Best Campgrounds near El Rito, NM

El Rito, NM is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—El Rito is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your El Rito camping trip.

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Best Camping Sites Near El Rito, New Mexico (215)

    1. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

    15 Reviews
    Ojo Caliente, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 583-2233

    $40 - $60 / night

    "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."

    "The spots further from sitting have most privacy and are still only a 5 minute walk to entrance (I timed it from our site)."

    2. Riana - Abiquiu Lake

    20 Reviews
    Cañones, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 685-4371

    $10 - $80 / night

    "There are nice trails that you can hike or mountain bike. Some are near cliff edges and not for the beginners. The lake is nice for New Mexico and sees a lot of use."

    "Good views of lake & surrounding area from site. Vault toilet & drinking water a short walk away. Juniper provided minimal privacy. Site has lantern poll, fire ring, trash can & table."

    3. El Rito Campground Group Shelter — Carson National Forest

    4 Reviews
    El Rito, NM
    6 miles
    +1 (575) 581-4554

    $225 / night

    "We had no clue that this gem was close to us we went for a quick weekend camp we were right next to the creek with amazing views of the mountains."

    "Seems to be a common problem, which is too bad because it is a pretty place and convenient to the large rock climbing area nearby."

    4. Ghost Ranch

    6 Reviews
    Cañones, NM
    15 miles
    Website

    "Recommend arriving not too late to see if you can get a good spot, we didn’t have shade so had to go find a nice shady bench away from our site for eating lunch / relaxing after our hike."

    "All in all we got three meals for our family of 4 and a nights stay while we hiked around trails on the property for less than $100 all in, and the food (upscale summer camp type) was very good."

    5. Forest Road 558

    3 Reviews
    Ojo Caliente, NM
    12 miles

    "Really quiet even with the highway close by. Great stars at night, decently clean (the sites that I saw)."

    6. Echo Campground

    6 Reviews
    Canjilon, NM
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    $20 / night

    "Small campground next to U.S. Highway 84. There are 9 campsites with 3 small pull-throughs. I have seen large RVs in the day use area, not sure if this is tolerated.  No services.  "

    "Hour outside of santa fe."

    7. Lower Canjilon Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Canjilon, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    "4 small mountain lakes around two campgrounds. Lower campground is within walking distance to 2 lakes

    We stayed at campground 3 which was on the top of the 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. The campsites have trees between, so a bit of privacy."

    8. BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Carson, NM
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    $5 - $15 / night

    "The RV sites are more private Than at Rio Bravo, but Rio Bravo is next to the river. We liked our location. The restrooms were immaculate and the camp host was very helpful."

    "Showers still aren't working but otherwise it's a quiet spot next to the river with plenty of hiking nearby. Shout out to the friendly and helpful camp host"

    9. Tres Piedras Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Carson National Forest, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8678

    10. Rio Chama Campground

    14 Reviews
    Gallina, NM
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 638-5526

    "Rio Chama RV park in Chama, New Mexico, is at the intersection of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the upper Rio Chama. A nice place to stay May 1 thru mid October."

    "It's an easy dirt road drive down the river and you will pass many dispersed site and a couple of defined camping grounds."

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Showing results 1-10 of 215 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near El Rito, NM

908 Reviews of 215 El Rito Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Forest Service Rd 268 Dispersed Site

    Beating the Heat at 8800 ft.

    Great place to get away for the week. Cattle will walk thru your camp and people were far enough away to enjoy the cool.

  • Kara C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Carson national forest

    Great Views, Right on the Rio

    We drove around Forest Trail 9 (FT9) until we found a great spot on the edge overlooking the Rio. Nestled in some trees, it was flat for our tent, awesome views, fires were allowed and already had an established rock ring.

  • Andrea P.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    FR 4B Dispersed

    Pretty basic, doesn’t seem heavily used

    The forest service gate was closed but not locked, and it looks like there’s some pretty recent logging activity. There are still enough trees for shade and some privacy, and it does give a nice view of the cliffs. We had two cars and two tents, and there was room for maybe one more comfortably, or a smallish trailer.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Forest Road 533

    Awesome dispersed camping

    Beautiful forest to camp, spread out spots too!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Cuchilla Campground

    Busy and spots are too close

    Area is beautiful but it’s right off the main road and all the spots are too close. Good for a one night

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Angel Fire RV Resort

    Great Location

    This RV resort has beautiful views of the mountains. Angel Fire RV Resort has beautiful grounds, the bath houses and very nice and modern, very nice hot tub, beautiful clubhouse. The resort has fire pits, pickleball courts, large dog park, putting range, walking path, laundry facilities. It is also close to several towns. One that you can ride your bike too. This is a A+ resort for TV camping.

  • shannon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

    Weekend hot springs with wife !

    Nice little campground next to hot springs . Nice level site . Hook up were on passenger side and towards front of TT we had enough hose and cords to reach . It says they have loaners if needed . 20% discount if you camp and visit hot springs. Hot springs were very relaxing. No fire or outside smoking . On site bathroom and shower however we didn’t use or check them out . Had a great week end with wife

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Taos Canyon Stop RV Park

    Best Little Campground Ever

    Camp host is a very sweet and helpful lady. She takes great pride in her park. Very clean site. Located next to a golf coarse that also has a club house. Cute little store on site with thoughtful items for sale

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Taos Valley RV Park & Campground

    Nice clean park

    After 3 nights in the mountains this was a great place to shower and do laundry. Easy walk to 2 gray New Mexican restaurants. Easy walk to auto parts store for preventative maintenance supplies on trailer. Great view of Wheelers Peak.


Guide to El Rito

Camping near El Rito, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a spot with plenty of activities, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: There are numerous trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the “Abiquiu Lake Vista Trail,” which is a great spot for hiking and biking. One reviewer mentioned, “Access to a few trails, but water access requires a bit of a drive. Amazing views.”
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers, making them perfect for fishing. A visitor at Hopewell Lake Campground said, “The trout fishing is fun and always a success at the lake.”
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in this region are perfect for stargazing. A camper at Cebolla Mesa Campground noted, “Great dark sky viewing! Our spot was close to some very nice overlooks.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. One happy camper at Riana - Abiquiu Lake said, “The sites are well laid out, with plenty of room between neighbors. Amazing views.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are noted for their cleanliness. A visitor at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa mentioned, “The bathhouse at the camping area was well heated with wonderfully hot showers, flush toilets, and plenty of space.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their hospitality. A reviewer at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground shared, “The owner is very hospitable and following her dream of owning the park.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Rio Chama Campground, have basic facilities. A camper noted, “The campground is rustic. Water and electric only.”
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Heron Lake State Park Campground is open from May 15 to September 17.
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds may have rough access roads. A visitor at Cebolla Mesa Campground advised, “It takes about half an hour to drive in, through rutted, dirt roads.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds. A camper at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground mentioned, “There is a somewhat dated playground and a dump station.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One family enjoyed the “walking trail around the park” at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground.
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers, especially if camping in cooler months. A visitor at Hotel Luna Mystica noted, “The trailer was really cute...but we thought it got a little cold at night.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa mentioned, “They do have a dump station but it is an extra cost.”
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some RV sites can be close together. A camper at Rio Chama Campground said, “Campsites are close together but far enough to maintain some privacy.”
  • Plan for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways, so be prepared for some noise. A visitor at Hotel Luna Mystica noted, “Can kinda hear road noise but not too bad.”

Camping near El Rito, New Mexico, offers a unique experience with its beautiful landscapes and welcoming campgrounds. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near El Rito, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, El Rito, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 215 campgrounds and RV parks near El Rito, NM and 57 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near El Rito, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near El Rito, NM is Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near El Rito, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 57 free dispersed camping spots near El Rito, NM.

What parks are near El Rito, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near El Rito, NM that allow camping, notably Abiquiu Lake and Carson National Forest.