Desert camping near Chama with swimming

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94% (8 reviews)

94% (8 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Chama

Under $50

Deorum Terra

4 sites · RVs5 acres · CO

The area comprising the SAN LUIS VALLEY and RIO GRANDE NATIONAL FOREST has a rich and colorful history.Native American Paleo-Indian cultures, beginning with the Clovis and Folsom Complexes (11,000 years ago) were the first know inhabitants of the area. These and the following cultures of the Archaic Stage and the Ute Indians lived by hunting animals and gathering native plants found in the area.The Spanish began exploring the San Luis area during the late 1500’s. In an attempt to get people to settle the area, Mexico established numerous land grants within the Spanish territory. In 1770, Don Juan Baustista de Anza traveled through the San Luis Valley and over Poncha Pass in attempt to crush the Comanches who threatened the Spanish settlers.The valley remained largely unsettled until the area became the territory of the United States around 1850.The first permanent settlement in Colorado, known as San Luis de la Culebra, was established in 1851 on the Rio Culebra River on the Sangre de Cristo Grant.To protect the early settlers in the valley, Fort Massachusetts was established, north of San Luis, in 1852.La Loma de San Jose, near present Del Norte, was first inhabited by Hispanic families in 1859 that left the Santa Fe area. Irrigation ditches were constructed and farms established. More extensive farming activities began in the 1880’s near Hooper and the area near Monte Vista where large-scale irrigation systems were built.Gold and silver were discovered near Summitville in1870 which began the mining rush to the area. Other mining settlements followed at Bonanza, Creede, and along the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Del Norte, one of Colorado’s earliest cities, established in 1872, served as a supply point and gateway to the San Juan mining camps.In 1891, an Act of Congress authorized the establishment of Timber Reserves in order to conserve the nation’s timber, range and water resources. Portions of these established reserves were combined to form the RIO GRANDE NATIONAL FOREST in 1908.Learn more about this land:The San Luis Valley of Colorado is the largest alpine valley on earth. The Valley floor is approximately 7500 feet above sea-level and surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks many of which are 14,000 foot tall. An amazingly beautiful and peaceful location in Costilla County, Colorado. Road frontage, great wildlife, and million-dollar views. Billions of stars visible here at night for the stargazers. The town of San Luis is the oldest town in Colorado, founded in 1851. 4x4, atv's, and dirt bikes do well here because of the ideal terrain. Flyfishing in the Rio Grande, boating, and tubing. Hiking on any of the nearby peaks. North America’s tallest sand dunes are a dramatic backdrop against the Sangre de Cristo mountains at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, where you can sandboard or sled down the naturally occurring dunes. A drive along Highway 17 leads to the UFO Watchtower, a quirky roadside attraction with information on the valley’s surprising number of unexplained sightings. Or, check out the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, home to several scaly creatures. Speaking of animals, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a prime place to spot migratory birds GPS Center: 37.039464, -105.729561

The Chaderossa

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Arroyo Hondo, NM

Very off the grid community where we are building an Earthship, a TaosComedy kiva, a wallipini and other fun stuff sustainably. We have two out houses, a composting toilet, two schoolies, a few sheds, a couple campers, and a pit garden. One of the campers will become a community kitchen very soon. You will need a vehicle with high clearance and four-wheel drive, preferably.

High Prairie Sanctuary

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · San Luis, CO

Learn more about this land:One mile from the Rio Grande.Beautiful sunsets.Atv, river fun.420,hiking,mountains, kayaking,outhouse.Campfires,friends.Get away for real.Pet friendly!

COUNTRY LIVING

2 sites · RVs5 acres · El Rito, NM

Learn more about this land:5 acres, long range surrounding hills views , peaceful calm ,relaxing , Great star gazing place to be , along with peace and quiet , great hosting person who makes you feel at home .

Those Who Wander are Not Lost

3 sites · RVs, TentsCostilla County, CO

100s of thousands of old ancient ranchland acreage subdivided and virtually uninhabitable, unmolested and untamed.Wild Mustang, Antelope, Mule Deer, Elk, Buffalo, Coyote, Longhorn Sheep, Cattle, Rattlers, Beaver, Trout, Big Pike - all very close. Be prepared - Be alert - Be careful! First aid is a must-have!Learn more about this land:Pitch a tent, park an RV, paddle a yak, park for awhile. Throw some fly's, bark at the moon, target some clay...There are no shared amenities at this listing but there are 3 sites available to book on my 5 acres. You'll be able to choose your own spot when you arrive. Please be mindful of other Hipcampers who may be on site at the same time, and practice friendly and safe social distancing to ensure you all get the peace and privacy you're seeking. Thanks and BE SAFE! -Jeff

5 top desert campgrounds near Chama with swimming

Those Who Wander are Not Lost

3 sites · RVs, TentsCostilla County, CO

100s of thousands of old ancient ranchland acreage subdivided and virtually uninhabitable, unmolested and untamed.Wild Mustang, Antelope, Mule Deer, Elk, Buffalo, Coyote, Longhorn Sheep, Cattle, Rattlers, Beaver, Trout, Big Pike - all very close. Be prepared - Be alert - Be careful! First aid is a must-have!Learn more about this land:Pitch a tent, park an RV, paddle a yak, park for awhile. Throw some fly's, bark at the moon, target some clay...There are no shared amenities at this listing but there are 3 sites available to book on my 5 acres. You'll be able to choose your own spot when you arrive. Please be mindful of other Hipcampers who may be on site at the same time, and practice friendly and safe social distancing to ensure you all get the peace and privacy you're seeking. Thanks and BE SAFE! -Jeff

High Prairie Sanctuary

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · San Luis, CO

Learn more about this land:One mile from the Rio Grande.Beautiful sunsets.Atv, river fun.420,hiking,mountains, kayaking,outhouse.Campfires,friends.Get away for real.Pet friendly!

Deorum Terra

4 sites · RVs5 acres · CO

The area comprising the SAN LUIS VALLEY and RIO GRANDE NATIONAL FOREST has a rich and colorful history.Native American Paleo-Indian cultures, beginning with the Clovis and Folsom Complexes (11,000 years ago) were the first know inhabitants of the area. These and the following cultures of the Archaic Stage and the Ute Indians lived by hunting animals and gathering native plants found in the area.The Spanish began exploring the San Luis area during the late 1500’s. In an attempt to get people to settle the area, Mexico established numerous land grants within the Spanish territory. In 1770, Don Juan Baustista de Anza traveled through the San Luis Valley and over Poncha Pass in attempt to crush the Comanches who threatened the Spanish settlers.The valley remained largely unsettled until the area became the territory of the United States around 1850.The first permanent settlement in Colorado, known as San Luis de la Culebra, was established in 1851 on the Rio Culebra River on the Sangre de Cristo Grant.To protect the early settlers in the valley, Fort Massachusetts was established, north of San Luis, in 1852.La Loma de San Jose, near present Del Norte, was first inhabited by Hispanic families in 1859 that left the Santa Fe area. Irrigation ditches were constructed and farms established. More extensive farming activities began in the 1880’s near Hooper and the area near Monte Vista where large-scale irrigation systems were built.Gold and silver were discovered near Summitville in1870 which began the mining rush to the area. Other mining settlements followed at Bonanza, Creede, and along the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Del Norte, one of Colorado’s earliest cities, established in 1872, served as a supply point and gateway to the San Juan mining camps.In 1891, an Act of Congress authorized the establishment of Timber Reserves in order to conserve the nation’s timber, range and water resources. Portions of these established reserves were combined to form the RIO GRANDE NATIONAL FOREST in 1908.Learn more about this land:The San Luis Valley of Colorado is the largest alpine valley on earth. The Valley floor is approximately 7500 feet above sea-level and surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks many of which are 14,000 foot tall. An amazingly beautiful and peaceful location in Costilla County, Colorado. Road frontage, great wildlife, and million-dollar views. Billions of stars visible here at night for the stargazers. The town of San Luis is the oldest town in Colorado, founded in 1851. 4x4, atv's, and dirt bikes do well here because of the ideal terrain. Flyfishing in the Rio Grande, boating, and tubing. Hiking on any of the nearby peaks. North America’s tallest sand dunes are a dramatic backdrop against the Sangre de Cristo mountains at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, where you can sandboard or sled down the naturally occurring dunes. A drive along Highway 17 leads to the UFO Watchtower, a quirky roadside attraction with information on the valley’s surprising number of unexplained sightings. Or, check out the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, home to several scaly creatures. Speaking of animals, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a prime place to spot migratory birds GPS Center: 37.039464, -105.729561

The Chaderossa

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Arroyo Hondo, NM

Very off the grid community where we are building an Earthship, a TaosComedy kiva, a wallipini and other fun stuff sustainably. We have two out houses, a composting toilet, two schoolies, a few sheds, a couple campers, and a pit garden. One of the campers will become a community kitchen very soon. You will need a vehicle with high clearance and four-wheel drive, preferably.

COUNTRY LIVING

2 sites · RVs5 acres · El Rito, NM

Learn more about this land:5 acres, long range surrounding hills views , peaceful calm ,relaxing , Great star gazing place to be , along with peace and quiet , great hosting person who makes you feel at home .

Dog-friendly getaways

High Prairie Sanctuary

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · San Luis, CO

Learn more about this land:One mile from the Rio Grande.Beautiful sunsets.Atv, river fun.420,hiking,mountains, kayaking,outhouse.Campfires,friends.Get away for real.Pet friendly!

The Chaderossa

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Arroyo Hondo, NM

Very off the grid community where we are building an Earthship, a TaosComedy kiva, a wallipini and other fun stuff sustainably. We have two out houses, a composting toilet, two schoolies, a few sheds, a couple campers, and a pit garden. One of the campers will become a community kitchen very soon. You will need a vehicle with high clearance and four-wheel drive, preferably.

Those Who Wander are Not Lost

3 sites · RVs, TentsCostilla County, CO

100s of thousands of old ancient ranchland acreage subdivided and virtually uninhabitable, unmolested and untamed.Wild Mustang, Antelope, Mule Deer, Elk, Buffalo, Coyote, Longhorn Sheep, Cattle, Rattlers, Beaver, Trout, Big Pike - all very close. Be prepared - Be alert - Be careful! First aid is a must-have!Learn more about this land:Pitch a tent, park an RV, paddle a yak, park for awhile. Throw some fly's, bark at the moon, target some clay...There are no shared amenities at this listing but there are 3 sites available to book on my 5 acres. You'll be able to choose your own spot when you arrive. Please be mindful of other Hipcampers who may be on site at the same time, and practice friendly and safe social distancing to ensure you all get the peace and privacy you're seeking. Thanks and BE SAFE! -Jeff

Deorum Terra

4 sites · RVs5 acres · CO

The area comprising the SAN LUIS VALLEY and RIO GRANDE NATIONAL FOREST has a rich and colorful history.Native American Paleo-Indian cultures, beginning with the Clovis and Folsom Complexes (11,000 years ago) were the first know inhabitants of the area. These and the following cultures of the Archaic Stage and the Ute Indians lived by hunting animals and gathering native plants found in the area.The Spanish began exploring the San Luis area during the late 1500’s. In an attempt to get people to settle the area, Mexico established numerous land grants within the Spanish territory. In 1770, Don Juan Baustista de Anza traveled through the San Luis Valley and over Poncha Pass in attempt to crush the Comanches who threatened the Spanish settlers.The valley remained largely unsettled until the area became the territory of the United States around 1850.The first permanent settlement in Colorado, known as San Luis de la Culebra, was established in 1851 on the Rio Culebra River on the Sangre de Cristo Grant.To protect the early settlers in the valley, Fort Massachusetts was established, north of San Luis, in 1852.La Loma de San Jose, near present Del Norte, was first inhabited by Hispanic families in 1859 that left the Santa Fe area. Irrigation ditches were constructed and farms established. More extensive farming activities began in the 1880’s near Hooper and the area near Monte Vista where large-scale irrigation systems were built.Gold and silver were discovered near Summitville in1870 which began the mining rush to the area. Other mining settlements followed at Bonanza, Creede, and along the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Del Norte, one of Colorado’s earliest cities, established in 1872, served as a supply point and gateway to the San Juan mining camps.In 1891, an Act of Congress authorized the establishment of Timber Reserves in order to conserve the nation’s timber, range and water resources. Portions of these established reserves were combined to form the RIO GRANDE NATIONAL FOREST in 1908.Learn more about this land:The San Luis Valley of Colorado is the largest alpine valley on earth. The Valley floor is approximately 7500 feet above sea-level and surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks many of which are 14,000 foot tall. An amazingly beautiful and peaceful location in Costilla County, Colorado. Road frontage, great wildlife, and million-dollar views. Billions of stars visible here at night for the stargazers. The town of San Luis is the oldest town in Colorado, founded in 1851. 4x4, atv's, and dirt bikes do well here because of the ideal terrain. Flyfishing in the Rio Grande, boating, and tubing. Hiking on any of the nearby peaks. North America’s tallest sand dunes are a dramatic backdrop against the Sangre de Cristo mountains at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, where you can sandboard or sled down the naturally occurring dunes. A drive along Highway 17 leads to the UFO Watchtower, a quirky roadside attraction with information on the valley’s surprising number of unexplained sightings. Or, check out the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, home to several scaly creatures. Speaking of animals, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a prime place to spot migratory birds GPS Center: 37.039464, -105.729561

COUNTRY LIVING

2 sites · RVs5 acres · El Rito, NM

Learn more about this land:5 acres, long range surrounding hills views , peaceful calm ,relaxing , Great star gazing place to be , along with peace and quiet , great hosting person who makes you feel at home .

Available this weekend

The Chaderossa

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Arroyo Hondo, NM

Very off the grid community where we are building an Earthship, a TaosComedy kiva, a wallipini and other fun stuff sustainably. We have two out houses, a composting toilet, two schoolies, a few sheds, a couple campers, and a pit garden. One of the campers will become a community kitchen very soon. You will need a vehicle with high clearance and four-wheel drive, preferably.

COUNTRY LIVING

2 sites · RVs5 acres · El Rito, NM

Learn more about this land:5 acres, long range surrounding hills views , peaceful calm ,relaxing , Great star gazing place to be , along with peace and quiet , great hosting person who makes you feel at home .

Those Who Wander are Not Lost

3 sites · RVs, TentsCostilla County, CO

100s of thousands of old ancient ranchland acreage subdivided and virtually uninhabitable, unmolested and untamed.Wild Mustang, Antelope, Mule Deer, Elk, Buffalo, Coyote, Longhorn Sheep, Cattle, Rattlers, Beaver, Trout, Big Pike - all very close. Be prepared - Be alert - Be careful! First aid is a must-have!Learn more about this land:Pitch a tent, park an RV, paddle a yak, park for awhile. Throw some fly's, bark at the moon, target some clay...There are no shared amenities at this listing but there are 3 sites available to book on my 5 acres. You'll be able to choose your own spot when you arrive. Please be mindful of other Hipcampers who may be on site at the same time, and practice friendly and safe social distancing to ensure you all get the peace and privacy you're seeking. Thanks and BE SAFE! -Jeff

Deorum Terra

4 sites · RVs5 acres · CO

The area comprising the SAN LUIS VALLEY and RIO GRANDE NATIONAL FOREST has a rich and colorful history.Native American Paleo-Indian cultures, beginning with the Clovis and Folsom Complexes (11,000 years ago) were the first know inhabitants of the area. These and the following cultures of the Archaic Stage and the Ute Indians lived by hunting animals and gathering native plants found in the area.The Spanish began exploring the San Luis area during the late 1500’s. In an attempt to get people to settle the area, Mexico established numerous land grants within the Spanish territory. In 1770, Don Juan Baustista de Anza traveled through the San Luis Valley and over Poncha Pass in attempt to crush the Comanches who threatened the Spanish settlers.The valley remained largely unsettled until the area became the territory of the United States around 1850.The first permanent settlement in Colorado, known as San Luis de la Culebra, was established in 1851 on the Rio Culebra River on the Sangre de Cristo Grant.To protect the early settlers in the valley, Fort Massachusetts was established, north of San Luis, in 1852.La Loma de San Jose, near present Del Norte, was first inhabited by Hispanic families in 1859 that left the Santa Fe area. Irrigation ditches were constructed and farms established. More extensive farming activities began in the 1880’s near Hooper and the area near Monte Vista where large-scale irrigation systems were built.Gold and silver were discovered near Summitville in1870 which began the mining rush to the area. Other mining settlements followed at Bonanza, Creede, and along the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Del Norte, one of Colorado’s earliest cities, established in 1872, served as a supply point and gateway to the San Juan mining camps.In 1891, an Act of Congress authorized the establishment of Timber Reserves in order to conserve the nation’s timber, range and water resources. Portions of these established reserves were combined to form the RIO GRANDE NATIONAL FOREST in 1908.Learn more about this land:The San Luis Valley of Colorado is the largest alpine valley on earth. The Valley floor is approximately 7500 feet above sea-level and surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks many of which are 14,000 foot tall. An amazingly beautiful and peaceful location in Costilla County, Colorado. Road frontage, great wildlife, and million-dollar views. Billions of stars visible here at night for the stargazers. The town of San Luis is the oldest town in Colorado, founded in 1851. 4x4, atv's, and dirt bikes do well here because of the ideal terrain. Flyfishing in the Rio Grande, boating, and tubing. Hiking on any of the nearby peaks. North America’s tallest sand dunes are a dramatic backdrop against the Sangre de Cristo mountains at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, where you can sandboard or sled down the naturally occurring dunes. A drive along Highway 17 leads to the UFO Watchtower, a quirky roadside attraction with information on the valley’s surprising number of unexplained sightings. Or, check out the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, home to several scaly creatures. Speaking of animals, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a prime place to spot migratory birds GPS Center: 37.039464, -105.729561

High Prairie Sanctuary

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · San Luis, CO

Learn more about this land:One mile from the Rio Grande.Beautiful sunsets.Atv, river fun.420,hiking,mountains, kayaking,outhouse.Campfires,friends.Get away for real.Pet friendly!

Nearby parks

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Value Prop

Desert camping near Chama with swimming guide

Overview

Looking to go camping near Chama, New Mexico? Hipcamp has over 1200 options for you to choose from. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, bringing an RV, or staying in a cabin, you'll find the perfect accommodation. With prices as low as $10 per night and an average price of $35 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out popular campsites like Enchanted Circle Campground (397 reviews), Rabbit Hole Ranch (259 reviews), and The High Desert Ranch Colorado (205 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities such as toilets, campfires, and cooking equipment. And if you're into wind sports, climbing, or horseback riding, you'll have plenty of opportunities to pursue your favorite activities. Happy camping!

Popular Chama trips

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Top parks near Chama

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Mesa Verde National Park

Santa Fe National Forest

Rocky Mountain National Park

Canyonlands National Park

White River National Forest

Arches National Park

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