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Map showing campground location near Gallina, New Mexico
Camper submitted image from Rio Puerco CampgroundView 6 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Gallina, New Mexico

Rio Puerco Campground

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Ten miles off Highway 62 along forest roads, Rio Puerco Campground sits beside a rushing creek in Santa Fe National Forest. The small campground holds just four sites, with two suitable for RVs up to 20 feet and two designed for tent camping.

Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, though several table benches have collapsed over time. The Rio Puerco flows directly through the campground, creating the constant sound of moving water. jamey M. notes that "waterfalls abound but only if you can bushwack up the Rio Puerco." Multiple reviewers mention finding waterfalls by following the creek upstream, though this requires wading through water and navigating unmarked terrain.

Access requires driving six miles on unpaved forest roads after the pavement ends. Some visitors report GPS navigation issues, with one reviewer being led to a private driveway instead of the campground. The correct route follows Highway 62 to Forest Road 103, turning left rather than taking County Road 425. Despite the remote location, the forest roads remain passable for standard vehicles.

The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees or reservations. Toilet facilities are available, and pets are welcome throughout the area. For campers preferring developed amenities, Resumidero Camping Area lies less than two miles northwest with additional services.

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Map & DirectionsRio Puerco Campground is located in New Mexico near Gallina

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Take NM 96 to FR 103.  Travel FR103  for 13 miles to Campground.

Coordinates

36.10100065 N
106.7230004 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Rio Puerco Campground

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

A small 3-4 site campground offering beautiful riverside camping along the Rio Puerco with waterfalls nearby. Many mentioned the peaceful stream sounds and scenic setting, though facilities are basic with some maintenance issues noted.

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2023

Beautiful, but difficult to find

The site is beautiful, but it is way past where Jesus lost his sandal. It's actually only 10 miles off the main road, & 6 miles after the pavement ends, but Google took us down the wrong path. We wound up at a drive way where were quickly chased off by 4 vicious dogs that scratched up our SUV pretty bad. Take the 62 to the 103 & turn Left. Do not turn at county 425 after the Santa Teresa Capilla. Anyway, sleeping with the sounds of the many mini waterfalls at the site was very peaceful. There aren't any port-a-pottys. There were signs to get there long ago.

Site#2
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2022

Serene

Easily accessible on very driveable forest roads. Beautiful spots along the Rio Peurco, there was a port-a-John there for our visit in July 22’. Waterfalls nearby!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Rio Puerco Campground by Jacob S., July 11, 2022
Reviewed Apr. 28, 2022

quiet spot all to ourselves

During the week in April we had this campground all to ourselves.  It fit our little teardrop very well.  There were several available camping spots. There are no services, but there are fire rings and the sound of rushing water.  Lovely area.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2021

Small campground - big views

Only had 3 or 4 spots for camping. A spot was big enough for an RV while the others were mostly for tent camping. We found some waterfalls brushwhacking along the creek but be prepared to get your feet wet.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Rio Puerco Campground by Melanie H., August 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Rio Puerco Campground by Melanie H., August 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Rio Puerco Campground by Melanie H., August 16, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2017

Seems remote and abandoned

This is a 4 spot campground with 2 of the spots good for RVs and 2 for tents. Each has a fire ring and log table but most of the benches on the tables are collapsed or gone so bring chairs. Beautiful stream running through. Road here is great for kids biking. Waterfalls abound but only if you can bushwack up the Rio Puerco.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Waterfall
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  • Review photo of Rio Puerco Campground by jamey M., October 19, 2017
  • Review photo of Rio Puerco Campground by jamey M., October 19, 2017
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2016

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.

Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rio Puerco Campground look like?

Rio Puerco Campground offers a beautiful, scenic setting in New Mexico. The campground sits alongside the Rio Puerco with rushing water creating a peaceful soundtrack for your stay. The area features breathtaking river views and waterfalls that can be found by exploring along the creek (though expect to get your feet wet during these excursions). The surrounding forest and natural environment create a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities. The small campground has just 3-4 spots nestled in this natural setting, with a nice road nearby that's great for kids to ride bikes on.

Where is Rio Puerco Campground located and how do I get there?

Rio Puerco Campground is located in New Mexico along the Rio Puerco river in a scenic forest setting. To reach the campground, you'll need to travel about 10 miles off the main road, with the last 6 miles on an unpaved forest road. While generally accessible, some navigation systems may provide incorrect directions. The forest roads leading to the campground are described as very drivable, making it relatively easy to access despite its secluded location. Just be sure to have proper directions as some visitors have reported being led down incorrect paths.

What amenities and facilities are available at Rio Puerco Campground?

Rio Puerco Campground offers basic, primitive facilities. Each campsite features a fire ring, and log tables are provided though some have damaged or missing benches, so bringing your own chairs is recommended. A portable toilet has been available during some visits. There are no hookups, running water, or other services available. The campground is quite small, consisting of only 3-4 camping spots total, making it perfect for those seeking a more remote camping experience.

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