Rio Grande Overlook Campsite
Arroyo Hondo NM Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico GPS: 36.544014, -105.706167 |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Bureau of Land Management (Unofficial) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Rio Grande Overlook Campsite Arroyo Hondo NM boondocking location: The road in is Dirt and 5 miles from a paved road. Rio Grande Overlook is open Year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Rio Grande Overlook.
This campsite is on the rim overlooking the Rio Grande and is near John Dunn Bridge. The road to get in is rough but 2WD passable. There are numerous roads coming off of the main one and they all have spots to camp, just look for fire rings. Close to climbing, hiking, hot springs, and Taos.
About This Location
Looking for a quiet, free spot to camp near the Rio Grande Gorge? The Rio Grande Overlook Campsite in Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico, is worth a look.
This site has dispersed camping with open spaces and some pretty beautiful views of the gorge and the mountains beyond. It’s a good fit if you want a simple boondocking experience without dealing with crowds or a bunch of rules.
You’ll get there via Highway 64, but don’t bother with the John Dunn Bridge route—road’s closed past the bridge. The terrain’s rough, but a careful driver in a 2WD can make it.
You’re basically right up against nature here, with no formal campground setup or fees. The views? Pretty great, honestly.
Location And Access Of Rio Grande Overlook Campsite Arroyo Hondo NM Boondocking Location
The Rio Grande Overlook Campsite sits near Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico. It’s about 4 miles off Highway 64, perched on a rim above the Rio Grande River.
You’ll get a wide-open look at the mountains from up there. To reach it, skip the John Dunn Bridge route—again, that road’s closed.
Instead, take the rough road near the bridge. Most folks can handle it with a 2-wheel drive if they go slow.
The turnoff’s south of Arroyo Hondo, off Highway 522. You’ll take B-006, Acequia Madre del Llano Road, for less than a mile to get close to the camping area.
The roads are unpaved and scattered, so expect a bumpy ride. Honestly, it’s part of the adventure.
Here’s a quick access guide:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Nearest highway | Highway 64 |
| Closest town | Arroyo Hondo |
| Road condition | Rough, 2WD passable |
| Nearby landmark | John Dunn Bridge |
| Distance from Hwy 64 | About 4 miles |
No facilities here, so it’s best for boondocking. You’ll find a handful of dispersed spots where you can park and set up camp for free.
Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect From Rio Grande Overlook Campsite Arroyo Hondo NM Boondocking Location
Start out on Highway 64 near Arroyo Hondo. The site’s about 4 miles down the way.
Don’t try the John Dunn Bridge route—the road past the bridge is closed. If you’re coming from the south or west, take John Dunn Bridge Road (also called Montosa Road).
It’s rough, but 2WD should be fine if you take your time. Montosa Road is long and uneven, so don’t rush it.
Once you arrive, you’ll find a dispersed camping area right on the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge. The land’s open, with clear views in every direction.
There aren’t any maintained facilities or reservations. This is primitive camping, really.
Pack out your trash and bring plenty of water. No fees, but you might want to download a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for better navigation.
Key points to remember:
- Access via Highway 64. Avoid closed roads past John Dunn Bridge.
- Montosa Road is rough, but doable with 2WD.
- Open terrain with sweeping gorge views.
- No facilities or fee—bring everything you need.
- Check the MVUM before you go for road details.
Amenities And Activities At Rio Grande Overlook Campsite Arroyo Hondo NM Boondocking Location
At Rio Grande Overlook, you’ll find the basics for a rustic camping experience. There are fire rings for safe campfires.
No hookups or restrooms, so come prepared. You can stay up to 14 days.
There’s plenty of open space for your tent or a small camper. The views of the gorge and mountains are a big part of the draw.
Nearby activities:
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Biking
- Swimming
- Rock climbing
If you’re into nature, you’ll find a lot to do. Bring your gear and you can even kayak or raft the Rio Grande.
Wildlife viewing and photography are common here. The quiet, the views—it’s a good spot for just soaking it all in or heading out for some adventure.
Bring everything you need, though—this is dispersed camping, and services are pretty much nonexistent.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions For Rio Grande Overlook Campsite Arroyo Hondo NM Boondocking Location
You can stay up to 14 days at a time. That’s the limit, so others get a chance to use the site too.
Stick to existing campsites. Dispersed camping outside marked areas isn’t allowed.
Camp at least 150 feet from water sources—it’s better for the environment. There are no hookups or services like water or electricity, so you’ll need to bring everything and pack out your trash.
Fires are allowed, but only in designated fire rings. Make sure they’re completely out before you leave.
Park your vehicle within 300 feet of the campground area to help protect the land. You might need a permit for overnight stays, so check with local authorities just in case.
It’s on you to follow all the rules and respect the area. Stick to Leave No Trace principles: pack out waste, minimize campfire impacts, and be good to wildlife.
If you’re not sure about anything, give the campground manager a call at 575-758-8851. They’ll help with questions about regulations or permits.
Leave No Trace At Rio Grande Overlook Campsite Arroyo Hondo NM Boondocking Location
When you’re camping at Rio Grande Overlook, it’s honestly crucial to protect the natural area by sticking to Leave No Trace principles. Pack up all your trash, leftover food, and any litter—seriously, don’t leave anything behind.
Use the fire rings if you’re building a fire. That way, you’ll help prevent ground damage and lower the risk of wildfires.
Always make sure your fire is totally out before heading to bed or leaving camp. It’s just not worth the risk.
Follow the Leave No Trace principles. There aren’t any trash or recycling bins here, so you’ll need to bring your own trash bags. Haul out everything you brought in.
That’s the only way to keep the area clean and safe for wildlife. No one wants to stumble on someone else’s mess.
Respect the local plants and wildlife. Stick to established sites and trails—don’t wander off and mess up the habitat.
Definitely don’t cut trees or plants. Let them do their thing.
You can stay up to 14 days, but maybe don’t overdo it. Try to spread out your visits and avoid digging or disturbing the soil.
| Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pack out all trash | Keeps the environment clean |
| Use designated fire rings | Prevents ground damage and fires |
| Stay on established sites | Protects plants and wildlife |
| Avoid cutting plants | Preserves natural growth |
| Limit your stay | Reduces impact on the area |
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Fire Ring | Tent Camping Biking Fishing Hiking Swimming Rock Climbing |
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