Fenton Lake State Park Campground provides basic camping with limited facilities for visitors with horses. Located near Torreon, the park offers campsites accessible via drive-in, boat-in, or walk-in routes that accommodate both tents and RVs. While the park allows pets and has picnic tables, it lacks dedicated equestrian amenities such as horse corrals or specialized horse camping areas. Visitors should note that campground reservations are required and should be made online in advance, as ranger patrols regularly check for valid permits.
Trails near the campground connect to the surrounding Jemez Mountains wilderness, offering potential riding routes for equestrians willing to bring their own portable containment systems. Water access is available via Rio Cerros stream that runs alongside many campsites, providing a natural water source for horses. The park's elevation at approximately 8,000 feet brings significant temperature variations with daytime highs in the 70s-80s and nighttime lows dropping to the 40s even during summer months. Weather conditions can change rapidly with afternoon storms common during summer months, requiring proper preparation for both riders and horses. Nearby Rio Chama Campground offers an alternative with free camping and riverside access, though also without specialized horse facilities.
"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)."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $90 / night
"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."
"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.
Fenton Lake State Park offers equestrian camping near Torreon, New Mexico, though riders must bring their own portable containment systems. The park sits within the Jemez Mountains at 8,000 feet elevation, where weather patterns create consistent afternoon storms during summer months. The surrounding trails provide access to wilderness areas, though specific preparation is needed for both horses and riders.
Fishing at the lake: Fenton Lake State Park provides stocked fishing opportunities, though spots fill quickly. "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," notes James F. from Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
River activities: Float trips on the Rio Chama provide excellent adventure options for campers. "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," shares Joselyn A. about her experience at Rio Chama Campground.
Hiking mountain trails: Several trails wind through the Jemez Mountains, accessible from multiple campgrounds. "Nice hikes along the creek," mentions James F. about Fenton Lake trails, while another camper notes exploring "a hike to the right side of the canyon through a dried up riverbed" at Oak Point.
Wildlife viewing: The Torreon area campgrounds offer excellent opportunities to observe native wildlife. "Lots of birds, wildflowers and we even saw a beaver on the lake!" reports Reuben from Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing conditions. "The stars are amazing. It's quiet. It's lovely. There's canyon walls for miles," writes a camper about their experience at Oak Point Campground.
River sounds: Campsites near water features offer natural sound buffers. "River is very soothing and birds are always chirping," shares Lila L. about Rio Chama Campground, adding that some sites offer "a nice shade and shelter for strong sunlight during the day and strong wind at dusk."
Reservation requirements: Fenton Lake requires online booking in advance. "The ranger will kick you out for not reserving online... part of the new process that they've not informed anyone of," warns Lauren W., adding "there's no cell service for 25mins drive" from Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Weather variability: Mountain elevations create significant temperature swings. "Although at 8,000 feet of elevation, prepare for cold nights and intermittent rain, hail, and high winds, even during the 'summer' season," cautions Nicole B., noting "day time temps of 70s-80s and nighttime drops to the low 40s."
Limited facilities: Many campgrounds have minimal amenities. "Only downfall I've seen is that there's only one water spigot and it's right at the lake," notes Katriza L. about Fenton Lake, while Oak Point has "no water, no trash, no outhouses... only rock fire-pits."
Consider timing: Holiday weekends bring crowds to most area campgrounds. "This is a holiday weekend hotspot so you need to come early or avoid a holiday weekend all together," advises Clayton K. about Fenton Lake State Park Campground.
Select family-friendly loops: Some campground areas are better suited for children. "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," suggests Nicole B. about Loop 2 at Fenton Lake.
Pack for all weather: Temperature variations require planning, especially with children. "We were able to beat the cold weather by utilizing heats in our campsites," shares Mike A., describing Fenton Lake as a "pine wonderland" with "beaver dams and song birds giving us amazing views."
Limited hookup availability: Electric sites are scarce in the region. "30 amp service only. Decent water pressure. No dump station on site," warns Reuben about Fenton Lake State Park Campground, adding "we slept in quite late for us on our last day, and still had plenty of time to get packed and out of there" due to the 2pm checkout time.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. "The road to get there is about 10 miles but it takes about 40 minutes to drive. It's a little rough and narrow in spots," notes Jennifer about Rio Chama, though she emphasizes it's "totally worth the drive."
Dust management: Prepare for dusty conditions that affect equipment. "Beware of the dirt! We had a blanket of dirt/dust on our bedding until we sealed the tent shut," warns Hannah L. about Oak Point Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Torreon, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Torreon, NM is Fenton Lake State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Torreon, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Torreon, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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