Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River

About this campground

The Rio Chama is about 120 miles long, beginning in the southern San Juan Mountains of South-Central Colorado, it joins the Rio Grande near Espanola, NM.  In 1978 the River was designated as a State Scenic and Pastoral River thus designating part of the Santa Fe National Forest as Chama River Canyon Wilderness.  Thirty-one miles of the river were further protected as a Federal Wild and Scenic River in 1988.  All commercial outfitters must have a special use permit, usually issued for the Rio Chama by the Bureau of Land Management Taos Field Office.  Private boaters may float the Scenic portion of the Rio Chama (downstream from the Christ in the Desert Monastery without a permit, but overnight float trips on the Wild portion of the Rio Chama (above the Monastery) are also required to have a permit from the Bureau of Land Management Taos Field Office.  A float down the river offers access to many interesting side canyons, with trails leading to peaks and mesa tops.  This is the country of brightly colored cliffs and fascinating badlands made famous by artist Georgia O'Keeffe. The river corridor is a flyaway for many bird species which depend on the water and riparian vegetation.  Ducks mergansers, Canada geese, great blue heron, raptors and neo-tropical migrator species can all be seen along the river.  Large number of swallows make their nests on the riverside cliffs.  The Rio Chama Canyon provides excellent habitat for raptors.  Both bald and golden eagles are found within the canyon, with several species of hawks, owls, and falcons observed occasionally during the year.  Fishing is allowed in accordance with the NMG&F Dept. regulations.  Major fish species found in the Rio Chama include brown trout, Rio Grande chub, fathead minnow, rainbow trout, longnose dace, and carp. Motorized vehicles or mechanized equipment are prohibited in the Chama River Canyon Wilderness.   Please follow the Principles of Leave No Trace Plan ahead and prepare Travel and camp on durable surfaces Dispose of waste properly Leave what you find Minimize campfire impacts Respect wildlife Be considerate of other visitors