About RIANA - ABIQUIU LAKE
Overview Riana Campground is located on a 150 ft. bluff overlooking the scenic Abiquiu Lake in northern New Mexico, just one hour northwest of charming Santa Fe. The lake sits at an elevation of 6,400 feet on the Rio Chama, a tributary of the legendary Rio Grande. Recreation Abiquiu Lake offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The fishing here is some of the finest in northern New Mexico. Visitors enjoy boating, water skiing, and hiking. Lake shore access for boat launching is 1 mile from the campground. Facilities Riana Campground hosts 52 campsites, 13 of which have electric and water hookups. Flush toilets, showers, and drinking water are provided, as are picnic shelters, grills, lantern posts, and tent pads. A playground and dump station are located on-site. Natural Features Fragrant Pinion pine, juniper, and sage cover the campsite, providing a distinct smell of northern New Mexico, but offering limited shade. Colorful rock formations surround the park. Visitors are awarded a panoramic view of the narrow mesa, Cerro Pedernal, locally known as "Pedernal." Famous American painter, Georgia O'Keefe, had her ashes scattered over its top. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (505) 685-4561. Nearby Attractions Northern New Mexico is full of beauty and history. The educational and historical Ghost Ranch is about 10 minutes from the park. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, San Pedro Wilderness, Cumbres Toltec Railroad, Chaco Canyon, and Bandelier National Monument are all nearby. The ski-town of Taos is just over an hour away, and colorful Santa Fe is an hour southeast, both with restaurants, shops, and museums.
How to Get There
From Espanola, NM, travel 30 miles north on US Highway 84. Turn west on to State Highway 96 and continue 1 mile to the Riana Campground entrance.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
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Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to RIANA - ABIQUIU LAKE
Heading to RIANA - ABIQUIU LAKE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for RIANA - ABIQUIU LAKE?
No central reservation system listed for RIANA - ABIQUIU LAKE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233598) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to RIANA - ABIQUIU LAKE?
From Espanola, NM, travel 30 miles north on US Highway 84. Turn west on to State Highway 96 and continue 1 mile to the Riana Campground entrance.
How do I contact RIANA - ABIQUIU LAKE?
You can reach the park at phone: 505-685-4371.
References & Official Resources