NFS Campground Review – Canyon Rim, Flaming Gorge, UT

The stunning view from Canyon Rim

A small, primitive campground steps from simply stunning views of the Flaming Gorge in North-Central Utah.

Link to campground here: Canyon Rim, Flaming Gorge, UT
Link to map location here: Canyon Rim, Flaming Gorge, UT

1. Site Quality = 4/5
   Very decent sites for a forest service campground. This is mostly a tenters campground and there are only 7 RV sites, all non-hookup. The RV sites were recently redone and are paved, relatively flat and fairly long. They are nicely separated from the tenters and have lovely “sitting areas” with picnic table, gorgeous fire-pit and grill rest. There is one site on the corner (#10) by itself and the remaining six (#11-16) are in a small loop. While all sites have good natural surroundings two sites (#10 and #16) have literally oceans of space for themselves. #10 is fairly shaded with the rest more open. The longest, flattest site is #16. Only ding is that the RV loop has a tight turn with a raised curb edge making it difficult for anything bigger than our 40-foot single axle to make the turn (we *only* just made it).
2.  Facilities = 2/5
   This is a primitive campground with nice, modern pit toilets and water spigots but no dump or other facilities. Nearest dump at Firefighter’s Campground just down Hwy 191.
3. Location = 5/5
   You come here to see the reservoir and the views from Canyon Rim are simply the best. Lots of hiking directly from camp along the rim, plus nearby Red Lodge (1 mile away) has a restaurant and fishing in the lake. Short drive to see the surrounding Flaming Gorge sights.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   Perfect doggie site. Simply oceans of space to hang out in camp, plus plenty of pooch-friendly hiking directly from camp. For a splash, take the 20-min drive down to Sunny Cove for a dip in the reservoir.

Overall Rating = 4
BONUS ALERT = Camp within steps of the stunning Flaming Gorge rim!!

Summary: What a fabulous campground!! This is primitive camping at it’s best. There are no hookups, no “extra” facilities, but you’re literally steps from the *absolute best* views of Flaming Gorge. The campground tends to attract tenters (who can camp within view of the rim) and “hides” the 7 RV sites further back. Although there’s no direct view of the rim from the RV sites you have lovely natural surroundings, and two sites in particular (#10 and #16) have oceans of space for themselves. Temps here are generally 10-15 degrees cooler than lower elevations and we were comfortable our entire stay despite having no shade at our site. Sites are all paved with really nice “sitting areas” (brand new fire pits). Our site (#16) was by far the longest, flattest and with the biggest “play area”. The only possible ding I can give the place is that they built a raised curb around the tight RV loop making it tough for anything bigger than our size to make the turn (and you have to make the turn to get in and out). On the positive side the place was practically empty the whole time we were there with a few days where we were the only RVers. We absolutely *loved* the peace, hiking, views, relaxation and nature of this area and would most definitely come back.

 Extra Info:  Believe it or not this place had full Verizon signal on both smartphone and aircard. Sites cost $15/night (no hookups). 16 total sites, but only 7 are for RVs, all reservable. 2 Water spigots, but NO dump station.

 Extra, Extra Info – BOONDOCKING: There are no boondocking sites (that I know of) with views like Canyon Rim Campground, but there IS lots of dispersed and natural camping in the surrounding Ashley forest. We saw several rigs parked at the trailead between mile-markers 381-382 on Hwy 191. Also spotted several sites a mile or so off Hwy 44 at the cross of FR 218 & FR 221. Also a few sites at bottom of the hill on Hwy 44 between mile-marker 20-21.

View of our site #16. Our personal favorite.

View of Site #15

View of site #13

View of Site#10. This has trees and is off by itself on a corner.

View of the tight "loop" where most of the RV sites are located. Pic taken from site #13. Our site #16 in back left.

View down main road. Facilities on right with site #10 visible in back.

The "play area" to the right of our RV. Oceans of space and not another RV in sight!

NFS Campground Review – West Fork, San Juan Forest, Pagosa Springs, CO

Playing on a spur of the San Juan River in West Fork Campground

A simply lovely forest campground in the Forest valley just north of Pagosa Springs in South Central Colorado.

Link to campground here: West Fork Campground, San Juan Forest
Link to map location here: West Fork Campground, San Juan Forest

1. Site Quality = 4/5
   Nice sites for a forest campground. All are primitive (no hookups) spacious, decently flat compact dirt with picnic table and fire-pit surrounded by deep pine forest. Great site separation and privacy with nice “sitting area” and good access. Most sites have good to medium shade. Several sites have river access only 20 feet or so away (sites #16,#18) and many are large enough for bigger rigs (esp. #2, 17, 21, 26)
2.  Facilities = 2/5
   Typical primitive forest facilities. There are several pit toilets, all kept very nicely clean. Water spigots on-site but no dump station.
3. Location = 5/5
   Just a lovely location. You are deep in a forest valley with lots of seclusion, yet only steps away from the San Juan River and stunning mountain views. Lots of nearby hiking plus all the shopping and eating you’d like ~14 miles away in Pagosa Springs.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   Another great doggie spot. You’re right next to the San Juan River which has lots of opportunities for hiking and splashing around (there’s a “hidden” trail directly behind the pit toilet next to site #18 which continues down to a cute water area (to the right) or back, across the road and up the hill on the other side (to the left)).

Overall Rating = 4
BONUS ALERT = Camp deep in the forest next to river and mountain views!

Summary: This was simply a lovely find. If you’re looking for a primitive, secluded and quiet forest campground with access to river and just steps away from nature, hiking and stunning mountain views then this is your spot. There are several other forest service campgrounds in this area (e.g. East Fork, Lower Piedra, Ute etc.), but West Fork seems to have the best access and largest sites. Located beautifully in the rugged valley just ~14 miles north of Pagosa Springs, the campground has nice, spacious sites (several large enough for bigger rigs) with great separation and picnic table/fire-pit. A few sites have river access very close by (esp. #16, 18). The only ding I could think of is it does take a bit to get here. It’s ~1.5 miles on a firm (and decently wide), but very dusty road from Hwy 160. Within the campground the road has good access with a few turns, but nothing that concerned us. Overall an outstanding spot to hang around in nature and explore Pagosa Springs, Wolf Creek Pass and the surrounding attractions. We would most certainly come again.

 Extra Info:  Very spotty cellphone reception here, but we were able to get a good internet connection with our external amp/antenna on Verizon. Sites cost $16/night (no hookups). 28 sites of which 15 are reservable. NO dump station.

One of the larger pull-throughs (site #21 shown)

One of the non-reservation back-in sites (#2 shown)

View of typical "sitting area" with picnic table and fire-pit

View down campground loop (we're in site #18 with site #16 behind)

Another view down campground loop (RV shown in site #24)

Another view down campground loop (red car is in site #12 with #14 behind it)

View of one of pit toilets

View of our very spacious "siting area" in site #18. Shade in AM with sun in afternoon and the river accessible just steps away.

BLM Campground Review – Orilla Verde Recreation Area, Pilar, NM

Rum n' coke with a view at Pilar Campground

A simple, but lovely BLM camping area set beautifully in the middle of the Rio Grande Gorge just south of Taos in NE New Mexico.

Link to campground here: Orilla Verde Recreation Area, NM
Link to map location here: Orilla Verde Recreation Area, NM

1. Site Quality = 4/5
   There are 7 separate campgrounds in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area all set along the Rio Grande. Since you are inside a gorge surrounded by cliffs all the campgrounds are small (typically ~9 sites each), fairly close to the road and sites fairly close together, but traffic and visitors are light. Only the first two have RV hookups (all pull-through, 50Amp & water) and these are probably the best suited to big rigs, with 9 RV sites in the first (Pilar) and 4 RV sites in the second (Rio Bravo). Both campgrounds have river access and very nice sites especially for BLM. They are long, dirt, nicely flat with picnic table, fire-pit and grill.
   -> The first campground (Pilar) is mostly for RV’s, with no shade but pretty views of the canyon and generally very quiet. The arrangement is a single longish, narrow dirt road with pull-through RV sites on either side and a slightly sharp turn at each end of the loop, but overall decent access (we even saw a tag-axle get in here).
   -> The second campground (Rio Bravo) has the advantage of shade trees but is a mix of tent/RV sites including a large group area so it does get more crowded/noisy.
   Most of the remaining campgrounds have no shade or hookups and are better suited (in size) to smaller rigs. We saw a couple of big-rig-potential sites for the more adventurous -> one gorgeous water-view site in Arroyo Hondo, one back-in at Petaca (on the left with nose to the road) and a couple of nicely separated sites for those willing to drive into the primitive area at the end (do the drive in your toad and have a look before you pull-in the rig. There is space to turn around at the end of the right-hand spur in the primitive area, but the road getting in is narrow)
2.  Facilities = 3/5
   Very decent facilities for a BLM area. There are flush toilets at Pilar, kept nicely clean and pay showers at Rio Bravo. Access to the river at all campgrounds and several day-spots along the road. No dump station (nearest dump in Taos at the private campground).
3. Location = 5/5
   This is a really superb location in our opinion. You are deep in the gorgeous Rio Grande Gorge with access to water activities and hiking, yet you are only ~16 miles from Taos with plenty of shopping, galleries, art and food. Lots to see and do in the surrounding area with wineries, mineral baths, Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and ski areas.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   Perfect area for doggie. Lots of hiking trails in the gorge including right from the campground, plus daily walks across the road to splash and play in the lovely Rio Grande River.

Overall Rating = 4.25
BONUS ALERT = Camp right by the water, deep inside the Rio Grande Gorge

Summary: The Orilla Verde Recreation Area is a simple, but gorgeous setting right inside the Rio Grande Gorge just SW of Taos, NM. There’s a single paved road going through the valley with 6 campgrounds set along the river and one primitive camping area in the back. The first two campgrounds have RV hookups (50Amp+water) and very nice sites with good “sitting areas” and decent access. The remaining campgrounds are more suited for smaller rigs, although we did see a couple of big-rig accessible sites for the more adventurous (see above). Since you’re in a gorge the campgrounds are small in size, fairly close to the road and sites closer together, but visitation and traffic is light. All campgrounds have easy access to the river. LOTS to do in the surrounding area including art, food and museums in Taos only ~16 miles away, mineral baths at Ojo Caliente, wineries in Dixon, and hiking/biking, rafting/kayaking and fly-fishing along the Rio Grande itself. Apart from Memorial Day Weekend the place was practically empty and we had lots of space to ourselves. We’re still here for a few more days and absolutely love the area and easy access to hiking and water. This is a spot to keep on the list.

 Extra Info:  No connectivity here with either Verizon smartphone or aircard BUT we were able to get a usable data signal using our external antenna/amp at Pilar Campground. Sites cost $15/night for 50Amp/water, $7/night for non hook-up, $5/night for designated primitive. All sites first-come-first-serve. NO dump station.

Note/ Since all our time was spent at Pilar campground most of my pics are of that area, but I’ve included “arial” photos of 2 other campgrounds just as an overview.

View of our site (#7) at Pilar. The central campground road is in middle and site #8 is on left.

Typical pull-through site at Pilar (#8 shown)

View from back of campground "loop". RV site #3 on right (with #5 behind it) and sites #4,6,7 on left front to back (you can see us in #7 at back)

View of "sitting area" in front of RV sites. This is from site #4. Site #6 is right behind it and we're in #7 at the back.

View from very front of the campground. Site #9 on left. We're in #7 on right. You can see more sites on either side going back.

"Aerial" view of Pilar Campground from the trail. All the RV's are along the left.

"Arial" view of the shaded Rio Bravo campground from the trail. There are 4 RV hookup sites and multiple tenting sites. The RV in front is the host.

"Arial" view of the non hook-up Arroyo Hondo Campground. There's potentially space for one big-rig in here, but it does require some careful maneuvering.

RV Park Review – High Desert RV Park, Albuqueque, NM

The entrance to High Desert RV Park

A convenient and inexpensive private park stop-over in Albuquerque.

Link to park here: High Desert RV Park
Link to map location here: High Desert RV Park

1. Site quality = 2.5/5
   This site quality is just OK here. There is a selection of large pull-through or back-in sites on compacted dirt with full hook-ups (either 30 or 50 Amp). Not much in the way of extra’s on-site except for an older picnic table. This is your typical parking-lot-style private park and you will be close to your neighbor with no real separation or landscaping.
2. Facilities = 4/5
   Good facilities here. The main showers were spacious with good pressure and temperature, kept nicely clean and with cute, little touch’s (e.g. pink shower mats in the girls). There is a second shower facility (OK but not as nice) in the middle-side of the park which has individual shower/toilet rooms.
3. Amenities = 3/5
   A decent, but not extensive set of amenities here. There’s a very nice on-site community room with TV and pool tables. Also 3 good-sized dog runs, a “car care” center, 2 laundry facilities and a small convenience store. On-site propane. WiFi is available, but you gotta pay for it. No pool.
4. Location = 4/5
   Overall this park is in a good location. It’s right off Hwy-40, only a few miles from Petroglyph National Monument, ~8 miles from downtown and right opposite Camping World. Despite all this it doesn’t feel too cramped and has open space behind and around it.
5. Pet friendliness = 5/5
   Good spot for doggie considering this is a private park. In addition to 3 good-sized dog runs there is a large open space behind the park, with several miles of dirt trails on which to run and walk around.

 Overall rating = 3.7

Summary: We needed to spend a few days in Albuquerque stocking up and wanted a simple, dog-friendly park as a base. High Desert worked perfectly for this. It’s your typical private-park parking lot, but has the advantage of being slightly out of town (~8 miles) and surrounded by a large open area with space to walk. The sites are basic, but do provide full hook-up and the campground has nice/clean facilities and good/decent amenities for one of the better prices in the area (in fact it was the best price/value I could find in the whole of Albuquerque). We liked the location being right off the highway, close to Petroglyph National Monument, accessible to town and opposite Camping World to boot. On-site propane was a nice bonus too. Overall it’s not a place I’d rave about, but a very decent and convenient stop-over if you need one in town.

Extra Info: Verizon aircard and smartphone had full signal. Sites $ 19.95/night (30 Amp), $ 23.45/night (50 Amp). They do take Good Sam’s and offer weekly/monthly rates. 

Extra, Extra Info (Boondocking): I couldn’t find any state parks or BLM next to Albuquerque, but there are casino’s in the area that allow free dry-camping. Thanks to Matt over at Operation Tally Ho, I now know about Sandia casino as a potential place to stop next time. Cheers!

Our site (#605) in the middle of the park

Typical site view. Large pull-through with older picnic table.

View down left side of RV Park

View of RV Park from entrance

View of one of the 3 dog runs

View of main facilities/store/office and propane

The big, open area behind the RV park where we walked Polly. This trail goes for several miles, with some side-spurs into deeper desert area.

BLM Campground Review – Datil Well, NM

View from the hiking trail at Datil Well

A lovely, remote $5/night BLM campground with easy access to the VLA and Pie Town in Central NM.

Link to campground here: Datil Well, NM
Link to map location here: Datil Well, NM

1. Site Quality = 3.5/5
   Very decent site quality here, especially for a BLM location. All 22 sites are basic, firm dirt with picnic table, grill, fire-pit and cute, individual trash cans. The sites are set on a loop, with outer sites being pull-throughs and inner ones back-ins. The main ding is size and levelness. All kinds of variation here, but we thought 8 of the sites large and flat enough for rigs up to 40-feet (esp. #8,11,13,15,17,19 and 20, with #17 & 19 as the largest of the lot). You might get something in slightly larger than 40-feet, but turns start around the campground loop start to become an issue. Good separation with high forest views.
2.  Facilities = 2.5/5
   Basic facilities here. There are pit toilets, kept very nicely clean plus a large wood-pile (for free use) and camp office with info on the area. Several water spigots around the campground. No showers or dump station however.
3. Location = 5/5
   You come to this place to experience remote beauty and for that reason it’s just perfect. The campground is set beautifully in a lightly wooded valley with lovely hiking trails to overlooks on the surrounding hills. Only ~15 miles to VLA in one direction and Pie Town in the other on Hwy 60. Nearest grocery is at Magdalena ~30 miles away, so come prepared.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   Another lovely place for doggie. Lots of space to hang out and ~4 miles of hiking trails to walk around.

Overall Rating = 4.0
BONUS ALERT = Remote high forest views, pies and the Very Large Array!

Summary: We chose this campground primarily to visit the nearby VLA and Pie Town, and truly ended up enjoying the stay. This is a remote and gorgeous area, set in a high forest valley with hiking trails to overlook the area. The campground is ~1 mile west from Datil and ~1/4 mile down a wide, firm dirt road from Hwy 60. All 22 sites are compacted dirt with quite a bit of variation in size/level, but we counted at least 8 big and flat enough for our kind of size. Lovely developed ”sitting area” at each site with picnic table, fire-pit, and grill. This is a primitive campground and it’s basic pit toilets and no hook-ups , but several water spigots on-site. We arrived on the week-end and only 3 campers were there (none of which were in our line of sight) so we essentially had the place to ourselves. You’ll get dusty coming in, but for those who enjoy remote beauty and relaxation this is just fabulous. We loved our stay and would definitely come back.

 Extra Info:  Believe it or not Verizon access was good here! Smartphone had very decent 3G. Aircard benefitted from antenna/amp,but connected fine. Sites cost $5/night all first-come-first-serve (officially there is a 7 day camping limit, but I’m guessing the very relaxed hosts would work with you). No hook-ups, but several water spigots on-site.

Our pull-through site (#8). Not very level, but lovely privacy and views.

View of one of the larger, decently flat back-ins (Site #11)

Another of the larger back-ins (#13 shown)

View of one of the two biggest, flattest pull-through sites (#17)

Road-view of the other large, flat pull-through (#19)

View down campground loop from right in front of our RV

View down middle of campground with fire-wood pile, facilities and campround office front to back