Orilla Verde Recreation Area

Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center, 2873 SR 68
Pilar, NM 87531

The Orilla Verde Recreation Area is located within the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument and along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. Nestled along the banks of the Rio Grande and within the steep-walled Rio Grande Gorge, the campgrounds in this area offer nearby access to the river. The elevation along the river is 6,100 feet and the steep canyon rises 800 feet from the river to the Gorge rim.

Gentle waters with occasional small rapids flow through Orilla Verde, providing an ideal setting for many recreational activities. Because of the dramatic changes in elevation and the diversity of plant life, Orilla Verde draws many species of animals, including raptors (such as eagles and hawks), songbirds, waterfowl, beaver, cougar, ringtail, mule deer, and more. The Rio Grande also has attracted humans since prehistoric times. Evidence of ancient peoples is found throughout the Recreation Area in the form of petroglyphs on the rocks and many other types of archaeological sites.

The climate at Orilla Verde is semi-arid, with summer thunderstorms common in July and August, and snow possible from October through March. Summer temperatures range from 45 to 90 degrees, and winter temperatures range from -15 to 45 degrees.

Directions

The visitor center is located in Pilar, NM, at the intersection of NM 570 and NM 68, 2873 North State Road 68.

Fees

Download the Recreation.gov mobile app prior to arrival Day Use: $3/day per vehicle A $20 annual day use pass is also available. Visitors can now pay their day use fees electronically using the Scan-and-Pay feature on Recreation.gov NOTE: Visitors must have the Recreation.gov app downloaded ahead of time to use Camping: All camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis No reservations are available. Maximum 2 vehicles and 8 people per site. $3/day for additional vehicles $5/night primitive campsites $7/night developed campsites $15/night RV site $30/day use or $40/overnight Maximum 2 vehicles and 8 people per site. Annual day use passes do not apply to camping fees.

Reviews

1 review

4 stars

laura f

Campground:Rio Bravo Group Shelter

Loop:Rio Bravo

Site:

Reviewed 7 days ago

We had a great time. The Rio Bravo Group shelter was good for our group of 30. We did buy a few individual campsites to allows for more space to branch out. The shaded structure had lights for us to use at night, outlets, and plenty of table space for us to gather. We floated on the Rio Grande in the afternoon to cool off and hiked Vista Verde during the day. The trails just across the street was also really peaceful to walk. The camp host was also wonderful.