Arroyo Hondo Campground

Arrived at Orilla Verde area about 5pm on a mid-June Wednesday to discover both lower campgrounds overflowing with RVs, tents, and people. Now nervous about finding a site, we continued up the road, and found this gorgeous site at Arroyo Hondo campground.

As soon as I stepped out of the truck, I realized why these sites right next to the river were in less demand: mosquitoes. Lots and lots of them. I suspect the higher than usual flow of the Rio Grande this year has created ideal breeding conditions for the little suckers.

As the sun set behind the cliffs and the winds came up, the skeeters dissipated a bit and the moths arrived. We spent the evening hunkered in our trailer, snapping at each other to close the dang door every time we left to get something from the truck or take the dog out.

Morning was a bit less buggy and we were able to do a brief hike along the roadside trail that links the campgrounds. But by midday we were again retreating to the trailer and making plans to spend the afternoon away from the river.

We would love to come back here (site 1–although the signage makes it easy to confuse with site 2–is a perfect fit for our 23’ trailer, even hitched to the truck) later in the summer when hopefully the river and the mosquitoes have both receded somewhat.

PS-much admiration for the tent campers next to us who bravely attempted to hold off the bugs with a mix of campfire smoke and cocktails while we were hiding in our trailer!

Great site right on the Rio Grande. Only 5 sites, no water but available in the campground before or after. Hiking all around especially nice was the Slide trail near the bridge called Taos Junction. The road after that is dirt but only for 2-3 miles. Where it returns to pavement Route 115 are two trails The north entrance to the West ridge trail can be walked or mountain biked which we did. We also did a road bike ride on Route 115 to Route 64 to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge on the paved road The water was 3 feet below normal in the Rio Grande according to the ranger. Still some people were rafting that section from the Taos Junction Bridge. I took my paddle board from the bridge to our campground.
For people who fish they stock this section and looked like many were catching lots of Rainbow and brown trout.
The information on the board said no RB’s but the campground hosts manning the visitor center told us to use this one. Another RV trailer was also there. We have a 25 foot Big Foot trailer.

There are 7 campgrounds in this area: from the entrance to 570 from 68: there is just a few miles in: Pilar, Rio Bravo, Arroyo Hondo, Lone Juniper, Petaca,Tao Junction and Rio Pueblo. Take your pick, they're all beautiful, right along the Rio Grande.

Absolutely stunning and quiet. Very well kept area but no wifi. Closest wifi is 4 or so miles up 68, the road towards Taos. The "REST AREA" has a good strong 4G signal. EnJOY!

P.S. OH and by the way, the road from 68 up into this area is 570, it turns into 567 and then goes west towards 285 which goes towards Ojo Cliente Hot Springs (highly recommended). A reviewer on TripAdvisor said this road was unpassable, but I did it without a problem. Yea I took it easy but you don't need 4WD, in my opinion anyway. Maybe not if the ground is real wet, but otherwise, I did it without a prob. Best! :)