Cabin rentals dot the landscape surrounding Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, situated at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet in the high desert terrain. The region experiences dramatic seasonal temperature shifts, with summer days reaching 90°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Most cabin facilities remain open year-round but wintertime access requires preparation for potentially snowy conditions.
What to do
Mineral soaking: Visitors staying at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa receive early access to the pools from 7:30-10am with fewer crowds. "You'll have them nearly to yourselves 7:30-10am and 20% off admission. Also there is free yoga at 9 or 10:40 for guests and all the instructors were fantastic," notes one guest.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails lead directly from camping areas into surrounding wilderness. At Agua Piedra Campground, a "hiking trail leads into Pecos wilderness, another trail leads up to Indian lake. Trailhead is right in the campground, so hike right from your campsite."
Fishing opportunities: Many cabins offer direct stream access for fishing. The Red River runs through several properties, providing immediate fishing access. "River runs by the edge of the campground. Hike or mountain bike right from your campsite," reports one visitor about the streams near cabin accommodations.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many cabin areas feature well-spaced accommodations that balance privacy with community atmosphere. One camper at Road Runner RV Resort appreciated that "spaces are spread apart and many line the creek that runs through it. The park is tiered so some RVs were up in the taller trees."
Bathing facilities: Shower facilities vary widely across cabin properties. Some feature modern amenities while others maintain rustic charm. "The bathhouse at the camping area was well heated with wonderfully hot showers, flush toilets, and plenty of space," notes a visitor to one resort.
Lake access: Water features enhance many cabin properties. At Riana - Abiquiu Lake, guests appreciate "great views of the lake in which you can swim (and boat). Not a lot of shade, unless you snuggle in with a Piñon tree, but we spend our days on the lake or hiking Ghost Ranch, which is a few minutes away."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer months require advance planning, especially at popular cabin locations. Weekends fill first, with many properties booking months ahead. One reviewer recommended "arriving not too late to see if you can get a good spot."
Alcohol policies: Rules regarding alcohol consumption differ significantly between properties. At some locations, alcohol is strictly prohibited. One visitor cautions: "There is NO alcohol allowed in the park so don't get caught with any they will pour it out. 2 Older men were having a beer in their site & they made them pour out 2 cases of beer."
Cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically by location, with some cabins offering WiFi while others have no signal. At Questa Lodge & RV Resort, reception is generally good, while more remote cabins may have "zero cell service" as one visitor noted.
Tips for camping with families
Age restrictions: Some properties limit access for children, particularly around hot springs. "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," one visitor reported.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several cabin areas offer specific facilities for families. "They're building new cabins along the Red River plus a new pavilion for family gatherings," notes one guest, highlighting expanded options for family groups.
Educational opportunities: Ghost Ranch offers learning experiences alongside cabin accommodations. "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," explains one visitor, making it suitable for families interested in educational content.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Several cabin and RV sites have unusual utility placement that requires planning. "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," notes one camper about setup considerations.
Transportation options: Some locations offer shuttle services to nearby towns, reducing the need for multiple vehicles. "Dog friendly, but lots of dogs. Staff is accommodating and you can trail walk, street walk, and free shuttle into town," mentions a visitor describing local transportation.
Elevation considerations: The high altitude affects vehicle performance and human comfort. Pack layers for significant temperature drops after sunset, even in summer months. "You can drive 10 minutes away to Sipapu ski resort to use free wifi at the cafe," notes one camper about nearby resources at higher elevations.
