Best Tent Camping near El Rito, NM

Looking for an adventure where you can explore El Rito and then fall asleep in your tent? Finding a place to camp in New Mexico with your tent has never been easier. From remote to easy-to-reach, these El Rito campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near El Rito, NM (41)

Showing results 1-10 of 41 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in El Rito

643 Reviews of 41 El Rito Campgrounds


  • James W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Trailer Ranch RV Resort
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Trailer Ranch RV Resort

    Policy does not client

    The place was clean. Our issues were two.

    1. The strong smell of marijuana is due to their neighborhood store that makes and sells the stuff.
    2. Only pay for 2 days at a time or know your time period. We had bad weather approaching and they did not seem to care about our safety but only their policy. The people next to us had the same issue.

    WiFi is weak but cell was ok not great.

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Forest Road 558

    Good enough for an overnight

    We parked a little further off 285 than most people so the road noise was minimal. A car drove past us on the dirt road in the morning which was surprising but nothing more. There was a rotting animal smell once in a while but we didn’t smell once inside the van. No toilet. Someone left a small fire ring. The road was rutted, don’t go if it’s wet. Fine for overnight lodging but I wouldn’t hang out there.

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Montoso Campground
    Oct. 26, 2024

    Montoso Campground

    Great view, quiet, well appointed

    Picnic table, running water in spigots, fire ring and a view. We drove our van right to the spot. Clean pit toilets. $7/night

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Campground
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Black Canyon Campground

    Good option for Santa Fe (ski area at the top of canyon)

    Stayed in #21. Sites 13 and 30 a!so good but avoid campsites downwind of toilets. No water while we were there. Very nice & helpful host. Several 1st come/1st serve sites but seems to fill up fast. Bathrooms cleanish & well used. Several convenient to back of campground. Trees. Good spot for screen tent.

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Questa Lodge & RV Resort
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Questa 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    Partial closure and absolute dump

    This place sufficed due to the need to have somewhere for the night, if we had the chance we’d have gone somewhere else. Massive piles of trash everywhere, sites strewn with people’s leftover garbage from camping there.

    Due to its close proximity to the landfill, it was extremely loud during the morning from around 7am onwards.

    There was a partial closure banning camping in a section of the landfill, which was incredibly difficult to figure out where we could camp, as the map is not clear at all,

    Coyotes at night were really cool.

    Overall disappointing but glad we managed somewhere to sleep for the night

  • A S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Riana - Abiquiu Lake
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Riana - Abiquiu Lake

    Incredibly cramped, no booze allowed

    It's a lovely location, and the camp is hosted by the Army Corps. They do a good job, the facilities and grounds are very well maintained. Drinking and marijuana consumption is strictly prohibited, with the hosts making regular rounds. The sites are so close together it may as well be one big group camp; I could hear everything going on in the sites around me at all hours of the night. Even when folks were in their tents and campers. Forget trying to enjoy a quiet evening stargazing. Was surrounded by large family groups who were having a great time, which I'm glad about, but it is not my cup of tea for camping.

  • Timothy N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Taos Valley RV Park & Campground
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Taos Valley RV Park & Campground

    Clean and well run RV park

    We enjoyed our 2 nights here and would stay again next time we are in Taos.  Easy access to all the activities in the area.  Grounds and bathrooms were very clean.  The staff was friendly and helpful.  In late Sep it was still busy and full, but it was quiet within the RV park.   We had a full hookup site and all services worked as expected.  Wifi was available, with repeaters around the park.  Mobile service was solid.  The showers worked well and were clean.  The only negative was the noise from the adjacent streets with what sounded like street racing, finally quieting down around 1AM.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hyde Memorial State Park Campground
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Hyde Memorial State Park Campground

    Stunning location

    We loved the location. The hiking trails were awesome. We booked a reservable with hydro for one night and decided to extend our stay with the first come first serve system. The self pay stations are at each of the teo campground loops. The 2nd and 3rd night didn’t have hydro however the size of the site and view more than made up for it.

    To use the dump station, you have to go to the Rangers Station and ask them to unlock the gate. The access is a bit tight and we were not able to fill our fresh water tank due to the State Park having to bring their water up by truck. All in all, it was worth it.

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Junebug Campground
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Junebug Campground

    Red River access

    We camped right to. The Red River, the site was fairly clean but we cleaned up what the campground host failed to pick up.

    Picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilet was clean.

    This is a great place to stay and it allows for day trips into Taos and Valle Vidal which is a spectacular trip. We saw large herds of bison roaming and had to wait for 20 minutes while they crossed the dirt road.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Taos Monte Bello RV Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Taos Monte Bello RV Park

    Small, quiet, and we'll maintained.

    20 gravel sites in the desert about 6 miles NW of Taos. Only issue is there was only 1 men's room and 1 woman's room. But since we were smallest rig in our Sprinter van it wasn't an issue as I think others in Class A and C rigs had their own showers.

  • Melissa J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    Absolutely Gorgeous

    There are so many campsites to choose from, all along the Hondo Rio. It's peaceful and quiet. We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. There's so much to do to keep them busy. The dogs love the river and to run through it. No one really bothers anyone. There are toilets at some of the sites. Very clean. We had storms while camping. At least six rock/mud slides on the road. I don't know who, but someone managed to clean it all up in record time. We've had a great time, even with the rain and hail. We will definitely come back.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Chama RV Park
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Rio Chama RV Park

    Beautiful campground

    Mostly RV sites, some tent sites. Some with no hookups, partial hookand full hookups. Awesome staff. Full bathroom & laundry facilities.

  • Timothy N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Borrego Mesa Campground
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Borrego Mesa Campground

    Quiet and small campground

    Very small, but quiet and secluded primitive campground.  Several sites appear to be overgrown or have too much debris to be usable.  There are a couple sites that could fit a small trailer.  All are suitable for tents or a van.  The bathroom is still out of order.  Mobile coverage was spotty, worked better if you went up to the nearby trailhead.   The road up to the campground is in good shape, 4x4 not required.  Overall traffic was very low.  There was a little bit of firewood cutting nearby, with a few trucks making multiple trips.  A few families were up on Sat for picnics.  UTVs were minimal.  There are a few dispersed options in the area.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Forest Road 558

    Dispersed Sites FSR558

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

  • Tom W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Chama RV Park
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Rio Chama RV Park

    Shaded Next To River + Steam Train

    The weather is perfect in the summer! The Cumbres & Toltec steam train goes by the campground twice a day at the trestle. The Rio Chama flows along the edge of the campground. The staff was friendly and helpful. The town of Chama is within walking distance. Definitely worth staying.

  • Valeri P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Holy Ghost Campground
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Holy Ghost Campground

    Awesome campground

    Yes, it can get packed but be prepared to go early enough to find a good spot. I prefer camp sites 7 through 10, even the very first site when you first come in since they are right near the river. If you really want to experience the haunt of the campground I prefer the campsites in the back 11 through 16. 

    I have not experienced the haunts until I camped at spot 15, this past Labor Day weekend on Friday night August 30, 2024. I went to bed and about 12 am I heard a voice say Hello to me. Then the last night my friend and I were by the fire we did not have any more neighbors as they left that Sunday, we had our trash bag hanging from my friends canopy there was no wind and that trash bag was swaying back and forth rapidly. Was definitely an experience. 

    The hikes are the best especially if you have time to go to the lake which you  want to get an early start, just follow the trail in the back past the reservation spot to get to the trail and follow up get to the fork in the trail and hang a left to the lake. I love the camp site always clean restrooms and fun experience for the paranormal.

  • Timothy N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake

    Plentiful dispersed options

    We spent a few nights in the dispersed area near Hopewell .  We rolled in at 5 and had plenty of sites to choose from.  We chose one of the lower areas, with one large open space surrounded by smaller sites.  There were many more up the road, and there was constant traffic headed uphill until about 9PM.   Once the traffic stopped it was very quiet, only the cattle calling through the trees.  It rained for several hours and our spot stayed solid.  Some offshoot roads were rutted out. The main road had minimal rocks and holes, didn't get very muddy.  TMobile\Google mobile service worked well enough.  Verizon did not work.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cuchilla Campground
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Cuchilla Campground

    Wonderful creekside camping

    This is a wonderful little campground on the way to Taos Ski Valley. Sites are right on a creek & have picnic tables. From what we could tell, there are 2 different locations that we saw on the road, highway 150, one with sites 4-6 & further North where we stayed sites 1-3. We were able to find a level place to park the van & I took a dip in the creek in the morning. Refreshing! Camping is FREE at this campground for up to two weeks! There is no garbage here, so pack it in & pack it out.

  • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    Good in a pinch

    Plenty of spots and easy to get to. The only catch is you will need to find a spot away from the multiple large piles of trash.

    The surrounding area was pretty and sunset was great!

  • Janay` M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cuchilla Campground
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Cuchilla Campground

    Didn’t want to leave

    Absolutely magical! My tent got rained out but I just haven’t had the opportunity to waterproof the tent. When it’s not wet season I’m sure this would be just even more magical. The bathroom was easily accessible, fire pits are great. Picnic tables were marked up, but the sound of the River was so worth all of it.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service 439
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Forest Service 439

    Rough

    I pull a small trailer and the road in was rough. I was concerned about being able to turn around. When I got to the spot where there are six or eight camping spots, finding one suitable for a trailer was difficult, but I did it. This is more suitable to car camping.

    There is an open area that would be good for group camping. There are three or more RVs that appear to be permanent  features. That was strange. Looked like fishing camps. I didn't want to drive the steep road down to this area.

    Personally, I wish I had stopped a the forest service campsites up hill from this location, but if you are in a car and want to tent camp here, I don't see a problem,

  • Chris E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake

    Lots of sites in high elevation and shaded area.

    This dispersed area is close to Hopewell Lake and Campground where there is fishing and vaulted toilets. The Continental Divide Trail goes right through this location.

  • Cindy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Junebug Campground
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Junebug Campground

    Great place with river access

    This has been once of the best places we have stayed, There is no electric hook ups at the site. I can hear noise from the road but it really didn’t bother us. We did have river access at our site. Camp host was great. We stayed another night as we really enjoyed the area.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near El Rito, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near El Rito, NM is Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near El Rito, NM?

    TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near El Rito, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.