Grande National Forest Mogote Campground
Recent Reviews near Tierra Amarilla, NM
468 Reviews of 147 Tierra Amarilla Campgrounds
- MMegan G.
TravelerAbiquiu Reservoir
Gorgeous Secluded River Spot
This dispersed camp spot is just past a day use area at the base of a damn. The drive down from the damn is a little tight but the dirt/gravel roads are wide and easy to manage. There are multiple dispersed camp sites along the river past the day use area. I stayed in the second, it was large enough to have multiple vehicles and plenty of flat ground for car camping and past the rock barriers there was additional flat ground for tent camping. The spots are situated down off the main road but there is plenty of space to maneuver vehicles.
Aaron S.
GuideFsr 70
Easy access and well spaced
A 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.
Tweeter B.TravelerWhirlpool Dispersed Camping Area
Tent camping
Got here Thursday night around 9:45 and were able to set up in a very beautiful spot right by the river, there is tons of locations and our neighbors are pretty nice. If you come during the week the water sits a little low but come Saturday morning they’ll open up that damn and it’ll rise.
Selena H.TravelerEast Fork Campground
Great shady spot in the San Juans
We spent two nights at East Fork Campground in site 11. The campground is very clean and peaceful. The sites have good privacy. Site 11 is next to the east fork of the San Juan River, but you do have to scramble down a pretty steep trail about 40' to get to the river. The water was cold and refreshing! If you follow the road down to sites 20-26, there are trails to access the river that aren't as steep. We could hear the river from our site. The site had a lot of nice shade, and a good picnic table and fire ring. It was also right across the way from the restrooms, which may have been the cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen in a campground. They were spotless and smelled like air fresheners and had no flies! The camp host was very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our stay and may come back to stay a few more nights soon!
- CCheryl W.Traveler
Spectacle Lake Campground
No hookups but lovely
About 7 miles of washboard but got our 30ft trailer in no issues. Absolutely stunning location. Dry campground
Elizabeth P.
ScoutRio Grande National Forest Mogote Campground
Beautiful campground, great host!
We had a campsite right near the river that was extraordinary. Although we had heard that there would be mosquitos, we did not find any-- the river is lower than usual, we heard, but still moving and gorgeous. Blue, the campground host, is a real treat who keeps the place very clean and is quite available. The closest store is run by people who know EVERYTHING about the area-- and sell a wonderful variety of things including Amish pies ( cant eat just one)
Katharine H.GuideLittle Arsenic Springs Campground
Beautiful and seemingly underrated campground
Really lovely spot in the National Monument- I suspect it gets passed over for mountain campgrounds, but you have a great view of the Río and the campground is amidst an ocean of sagebrush and high desert plants and flowers. There are a few other campgrounds nearby, and all of them are connected by a gravel walking path that goes in a big meandering loop. It's a really nice trail to take for a long walk at the end of the day. We walked for a while around sunset and it was beautiful. In the morning, several bighorn sheep came out of the gorge probably 75 feet from the campsite and we got to watch them do their thing for a while (a bunch of young males who seemed all about the tussling with each other). Photos were taken from the car on our way out as they were hanging out right by the road.
For other amenities, there were pit toilets and shade structures at the sites. The campsites are not individual "pull in" but its literally a matter of a dozen steps or so from the parking spaces to the campsites.
Andy M.LegendRiana - Abiquiu Lake
Abiquiu lake was great.
Very helpful hosts. Found another beautiful spot.
Guide to Tierra Amarilla
Camping spots near Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico range from high-elevation lake sites to riverside RV parks at 7,000-9,500 feet above sea level. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer highs reaching the 80s while nighttime temperatures can drop to the 50s even in peak season. Weather patterns typically include afternoon thunderstorms during July and August monsoon season.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Hopewell Lake Campground offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. "The trout fishing is fun and always a success at the lake," notes one visitor who makes this their annual family camping destination.
Wildlife viewing: The area's diverse habitats support abundant wildlife viewing. At Willow Creek Campground, one camper reported, "Lots of wildlife here! We saw deer, coyotes and bear droppings."
Steam train excursions: Take a day trip to see the historic Cumbres & Toltec steam train. "The Cumbres & Toltec steam train goes by the campground twice a day at the trestle," mentions a visitor at Rio Chama RV Park, making this an accessible attraction from most camping areas.
Stargazing at high elevation: The minimal light pollution creates ideal stargazing conditions. "Great night sky view. Easy access. Great rates. Not far from town. Quiet. Gorgeous night view," comments a camper about Heron Lake State Park.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently mention the generous site spacing. A visitor at Blanco Campground noted, "All of the sites are spacious and quite widely spaced."
Cooler temperatures: The high elevation provides relief from summer heat. "The weather is perfect in the summer!" reports a camper at Rio Chama RV Park.
Peaceful atmosphere: The uncrowded nature of these campgrounds creates a tranquil experience. "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," described a visitor to Heron Lake Campground.
Dispersed camping options: Beyond established campgrounds, dispersed camping provides even more solitude. At Trout Lakes, "Very nice little campsites, a couple different lakes in the area. Overall a very secluded and quite site and a great little escape!"
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. At Willow Creek Campground, "Cell service was 2 bars but speed was acceptable."
Weather preparation: Afternoon storms are common in summer. "Be prepared for summer monsoon rains," advises a visitor to Hopewell Lake Campground.
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can be unpredictable and may impact recreational opportunities. "The lake is dismally low as the boat ramps are totally not usable. I don't know when they were last usable and it looks like it has been a while," reports a camper at Willow Creek Campground.
Limited nearby supplies: Stock up before arrival as services are minimal. At Island View Campground, one visitor mentioned there is "not much in town to do" and limited shopping options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best trout lakes in Tierra Amarilla, NM?
Where are the best trout lakes in Tierra Amarilla, NM?
The Tierra Amarilla area is renowned for excellent trout fishing opportunities. Hopewell Lake Campground is a gem for trout fishing with its pristine mountain lake stocked with rainbow trout. For more fishing options, Willow Creek Campground — Heron Lake State Park provides access to Heron Lake, which is famous for its record-size lake trout. Other notable fishing spots include El Vado Lake and the Trout Lakes, both offering excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing in peaceful settings surrounded by the beautiful landscape of northern New Mexico.
When is the best fishing season at Tierra Amarilla lakes?
When is the best fishing season at Tierra Amarilla lakes?
The prime fishing season in Tierra Amarilla typically runs from late spring through early fall. At El Vado Lake State Park, May through September offers the most consistent trout fishing conditions when water temperatures are optimal. For year-round anglers, Abiquiu Lake provides good fishing opportunities even in winter months, though spring and fall tend to yield the best catches. Early mornings and evenings generally produce better results during summer months when water temperatures rise. Always check local regulations as fishing seasons and catch limits may vary by location.
What camping is available near Tierra Amarilla, NM?
What camping is available near Tierra Amarilla, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, Tierra Amarilla, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 147 campgrounds and RV parks near Tierra Amarilla, NM and 42 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Tierra Amarilla, NM?
Which is the most popular campground near Tierra Amarilla, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tierra Amarilla, NM is Willow Creek Campground — Heron Lake State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tierra Amarilla, NM?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tierra Amarilla, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 42 free dispersed camping spots near Tierra Amarilla, NM.
What parks are near Tierra Amarilla, NM?
What parks are near Tierra Amarilla, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Tierra Amarilla, NM that allow camping, notably Abiquiu Lake and Carson National Forest.
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