Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Ojo Caliente, NM
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa's campground provides water and electric hookups for pet owners at all sites with dedicated walking areas for dogs. The resort welcomes pets at their camping area while maintaining a comfortable distance from the mineral springs. Sites include picnic tables and access to a heated bathhouse with private showers and toilets. Campground sites are arranged to provide some shade and privacy, though certain sites like #12 offer exceptional seclusion abutting BLM land. The campground features both standard RV/tent sites and vintage camper rentals, creating a unique atmosphere for campers with dogs. No campfires are permitted at individual sites, but a community fire pit is available near the main lodge.
Forest Road 558 offers dispersed camping on public land with no restrictions on pets, allowing dogs more freedom to explore the natural desert landscape. The road extends several miles south of Highway 285, with the initial sites accessible without four-wheel drive, though higher clearance vehicles are recommended due to road ruts. Multiple pet-friendly camping options exist within the Carson National Forest, including El Rito Campground and Tres Piedras Dispersed Site where dogs can enjoy creek-side camping with mountain views. Many campsites feature direct access to hiking trails suitable for dogs, though owners should be vigilant about wildlife encounters, particularly coyotes that can be heard calling at night. Campgrounds like Orilla Verde Recreation Area along the Rio Grande provide additional pet-friendly options with water and electric hookups at select sites, creating various environments for camping with dogs throughout the region.
