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.

Campsite was clean and spacious.
Camp host was friendly and accommodating. Very peaceful.

I love this campground very clean and comfortable, comfortable getaway

Lovely place, clean bathrooms. This area is one of my favorites to visit. Lots of forest roads to check out.

Beautiful setting along the river with plenty of tall pines providing shade. Only 15 camp sites, with most being too close for our taste. Fortunately, our site (#6) was one of the few with more space between us the next camp site. Others we would recommend would be #4 and #5. Number 15 was also spaced apart, but was close to the highway. Ben, the camp host, had plenty of recommendations of nearby sites and scenic drives. He also did a great job of keeping the campground and restrooms clean. The river provided an excellent opportunity to do some fly fishing.

Beautiful area with a creek that runs through it. The spaces aren't too close with good shade.

Was as good as advertised. Well maintained roads, all paved. Restrooms were stocked and in immaculate condition. Would have loved to have been able to shower, but it is clearly advertised as not having any so all is good. Enjoyed my stay overnight there.

My oldest and I fell in love with this place awhile back and we finally brought the entire family for an extended tent stay. The weather was not great. (We live near and understand monsoon, but last week was rough all around, especially for tent camping) That said, the hummingbirds were beautiful, the river just a lovely place to soak your toes and listen to the tiny rapids, the near hikes are all lovely. The host, well, he was strange. He stopped by while I was filling water and proceeded to ask weird questions of my wife and kiddos. He observed me paying for our extra car(wasn't sure my wife could stay the whole time due to scheduling conflicts) but came into our campsite without a word to observe the tag on said car about two hours later. All while not saying a word to anyone standing around. (2 adults and 3 kids) Needless to say, he made a pretty wet and uncomfortable camping experience really awkward. Typically I am able to chat with hosts and learn a thing or two from them about their lives, but this guy was just weird.

The grounds were clean. The camp host was awesome.

Water still not on.