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Bureau of Land Management · NM

Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River

Overnight float trips through the El Vado Ranch to Big Eddy canyon section, with a winter lottery for high-demand Friday and Saturday weekend launches.

Permit requiredovernightClass II-III float through wilderness canyon
Access requirement

2 ways to get a permit

2026 weekend launch lotteryLottery

Lottery applications accepted December 1 through January 31; results assigned in February. Confirm exact dates with the official source. Trip window: 2026-04-15 → 2026-09-15.

Opens: Dec 1, 2025Apply by: Jan 31, 2026
Apply on official siteVerified · Jun 22, 2026Available this season
First-come, first-served launchesFirst-come

First-come, first-served reservations open April 1 at 8:00 AM. Confirm exact timing with the official source. Trip window: 2026-04-15 → 2026-09-15.

Opens: Apr 1, 2026
Apply on official siteVerified · Jun 22, 2026Available this season
Permit rules
QuotaWeekend (Friday/Saturday) launches April 15 - September 15 are assigned by lottery; weekday and unclaimed weekend launches become first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov starting April 1.
GroupMaximum group size is 16 people; dogs count toward the limit (limit 2 dogs).
Fees$6 non-refundable lottery application fee; $5 per person BLM recreation fee per launch; Cooper's El Vado Ranch charges an additional launch fee.
TransferCheck official source for current transfer and trip-leader requirements.
SafetyRemote wilderness canyon float; flows and weather vary, so confirm conditions before launching.
Where to stay

Campgrounds nearby

Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.

Echo Amphitheater

12.0 miles away · 13 sites

Availability not checked

Reservable · Day Use: $5/vehicle (day use is any amount of time spent at Echo Amphitheater in one day). Use of the restrooms, picnic tables, parking lot, hiking, all require a day use fee. Please help us keep this site open and operating by paying your fees at the entrance! Camping (all sites have electric hook-ups!): $20 Per Single Site $35 Per Double Site $5 Per Extra Vehicle Group Picnic Shelter: $50/day with 40 person maximun. Reserving this group shelter includes three campsites (sites 1-3) to be used for additional parking and camping! Reservations are required to use the group shelter via recreation.gov.

Availability: Unavailable

RIANA - ABIQUIU LAKE

22.0 miles away · NM · 70 sites

Availability not checked

Reservable

Availability: Unavailable

El Rito Campground--Group Shelter

23.1 miles away · 1 sites

Availability not checked

Reservable

Availability: Unavailable

HOPEWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND

27.0 miles away · 33 sites

Availability not checked

Reservable + first-come

Availability: Unavailable