Rio de Los Pinos Campsite Tierra Amarilla NM Boondocking Location

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Rio de Los Pinos Campsite
Tierra Amarilla NM Boondocking Location

Previous Reviews:

Rio de Los Pinos Campsite Tierra Amarilla NM boondocking location: The road in is Gravel and 8 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Rio de Los Pinos Campground. Free Campground in the Carson National Forrest 15 miles southwest of Antonito, CO via US 285, State Road 443 and FR 284.

About This Location

If you’re after a quiet boondocking spot near Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, Rio de Los Pinos Campground is worth a look. Rio de Los Pinos Campsite Tierra Amarilla NM boondocking location is perched at about 8,000 feet and gives you a peaceful river setting—no reservations needed.

You get a mix of developed and dispersed camping here. It’s a solid choice if you want nature, a bit of solitude, and easy river fishing right out your door.

There are a handful of developed campsites, plus plenty of free dispersed areas. The campground sits just west of the New Mexico Game & Fish Recreation Area.

It’s close to outdoor activities, but you’re not likely to run into crowds. The river meanders nearby, with a fence to protect the shoreline.

Location And Access To Rio de Los Pinos Campsite Tierra Amarilla NM Boondocking

Rio de Los Pinos Campsite Tierra Amarilla NM boondocking location is tucked near Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, at about 8,000 feet elevation. It’s just west of the New Mexico Game & Fish Recreation Area, inside Carson National Forest.

The access road is rural and can get a bit rough. Campsites are set between the road and the Rio de Los Pinos river.

There’s an iron pipe fence along the riverbank to help protect fish habitats. You’ll find four developed campsites, plus plenty of room for dispersed camping.

No reservations are needed—everything’s first-come, first-served. That makes it a flexible option if you want to keep your plans loose.

Fishing is right at hand with the river so close. The setting is quiet and natural.

You’ll want to come prepared, though—there aren’t any hookups or fancy facilities.

Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect

To get to Rio de Los Pinos Campsite Tierra Amarilla NM boondocking location, head toward Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico. Plug in GPS coordinates 36.9549, -106.1749 and you’ll land right there.

If you’re starting from Antonito, Colorado, it’s about a 15-mile drive southwest along US 285 and State Road 443. The drive itself is scenic, but keep your eyes peeled for signs so you don’t miss a turn.

The site sits in Carson National Forest, near the riverbank. Campsites are tucked between the road and the river, and there’s a fence to keep vehicles off the shore.

Camping here is free and dispersed. No reservation system—just show up and pick a spot.

The elevation is around 8,346 feet, so the air’s a bit thinner. Nights can get chilly, so bring layers.

You’ll get natural beauty and quiet, but not much in the way of services. Bring everything you need—water, food, firewood.

And yeah, take your trash with you when you leave.

Amenities And Activities At Rio de Los Pinos Campsite Tierra Amarilla NM Boondocking

Rio de Los Pinos Campsite keeps things simple. There are fire rings and picnic tables scattered around.

Restrooms are vault toilets—nothing fancy, but they do the trick. There’s no fresh water, so definitely bring your own.

Parking works for trailers and regular vehicles. Tent camping and boondocking are both welcome.

You can pitch your tent near the river or use the free parking areas managed by the wildlife area. For activities, there’s hiking on nearby trails.

Wildlife viewing is pretty good—binoculars are a smart idea if you’re into birdwatching or just spotting whatever wanders by. Fishing’s allowed in the river, and biking is popular on the dirt roads around the campground.

It’s usually quiet here, with light usage. The forest and open spaces make for a peaceful spot to do your thing.

Camping Regulations And Restrictions For Rio de Los Pinos Campsite Tierra Amarilla NM Boondocking

You can stay at Rio de Los Pinos Campsite Tierra Amarilla NM boondocking location for up to 14 days. That’s the max, so everyone gets a fair shot at the place.

There are developed campsites and dispersed camping options. Stick to designated spots when you can—it helps keep the area healthy.

Campfires are okay, but only in the fire rings provided. Always check for fire restrictions before you light up, especially when it’s dry.

Some areas are managed by different agencies, like the Rio de Los Pinos Wildlife Management Area, so rules can vary. Keep an eye out for posted signs.

There’s no trash service—pack out every bit you bring in. Respect boundaries and private property.

Noise should be kept down, especially at night. Quiet hours matter, for both people and wildlife.

Pets are fine, but keep them leashed and clean up after them. No one likes surprises left behind.

If everyone follows the rules, it keeps this spot nice for the next folks rolling in.

Leave No Trace At Rio de Los Pinos Campsite Tierra Amarilla NM Boondocking

When you’re camping at Rio de Los Pinos, it’s honestly crucial to respect the natural environment. Stick to the Leave No Trace principles so the area stays clean and safe for wildlife—and for whoever wanders in next.

Follow the Leave No Trace principles.
Pack out absolutely everything you bring. That means trash, leftover food, and even the random bits of gear you might forget.

Leaving no waste behind helps prevent pollution. It also protects the river and the forest right next door.

If you’re going to have a fire, use established fire rings. Keep it small, and please—never walk away from a burning fire.

Before you leave, double-check that the fire is completely out. No one likes a surprise wildfire.

Stick to existing roads and campsites. That way, you avoid trampling plants or tearing up the soil.

Try not to create new campsites or trails. It’s tempting, but it can really mess up the landscape and speed up erosion.

Dispose of human waste the right way. If there aren’t any restrooms, dig a small hole at least 200 feet from water and bury your business.

That little bit of effort keeps the water clean for fishing, wildlife, and anyone else who comes along.

Watch wildlife from a distance. Feeding animals or messing with their habitat just isn’t worth the trouble.

Let wild things stay wild. It helps avoid awkward or even dangerous encounters.

Your choices matter out here, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

New Mexico Helpful Information Links:

Bureau of Land Management
Recreation.Gov
National Park Service
New Mexico State Park Service
New Mexico Trust
New Mexico Fish and Game