2025-9-24 Rio Grande Gorge Campground

 On our way back to Santa Fe, we stopped at the BLM campgrounds that were full on our first drive up to Taos. They are located in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area which is part of the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument.

This lovely mural was right after the entrance to this area on highway 570 right off highway 68 abut 10 miles from Taos.

The first campground was Pilar Campground. It is located right against the canyon wall and has a small number of RV sites with 30 amp electric and water and tent sites with water. Sites are small. $15 for RV sites and $7 for tent sites. No reservations.

Next up was Rio Bravo campground which was our favorite. It is flatter and located right along the river with lots of shade trees. Info on the sites is the same as above. Very nice bathroom with showers

Each tent site had a covered picnic area and a pull in area for your vehicle as well as a tent pad.

There were several pull-through RV sites.

Both of these campgrounds had camp hosts but you actually put your site payment in an iron ranger. That is one reason I carry checks and don't leave cash.

Arroyo Hondo Campground and Juniper Campground were just down the road right on the river and scenic. RVs would fit but no electric at either but you really can't beat $7 for a site. Oh wait, you can! If you have the America the Beautiful Senior or Access (disability) pass, sites at all of the these are half price. No reservations at any of these so weekends are iffy in getting a spot but such a beautiful tranquil area to camp in. We had a picnic there just to get the feel.