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Dispersed Camping

BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area

BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area, near Taos, New Mexico, is a fantastic spot for those looking to camp alongside the stunning Rio Grande. With sites that offer both water and electric hookups, it’s a comfortable choice for RVers and tent campers alike.

This area is known for its beautiful scenery and access to outdoor activities. Visitors rave about the hiking trails nearby and the opportunity to fish or raft in the river. One camper noted, “You are camping right next to the Rio Grande River in the awe-inspiring gorge,” which really captures the essence of this location.

Amenities include clean restrooms and showers, although some campers have mentioned that the showers can be hit or miss. The camp host is often highlighted for being friendly and helpful, making your stay even more enjoyable. As one reviewer put it, “The restrooms were immaculate and the camp host was very helpful.”

For those who appreciate nature, the area is great for birdwatching and stargazing, with plenty of trails to explore. Just remember, cell service can be spotty, so plan accordingly. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, BLM Orilla Verde offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities to connect with the great outdoors.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

The Orilla Verde Recreation Area is located within the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument and along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. Nestled along the banks of the Rio Grande and within the steep-walled Rio Grande Gorge, the campgrounds in this area offer nearby access to the river. The elevation along the river is 6,100 feet and the steep canyon rises 800 feet from the river to the Gorge rim. Because of the dramatic changes in elevation and the diversity of plant life, Orilla Verde draws many species of animals, including raptors (such as eagles and hawks), songbirds, waterfowl, beaver, cougar, ringtail, mule deer, and more. The Rio Grande also has attracted humans since prehistoric times. Evidence of ancient peoples is found throughout the Recreation Area in the form of petroglyphs on the rocks and many other types of archaeological sites. The climate at Orilla Verde is semi-arid, with summer thunderstorms common in July and August, and snow possible from October through March. Summer temperatures range from 45 to 90 degrees, and winter temperatures range from -15 to 45 degrees

Fee Info

Self-service pay stations are located at the campgrounds and Taos Junction Bridge.

Day Use: $3/day per vehicle to use the area for 30 minutes or more. An annual day use pass, good for the calendar year, is available for $20. Camping: $5/night primitive campsites $7/night developed campsites $15/night RV site and $3 for extra vehicle. Maximum 2 vehicles and 8 people per site. (Additional vehicles may park in day use parking areas for $3/day.) Please bring exact change or checks to pay the fees. Annual day use passes do not apply to camping fees. The Rio Bravo Group Shelter reservations are made by submitting a request through BLM_NM_TAFO-Admin@blm.gov. Taos Junction Group Site does not include a shelter or electricity but group camping and day-use is still available. Each group These sites accommodate up to 40 people which includes up to 15 vehicles. Fees for the group shelters are $30/day use and $40/overnight. Additional vehicles are $3 per vehicle.

New: The pay showers are closed at Río Bravo Campground. Petaca Campground is closed. Construction is on-going. Please avoid the campground when work crews are present.

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Location

BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

36.29300031 N
105.77900028 W

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The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area needs a permit.


Reviews

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8 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2023

Nice campsite on the Rio Grande river

We stayed one night in Rio, bravo, Campground. This campground is not dispersed camping, because there is water and electric in some sites. There are a few sites where a 30 foot or larger rig will fit.

Site2
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Mar. 31, 2022

Good Spot

Van camped here for 2 nights. Showers still aren't working but otherwise it's a quiet spot next to the river with plenty of hiking nearby. Shout out to the friendly and helpful camp host

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area by John , March 31, 2022
Reviewed Mar. 6, 2022

Great spot

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. We enjoyed our stay.

Site5
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2021

Quiet and comfortable

I car camped at this site and have absolutely no complaints. Great spot!

Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2021

Rustic Camping along the Rio Grande

Camping in the Gorge! Several sites available all along Route 570. We stayed at a primitive area right at Taos Junction. Clean bathrooms—great camp host. Very hot during the day so make sure you have some shade, no shelters. Beautiful camping right next to the river!

Site5
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2020

Awesome Hidden Gem

I hesitate to review this place, because it’s so cool, yet it doesn’t seem like a lot of people know about it, and I hate to divulge my secrets. It’s beautiful, has great amenities, and it’s a cheap way to stay near Taos. You are camping right next to the Rio Grande River in the awe-inspiring gorge. There are hiking trails in and at the top of the gorge. I’ve seen Bighorn sheep every time I’ve been. I have a 17 foot Casita, and I’ve always been able to get a sight with hookups. There is a pay shower house in one of the campgrounds. Fishing and rafting opportunities. I love the place.

Reviewed Oct. 18, 2017

Loved this spot!

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 acces, no power, pit toilet. There are showers and potable water at the second camp loop on the road( less than a mile away.). The leaves were turning, we could walk down to the river right from our campsite, we could see a million stars at night, and we loved our time there.

No cell service for several miles near this canyon so plan accordingly.

Site4
Month of VisitOctober

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area?

    Camping at BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area can cost between $5.00 and $15.00 depending on the site.

  • Does BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area has water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area?

    BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area does not have wifi.