Carson National Forest and surrounding public lands offer diverse camping spots near El Rito, New Mexico. Elevations range from desert terrain at 6,000 feet to alpine areas approaching 10,500 feet, creating temperature variations that exceed 30°F between day and night. The region has distinct wet and dry seasons, with monsoon rains typically arriving in July and August.
What to do
Hiking near mineral springs: At Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, trails extend from the campground for hiking and mountain biking. "Hike or mountain bike right from your campsite. No open flames are permitted but there's a community campfire by the main lodge," notes Colorado C. The property includes free yoga classes for guests.
Rock climbing access: Forest Road 558 provides access to El Rito climbing walls. One camper reported: "We had a few thousand acres all to ourselves for four nights while climbing on nearby El Rito walls." This dispersed desert camping area requires higher clearance vehicles due to road ruts.
Fishing opportunities: Lower Canjilon Lake Campground offers multiple fishing spots. "There are three different lakes to choose from up near the sites, and they are stocked with trout. Plenty of hiking trails as well," according to Mikki S. The area requires advance planning as "the closest convenient store or grocer is a good 40 minute drive."
What campers like
Natural water features: Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area allows riverside camping along the Rio Grande. "We picked one right on the river. No electricity. No water. No picnic tables. No trash receptacle. Vault toilets. Camp spaces are spread out," writes Tim W. The riverside location provides cooling options during summer heat.
Historical connections: At Ghost Ranch, visitors appreciate the Georgia O'Keeffe connection and natural scenery. "Most guests stay in housing/lodging, so the ranch has a dining hall that serves three meals a day. $16 per person per meal but $30 for three meals on a 'meal plan' when you book, and kids eat for free!" notes Mike B.
Privacy between sites: Sites at many campgrounds offer sufficient separation. At Ojo Caliente, "The camping area is more of a campground than an RV park, in a positive way. Many of the sites are shaded with mature trees. A river runs by the edge of the campground," according to Colorado C.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect access: Many camping areas close during winter months. At Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area, one visitor noted, "Closed for winter! Beautiful area, would recommend visiting anyways. Day area is stunning." Echo Campground has also experienced temporary closures.
Road conditions vary by season: Forest roads can become impassable when wet. At Forest Road 558, one camper advised: "The road was rutted, don't go if it's wet. Fine for overnight lodging but I wouldn't hang out there." Access roads to Whirlpool require caution: "The road to the campground is about 6 miles of curvy dirt and gravel single lane."
Cell service limitations: Communication options remain limited throughout the area. At Lower Canjilon Lake Campground, "Make sure to print a map before you head in, as you'll loose all forms of cell reception once you leave the main highway into Canjilon."
Tips for camping with families
Age restrictions at hot springs: Riana - Abiquiu Lake offers family-friendly alternatives to Ojo Caliente. One Ojo Caliente visitor noted: "I would have given this property 5 stars but they've become unfriendly to families. Children under 13 are not allowed in the hot springs."
Educational opportunities: Ghost Ranch provides learning experiences beyond camping. "Georgia O'Keefe lived in the property for a while, so there's a lot of history about her, and there's a small dinosaur and anthropology museum on site," reports one visitor.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require planning. At Ojo Caliente, a visitor shared: "We cant wait to go back and visit again! Photos show us waking up to snow one morning." Pack clothing for both warm days and cold nights.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations at campsites: At Echo Campground, electrical options eliminate generator noise. "Electric hookups eliminate need for generators and associated noise. $20/night or $10 with senior parks pass," notes Larry F. The campground has 9 spots with some pull-through sites.
Extension cord needs: At Ojo Caliente, RVers should prepare for hookup positioning issues. One camper advised: "As others have mentioned, the hookups are on the opposite side but they will lend you extensions if you need." Most RV sites include water and electric connections.
Size limitations: Many forest campgrounds cannot accommodate large rigs. Echo Campground has "9 spots with 3 small pull-throughs." At Ghost Ranch, the terrain and access are more conducive to smaller rigs and tent camping than large motorhomes.
