Abiquiu is a small town located north of Santa Fe by about 60 miles and was made famous by the painter Georgia O’Keefe. It is home to Cerro Pedernal (Flint Hill), Ghost Ranch, a monastery in the desert, a mosque, lots of hiking trails and forest roads, and is surrounded by gorgeous scenery. It is a beautiful area which we thoroughly enjoyed.
The US Army Corps of Engineers Riana Campground is located on the side of a hill overlooking the Abiquiu Lake (also called Abiquiu Reservoir) and has 52 campsites spread over four loops, one specifically for tenters. The lake is about 12 miles long and is fed from the Rio Chama and there is a dam with a Visitors Center within walking distance. All sites have great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains including the famous Cerro Pedernal where Georgia O’Keefe’s ashes are spread. Many of the sites are reservable and only Pedernal loop has electric and water hookups.
Campground: Riana Campground – Pedernal Loop
Location: Abiquiu Lake – 5 miles north of Abiquiu
Site: 13
Cost: $8 (50% of regular price of $16 with Interagency Pass)
Services: Electric (50 Watt) and Water
Comments: A beautiful, peaceful campground overlooking Abiquiu Lake, Cerro Pedernal, and the mountains of Ghost Ranch. We loved this campground.
The Pedernal Loop (sites 1-16) is located on the upper tier and includes Electric and Water. Site 1 is a back in site and we considered it the nicest site in this loop due to its privacy and the views. If your view is out of the front window then you would want to pull in directly and then your services would be on the opposite side. Bring long cables/hoses.
The Chama loop (sites 16-30) is on the lower tier and is all dry camping. Site 19 is a back-in site and we thought was the best site in the dry camping loop. It provides the best views of the lake from out the front windshield.
There are approximately 4 miles of hiking trails in the campground. One of the trails parallels the lake and leads you to the Abiquiu Dam where there is a picnic area and a Visitor Center. All trails have fabulous views of the lake and the surrounding area.
I only discovered Abiquiu reservoir/lake, Riana campground about five years ago. Since I’ve taken both my nephew’s camping, fishing, swimming and hiking in the surrounding area. It’s gorgeous, peaceful, clean and the star viewing is quite good. With the Rio Chama close by, there is always something to do, fishing and for me, not catching is my favorite go to activity. Just haven’t had much luck, definitely operator error here, so bring your gear and good luck. I really like your choices of sites and the pictures motivated me to go camping one more time, even though late in the season.
Great! Yes, it is a beautiful place. It doesn’t get much nicer does it? Glad you enjoy it so much. We really need to go back there. Thank you!