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ScoutJemez Falls Campground
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Dog-Friendly Camping near El Rito, NM
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El Rito Campground Group Shelter in Carson National Forest welcomes pets at its creekside campsites. The campground features several sites spread along a dirt road with secluded spots positioned right next to the creek, creating natural spaces for dogs to cool off. While the official campground facilities have faced periodic closures for wilderness restoration due to excessive partying and trash issues, parking and camping remain possible off the main road. Forest Road 558 offers numerous dispersed camping options for pet owners seeking a more primitive experience, with spots ranging from close to Highway 285 to more secluded areas further along the forest road. The area requires no permits for pets and allows alcohol consumption at most sites. Some campers report having thousands of acres to themselves while staying with their dogs.
Ghost Ranch and Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa provide more developed pet-friendly accommodations with amenities. Ojo Caliente's RV campground includes electric hookups, water, and a communal bathroom with individual stall showers for campers with pets. The resort gives camping guests 20% off admission to the hot springs, though pets aren't allowed in the soaking areas. Site #12 at Ojo Caliente offers exceptional privacy as it abuts BLM land, creating extra space for dog walking. Most campgrounds in the El Rito area connect to hiking trails in Carson National Forest where leashed dogs can accompany their owners. Campers should be aware that coyotes are active in the region, particularly at night, and keep pets secured. The high desert environment means extreme temperature variations between day and night, requiring pet owners to plan accordingly for animal comfort in all seasons.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near El Rito (167)
1. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
"If you have a pet and want to overnight versus stay at the Casitas, it’s just a short walk to the spa and hot springs (20% discount)."
"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."
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability2. Riana - Abiquiu Lake
"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."
from $10 - $80 / night
Check Availability3. El Rito Campground Group Shelter — Carson National Forest
"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."
from $225 / night
Check Availability4. Ghost Ranch
"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. Echo Amphitheater Campground — Carson National Forest
"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."
from $10 - $50 / night
Check Availability6. Forest Road 558
"Really quiet even with the highway close by. Great stars at night, decently clean (the sites that I saw)."
7. BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area
"Hindsight, I should have expected that given the remote location. Otherwise, I took our dog for a beautiful walk along the Rio Grande with hopes to see some river otters!"
"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."
from $5 - $15 / night
Check Availability8. Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area
"Seems a given, since it’s close to the river! I found a site right next to the Rio and even though it was muddy, I still appreciated being able to get in to cool down a bit."
"In my van and with Grandkids & dog in a tent. We had a rock campfire ring and I bring my folding table & chairs. The kids love to hang hammocks in the cedar trees."
9. Lower Canjilon Lake Campground
"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."
10. Tres Piedras Dispersed Site
Drive Time
- 58 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 1 hr 47 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 2 hrs 41 min from Farmington, NM
- 3 hrs 34 min from Pueblo, CO
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near El Rito, NM
148 Photos of 167 El Rito Campgrounds
Naythin H.
El Rito Campground Group Shelter — Carson National Forest
shannon C.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Charlie O.
Forest Road 558
Mike M.
Cottonwood RV Park
Michael N.
Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area
Beverley G.
Tres Piedras on Forest Road 64G
Megan V.
Oak Point Campground
Michael N.
Rio Chama Campground
Heather Y.
North Shore Campground at Santa Cruz Lake - CLOSED
Nora S.
Rio Grande Bridge Overlook
Hotel L.
Hotel Luna Mystica
The Dyrt
LUXX Lodge - Glamping & Taos RV Park
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near El Rito, NM
996 Reviews of 167 El Rito Campgrounds
marycatmathis ..
RangerOak Point Campground
Lovely, Beachy, Scenic
These coordinates are a rough estimate, but this entire forrest road is filled with amazing campsites you can simply pull off and camp in. currently there’s a fire ban, so it makes it hard to stay warm at night, but the stars are amazing. it’s quiet. it’s lovely. there’s canyon walls for miles. it’s really amazing. some of these pics are from the nearby canyon that’s a bit of a walk up the road, but most are from our campground. loved our first experience camping in New Mexico!
- Beth B.
GuideRio Chama Campground
Great place to watch the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Train
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. The train passing by twice a day is an exciting event and it's a short walk to the train yard.
Pull through sites have great shade and full hookups with 30 or 50 amp electrical service. Spacious tent sites with full service restrooms nearby. Pet friendly with dog park and free wifi. A great place for fishing, train watching and relaxing.
- CCharlie O.Guide
Forest Road 558
Okay Dispersed Camp Spot
Wide open dispersed desert camping. FS-558 runs for several miles south of HWY-285. We stayed closer to the highway which is safer without 4WD. Higher clearance is helpful due to ruts in the road. There's a fair amount of trash, but plenty of spots without. Bummer that locals use public land as their private dumping area. The nights were quiet, other than occasionally coyote calls, which add to the ambiance. We had a few thousand acres all to ourselves for four nights while climbing on nearby El Rito walls.
- NNattalie G.
TravelerEdward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area
Edward Sargeant Wildlife Area
The spot is really close (2 miles) to the town of Chama, New Mexico (elevation about 8,000ft in Southern Rockies) and has one outdoor toilet, open areas for RVs or tents no electrical hook ups or water. Pets allowed. Wonderful views of the mountains and a good road and trail for hiking and biking and horseback riding. There are creeks, small ponds, maybe a lake deeper in, fir, aspen, and pine trees. You can roam off the road/trail anywhere. iIf you get a combination to the lock on the gate you can drive your vehicle down I rode that goes deep into the wilderness area for fishing and hunting. It is run by the New Mexico wild wildlife services. At sunrise or sunset you are very likely to see elk maybe even a whole herd and other wildlife. You cannot camp there in the winter but it’s great for cross country skiing. There’s also a laundromat just down the road, probably a mile from the camping area. I live in the region and often go there throughout the year to take my dog on walks or cross country ski.
- MMelody M.Guide
Taos Monte Bello RV Park
Wonderful views, spacious sites!
We really like this RV Park! The spaces are wide and angled enough to allow for great views! There are no trees, so you will be using your AC and awning when it’s hot out. Sites were quite level and hookups are easy access. There are both full hookup sites and water and electric only sites; there is an RV dump. Laundry, restrooms and convenience store are still closed due to Covid - much of New Mexico is still this way. It is right off Highway 64 which has a minimal amount of road noise, but provides easy access.There’s a Pet Resort across the road where you hear dogs barking in the distance in the mornings. They do need to start working on weed control before the weeds get out of hand. Each of those negatives are so minimal, I still rate this as a five! Wide spaces and good views are always strong points in my reviews!
- TTom B.Scout
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.
- MMark M.
LegendQuesta Lodge & RV Resort
Beautiful grounds
Stayed in spot R1 which is pretty small/crowded in, but near river and trees. Lovely duck and geese ponds and river walk, also dog park. Clean restrooms and showers but no changing stalls in either mens/womens shower. Very quiet and affordable. Near to grocery. Grounds are well-kept and healthy & green (lots of trees, shrubs, beautiful walk by river). Sorry pics are a bit washed out, doesn't do it justice.
Jane G.ScoutLUXX Lodge - Glamping & Taos RV Park
Great Stay!
Smaller camp ground, with modern and very clean bathrooms and showers! Dog friendly, with a small dog park to boot. Easy in and out, hooks ups and wifi. Manager on site and very attentive. We stayed April 1 for one night, was quiet, friendly and comfortable. Will stay again!
Guide to El Rito
Camping options near El Rito, New Mexico range from established sites to dispersed camping across Carson National Forest. The area sits at approximately 7,000 feet elevation in high desert terrain, resulting in temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night. The forest roads accessing many camping areas become difficult to navigate during wet conditions, particularly in spring snowmelt or summer monsoon season.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access numerous trails directly from Rio Chama Campground where visitors can explore the lush river ecosystem. "Hike or mountain bike right from your campsite. There's an amazing restaurant on the property. Yoga is available in the yurt," notes Colorado C. about nearby accommodation options.
Soaking in hot springs: Visit Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa for mineral pools with various temperatures. "We absolutely loved our stay at Ojo Caliente. The entire staff is helpful and kind... The best part is that you get early access to the pools, you'll have them nearly to yourselves 7:30-10am and 20% off admission," writes Jolene C.
Stargazing: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing opportunities from dispersed camping areas. "We had a few thousand acres all to ourselves for four nights while climbing on nearby El Rito walls," reports Charlie O. about Forest Road 558 dispersed sites.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campsites at Riana - Abiquiu Lake offer spacing for more solitude. "Sites are spacious, all with a view, and with options from horse camping to full hook up. While it's 'lakefront' getting down to the water is a 20 minute hike," shares Curtis B.
Riverside locations: Many sites sit directly on water for easy access. "Chama canyon is our weekend go-to place. Only 2 hrs from Albuquerque. Many campsites available (some are dispersed) along the river. Almost every single site here offers a nice shade and shelter for strong sunlight during the day and strong wind at dusk," explains Lila L.
Ancient history access: Several campgrounds offer proximity to archaeological sites. "The area is near where Georgia O'Keefe lived and did some of her work," notes James F., while another camper mentions, "There is an echo theater close by neat little walk to it the sound carry's & echos."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas have no amenities. "A good amount of dispersed sites off of FSR558. I just pulled off to one of the closer sites but looked like tons of other sites were further in on the road... You could probably make it in a 2WD vehicle for the first few sites but it gets a bit more rugged as you continue in," advises Kayla D.
Seasonal closures: Check operating dates before traveling. "The campground is open April 15-Oct 15," states Lila L. about certain sites, while others like Tres Piedra report "You can spend 14 days there" in dispersed areas that remain accessible year-round.
Camp host support: Some established campgrounds have staff to assist. "The camp host were great people suggested a place to eat called El Farolitos (bring your own booze they don't sell it but let you drink)," notes one visitor at BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area, which offers "Showers and potable water at the second camp loop on the road (less than a mile away)."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Consider Lower Canjilon Lake Campground for fishing with kids. "Definitely a commitment to get to these spots, but you'll be rewarded. 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," advises Mikki S.
Age restrictions: Some facilities limit child access. "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," notes Colorado C. about one resort location.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of historic sites and museums. "Ghost Ranch has a small dinosaur and anthropology museum on site" and "Chimney Rock hike is not to be missed!" according to Mike B.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Check hookup locations before setting up. "The spaces only had electric and water. The electric and water outlets where placed in an odd location for the site and a dump station is available for extra $20," reports Joseph W. about one location, while another camper adds, "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."
Size limitations: Many dog friendly campgrounds near El Rito have size restrictions. "There are a few sites where a 30 foot or larger rig will fit," notes Bruce L. about Rio Bravo Campground.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain. "Most sites are pretty level. We had a 25 ft travel trailer," reports Debbie W. about one location, while at other sites, higher clearance vehicles are recommended due to "ruts in the road."
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near El Rito, NM?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near El Rito, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near El Rito, NM is Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
El Rito, NM?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near El Rito, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 167 dog-friendly camping locations near El Rito, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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