Whirlpool, Dispersed Camping, Coyote Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest

Whirlpool Dispersed Campground is a primitive campsite just about half a mile past the Rio Chama boat launch area. With a vault toilet and primitive rock fire rings, campers may have to enhance their fire rings with rocks and dirt, clear the dry grass within a 10-foot radius, also bring a bucket and shovel for fire control. Expect to set up camp in locations suitable only for four-wheel or all-drive vehicles. As golden hour approached, the sounds of ravens, Yellow-rumped warblers, and cliff swallows filled the air as they headed toward the river for gnats. Surprisingly, we also heard the beeping sound of a Townsend's Solitaire. While photographing the surrounding mountain landscape, I spotted signs of a hawk kill near our camp. After we setup our camp we build a very small fire and enjoyed some dinner and enjoyed the stars, my lady friend mentioned how really wonderful the night sky was set against the background sound of the Rio Chama. The other campgrounds were filled with fellow stake in the ground tent campers. I really could not see how anyone could haul a trailer or fit even a small RV in this place. Some areas by the river were in my opinion is not accessible to anything but a 4 wheel or all drive vehicle. In the morning, while making coffee and breakfast, we were honored by the presence of a Cooper's Hawk that landed on a tree branch just 15-20 yards from our camp. The hawk stared at us, seemingly displeased that we were in its hunting area. After a few minutes of glaring, it flew right over us, marking a magical end to our overnight stay at this fantastic place.

Great spot right next to the Big Eddie boat takeout. There are quite a few spots, but some of them are getting in pretty rough shape due to water runoff. We camped there on the 4th of July and only saw two other people at the campground. We were also able to get our 13 foot camper in there without any real problems.

Absolutely beautiful spot, where the river is slow enough that you can safely swim. The sunset was beautiful on the orange rock and the campsites were far away enough from each other that we weren't in each other's way. There were toilets at the beginning of the road.

The views here are gorgeous and there are a lot of different wildflowers. Saw some rabbits, swallows, lizards, and a bunch of bats in the evening. The river water is cold and the walk to the bathroom is a bit long. The campsites are decently spaced apart and no one was being too noisy. Overall, a great place to camp!

Great spot. Water so nearby you can hear it and there's plenty of shade to camp in

A great camp area, about 1/3 mile upstream of the "Big Eddy" take out spot. The actual name of the site is "Whirlpool" named after a river feature at the upper end. As you enter the right branch goes down a rough road to a few beautiful, little campsites right on the river by the whirlpool. Those site are not suited to trailers, groups or RVs. If you bear left at the toilets the road winds around to a variety of good campsites that can be used by RVs and trailers but beware of the sand which entraps quite a few heavier vehicles. There is a tight cul de sac at the end to turn around. Do not camp blocking the road and bring your own firewood. There are vault toilets at Whirlpool but trash and recycling at Big Eddy only.