Primitive camping along the Rio Grande
It's a pleasant climate year-round in Socorro, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. All four seasons are perfect for golfing, hiking, biking, bird watching, camping, and various other activities. The Rio Grande is a magnificent sight to behold! Several riverine parks and hiking trails are located within Socorro County, including Island Riverine Park at the east end of town. Make your way to one of these beautiful parks the next time you feel like picnicking, hiking, camping, or just getting closer to nature.
San Antonio Riverine Park is a free spot to camp nearby the Bosque Del Apache wildlife reserve. It is a state-owned land located on the Rio Grande outside of San Antonio. It is the southernmost park within the city and is adjacent to the Highway 380 Bridge. The place has good cell phone reception. Be aware there are limited amenities and you should pack out your waste.
Access
- Drive-In
- Park next to your site
Cell Signal
- Wifi - Unknown
- Verizon - Good
- AT&T - Available
- T-Mobile - Good
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features For Campers
- Picnic Table
- River for horse water
- Pet friendly
Some reminders if you’re planning to stay in the area:
- Pack in and pack out.
- No (or limited) services at this camping area.
- A permit may be required.
The park does not have bathrooms, water, or trash cans, but it does have picnic tables. It may be a bit noisy in the main parking area since it is so close to the highway and freight trains pass by every couple of hours. However, it does work if all you need is a campsite for free. A total of 10 horse sites can be found at San Antonio Riverine Park and camping there is free. You are welcome to enjoy dispersed camping on government land without leaving any trace.
During your stay at San Antonio Riverine Park, you can explore other nearby horse trails and campsites. The following are some of the horse trails you may want to visit:
The Box Recreation Area - Box Canyon Trail
SEVILLETA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - San Lorenzo Canyon
APACHE KID WILDERNESS - San Mateo Peak via Apache Kid Trail (#43)
CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST - Ox Canyon, Manzano Crest and Red Canyon Loop
San Antonio Riverine Park does not require reservations and they follow a “First come, first served” policy. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails for more information:
https://www.tophorsetrails.com/camping/NM/3114-San-Antonio-Riverine-Park
References:
Primitive Riverside Horse Camping at Riverine Park