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All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
This land was previously undeveloped when we bought it in 2011, having only been used as horse grazing land and chile production in the 1960s. It is characteristic of inherited irrigated properties in the area and is about 150 ft wide and half a mile long that extends from the traditional irrigation ditch (acequia) at the top of the property to the river drainage. In the 1940s the Chile Line Railroad ran through here on the way to Espanola.
Learn more about this land:
Nestled in the river valley halfway between Taos and Santa Fe, near the confluence of the Rio Chama and the Rio Grande, this off-grid property is just north of Ohkay Owingeh, where indigenous settlements have existed for many centuries due to rich soil and available ground and surface water. In the 1500s settlers from Mexico came to farm land for New Spain. These historical Spanish and Native influences and identities run deep in this area, as well as the more recent influences of hippie dropout culture in Taos, Ojo Caliente, and Dixon. We have lots of book recommendations if you want to learn more about the complexity of culture and identity in northern New Mexico.
Our 5 acres property is a narrow agricultural strip that extends from the irrigation acequia (ditch) at the top of the property down through a dense bosque (forest), ending in a path to the placid river bend of the Rio Grande. The campsites lie midway, among the privacy of the cottonwood bosque and adjacent pond. It is a short walk to a riverside perch with stairs to the shallow water and kayak launch. Other activities on the property include visiting the goats, chickens, and our friendly dogs, playing on the scrap-built playground, swinging on the pond swing, wading in the river, fishing, and doing some beginner kayaking the pond.
This property is at its best late Spring through mid Fall when all is green, the pond is full and river is cool. Winter camping is still doable but may include snow, frozen pond, and leafless trees, and sandhill cranes. The site has a nice firepit and we have lots of wood. Summertime means mosquitos so come prepared with some serious sprays or creams- and don't bother with citronella candles, they won't be effective here. You will have a lot of privacy in the bosque, and it is relatively quiet from urban noise. You will be in agricultural and farm country, so you will be amongst the sounds of roosters, sheep, goat, peacocks and horses doing their thing in the farm land all around you. There can be dogs barking so if any of this noise bothers you you will want to bring earplugs.We are located in the Espanola River Valley halfway between Taos and Santa Fe, near the confluence of the Rio Chama and the Rio Grande, in a quiet farming area locally called El Guique.
Our property is a narrow agricultural strip that meets the top of the paved road in El Guique but goes down through dense bosque where there is a flat and secluded camping area with firepit and picnic table. The campsite now also has a A-frame enclosed outhouse.
At your campsite you'll enjoy the quiet and private area surrounded on all sides by cottonwoods, elm, and an adjacent pond. In addition you can take a 1/4 mile short walk beyond the pond to a placid bend of the Rio Grande where you can watch the river wildlife and even fish. In spring the river is usually too strong for swimming safely, but in late summer/early fall you can usually wade in to cool off, and even launch a kayak or raft from our river spot.
This is a great campsite for families, as we have miniature goats, friendly dogs and chickens to pet. We also have a large playground, trampoline and zipline for kids near our house, as well as the pond swing near the campsite. Kids can easily practice kayaking or SUP in our small pond. We ask that you supervise your children however and don't let them run loose on the property- we aren't a KOA campground.
RV details
Travel trailers, Pop-up campers, Class B RVs, Campervans, and Cars allowed
Vehicles under 20 feet allowed
Pull-through site
Accommodates slideouts
Surface type: Grass or field
Surface levelness: Flat
No Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Class A RVs, and Class C RVs
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
No sewage hookup
No TV hookup
Generators not allowed
What to expect
RV/tent site
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
6 guests max
Campfires allowed
Firewood provided, firepit, private. There is a firepit designated area and plenty of firewood and downed branches to burn. Please be careful not to set the bosque on fire and extinguish all fires before calling it a night or leaving by putting lid on the firepit.
Toilet available
Composting toilet. There is a fancy outhouse with a toilet. Pee goes into a french drain into the ground and poo goes into a compostable bag that you take with you or put in trash.
Pets allowed
On leash. All dogs should be on leash while visiting. We have goats and chickens that are valuable to us, and have had off leash dogs attack both. This is also for your dog's safety as well, as there are coyotes and wild dogs roaming the area.
Potable water available
Spigot, pump or well. Drinking water located on driveway next to the playground. Use the orange hydrant and hoses attached to fill any water bottles.
Picnic table present
Wifi available
Can use WiFi near the main house and playground. The wifi may not work more than 100 ft from the main house. Network info on request. Cell service is excellent.
Playground available
There is a huge playground near the main house with climbing cargo net, slide, trampoline, and fort. Please text us if you would like to use it and we are not responsible for watching your children- so please supervise them.
No showers
Bathe in river or stream. The Rio Grande is cold but refreshing.
Pack it out
Cooking equipment absent
For an additional charge we have a teardrop camper that has a full kitchen with a camp oven and stovetop, utensils, cookware, and washing station. See goods and services offered to add this on. We have only one teardrop. Otherwise there a firepit at the campsite when fires are allowed.
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
Things to know
Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Meet with Host
Cancellation policy: Flexible
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Park at listing
Wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
ExtrasAvailable at checkout
Teardrop camper with kitchen rental
$35.00
5' x 10' Teardrop camper with a camp stove/oven, queen bed with sheets and comforter, solar powered lighting and USB charging, dishes and cookware, and basic cooking condiments and staples . There is also a dishwashing station with water provided. There is only one camper so the units available are per night.
Dozen eggsgood
$7.00
A freshly laid delicious mix of blue and brown eggs from our lovely chickens, when available. Unwashed and as such will last unrefrigerated for at least a month.
Property Tour by Eloyexperience
$5.00
This tour is of the entire property, conducted via golf cart and comfortable pull behind open trailer (think Disneyland), so you can drink and snack comfortably while you ride around. It includes petting the mini goats, dogs, chickens, as well as a trip to the river bank where you can chill out. If interested, we can also show you our off-grid solar system and even take you up to the top of the road to the local San Rafael del Guique cemetery, especially nice at sunset with amazing views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Your tour guide will be 11 year old Eloy. If he is not available, it will be one of his parents, Gary or Melissa
Beautiful, peaceful, relaxing camp site, walking distance to the Rio grande river. 100 percent recommend to anyone, host welcomed us with a big smile.
Greg W.
5 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
20 ft Class B · Group trip
The camping area is pretty remote so make sure you have everything you need before leaving the main road. Once into the camping area it is very secluded and peaceful.
Would absolutely stay there again
R
Reuben S.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Bosque Camping At Its Finest
Tent · With pets
We absolutely unwound and loved camping at Greg and Melissa's little patch of Bosque. It is a peaceful place that is well maintained. They are kind and accommodating hosts. We hope to go back again. The dogs also give it two paws up!
Nikki C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · With pets
We enjoyed tent camping here. There was plenty of spots to set up. We chose by the fire pit. The trail and river were amazing. Saw tons of wildlife! We loved tubing and Gary was nice and helpful!
S
Sunshine S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent · With pets
Beautiful location with plenty of space and shade. Lots of different birds spotted near the river, which was also good for a dip and fishing. Everyone in the group enjoyed themselves.
E
Emily A.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent · Group trip
I loved tent camping at Gary's ranch. This bosque campsite was lovely - lots of shade, river access and a fire pit. The goats and doggos were really sweet. & swing set was fun They clearly put a lot of thought into making this a great experience.
Location
Ohkay Owingeh, Rio Arriba, New Mexico, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Pueblos, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), and Tigua (Tiwa) First Nations according to