Rio De Las Vacas Campground

This was my first experience in a campground, although I have been backpacking and hiking in the Santa Fe National Forest for more than 40 years.
The grounds were tidy, and the vault toilets and bear proof trash cans were tended regularly. This was my wife's first camping in NM. And our 6 year old English Bulldog's first camping trip. We all had a great time even though it rained like crazy our 1st night. The site was full for both nights, but it remained relatively quiet with mostly sounds of the occasional dog or families laughing.
Each site has a sturdy picnic table, and plenty of room for larger tents and/or pop up shades and parking for RVs.
The steel firepits include an internal hinged grate as well as an exterior hinged grill. I suggest aluminum foil or grilling sheets, as the grills are weathered. There is little opportunity for wood foraging in the campground; it was picked clean in late Summer. Some wood can be found along the Hwy 126 etc. I suggest you bring your own or be prepared with and ax or saw.
This site includes potable water - bring a funnel with a large mouth that fits your container. The Host, Bill, put one out for the guests, at the hand operated pump, but I can't say it will always be there.
Speaking of the Host, Bill was friendly and helpful. We was happy to chat or leave folks on their own.
From previous experience, there are usually fish in the Rio De Las Vacas; cutthroat trout for the most part. I did see people going to fish, but I did not see fish because our dog was excited to wade in the water. We did see a number of squirrels and lots of different birds.
We had a great time in this campground and we will be back with family and friends.
Highly recommended.

This was my first experience in a campground, although I have been backpacking and hiking in the Santa Fe National Forest for more than 40 years.
The grounds were tidy, and the vault toilets and bear proof trash cans were tended regularly. This was my wife's first camping in NM. And our 6 year old English Bulldog's first camping trip. We all had a great time even though it rained like crazy our 1st night. The site was full for both nights, but it remained relatively quiet with mostly sounds of the occasional dog or families laughing.
Each site has a sturdy picnic table, and plenty of room for larger tents and/or pop up shades and parking for RVs.
The steel firepits include an internal hinged grate as well as an exterior hinged grill. I suggest aluminum foil or grilling sheets, as the grills are weathered. There is little opportunity for wood foraging in the campground; it was picked clean in late Summer. Some wood can be found along the Hwy 126 etc. I suggest you bring your own or be prepared with and ax or saw.
This site includes potable water - bring a funnel with a large mouth that fits your container. The Host, Bill, put one out for the guests, at the hand operated pump, but I can't say it will always be there.
Speaking of the Host, Bill was friendly and helpful. We was happy to chat or leave folks on their own.
From previous experience, there are usually fish in the Rio De Las Vacas; cutthroat trout for the most part. I did see people going to fish, but I did not see fish because our dog was excited to wade in the water. We did see a number of squirrels and lots of different birds.
We had a great time in this campground and we will be back with family and friends.
Highly recommended.

The host is great! Site is clean and beautiful.

The host is great! Site is clean and beautiful.

Beautiful wooded area on a small river. Very helpful camp host, but no wood for sale. Not many big rig sites.

Beautiful wooded area on a small river. Very helpful camp host, but no wood for sale. Not many big rig sites.

All facilities were in excellent shape! And the campground host was outstanding!

All facilities were in excellent shape! And the campground host was outstanding!

Our stay was amazing!! We stayed on site #5. This is probably the most private site. Large pull in. Fit my 26 ft camper and truck with tons of room left over. This is probably the cleanest campground I’ve ever been to. The bathrooms were incredibly clean!! The camp host Joe takes great pride in making sure all the guests have a great experience. He makes sure the campground remains a family friendly place where everyone feels safe and welcome. Make sure and thank him for all he does for this campground. He’s an outstanding gentleman. The forest service is incredibly lucky to have a camp host like him!!

Our stay was amazing!! We stayed on site #5. This is probably the most private site. Large pull in. Fit my 26 ft camper and truck with tons of room left over. This is probably the cleanest campground I’ve ever been to. The bathrooms were incredibly clean!! The camp host Joe takes great pride in making sure all the guests have a great experience. He makes sure the campground remains a family friendly place where everyone feels safe and welcome. Make sure and thank him for all he does for this campground. He’s an outstanding gentleman. The forest service is incredibly lucky to have a camp host like him!!