El Rito Campground

4.16

33 reviews

State Road 554, Building 1221, El Rito, NM 87530

Stargazing

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Site is open seasona...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens El Rito Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Site is open seasona...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens El Rito Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

El Rito Campground

$0.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No charge for individual campsites; $75/night for the group shelter.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(575) 581-4554

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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 33 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeaceful

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for El Rito Campground are mixed, with some praising its natural beauty and peaceful setting, while others criticize issues like trash, noise from ATVs, and lack of site management."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

State Road 554, Building 1221, El Rito, NM 87530

El Rito Campground

State Road 554, Building 1221, El Rito, NM 87530

Driving directions5 miles northwest of El Rito via NM 110 & FR 559

"The camp area near this ridge required us to have all wheel drive due to the entrance having DEEP pot holes & ruts." (User Review) Roads are very rocky with lots of potholes, requiring 4-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles for easier access. Some visitors mentioned crossing a stream at a designated road to access certain campsites.

Nearby supplies

Visitors should bring all supplies as the campground is "pretty far from gas & civilization." (User Review)

Best Time to Camp at El Rito Campground

El Rito's high-altitude climate paints each season with its own distinct palette. Spring arrives tentatively, with lingering snow creating a winter wonderland that gradually gives way to wildflower meadows. Summer transforms the campground into a cool mountain refuge, where daytime temperatures remain pleasantly warm while nights require a cozy sleeping bag. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings greet campers with frost-kissed landscapes, and the air carries that unmistakable scent of changing seasons—a reminder to pack layers for your mountain adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season with good access and stargazing but busier, lower creek levels and some noise issues.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

High-elevation fall likely offers crisp skies, colors and fewer crowds; good stargazing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers wildflowers and opening access but can have lingering snow and variable creek flows.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is seasonally open (spring–fall); winter access is limited/closed.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Spring to fall, weather-dependent.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Site is open seasonally, from spring through fall, depending on weather conditions.
Current Alerts: "This place is closed until further notice because people misuse the area with ATVs and have overrun all of the plants." (User Review)

About El Rito Campground

Nestled alongside the babbling waters of El Rito Creek, this hidden gem offers a true escape into nature's embrace. With 11 intimate campsites perched at an impressive 7,600 feet, El Rito Campground invites adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Days here unfold with the gentle soundtrack of flowing water, while evenings bring star-filled skies unmarred by city lights. Whether you're casting a line into the creek's promising pools or exploring nearby trails that wind through evergreen forests, this rustic retreat delivers the simple pleasures of high-country camping. Come prepared for a back-to-basics experience—there's no potable water on-site, and facilities are limited, but that's precisely what makes El Rito so special.

El Rito Campground is a primitive campground with dispersed camping options and no charge for individual campsites. A group shelter is available for $75 per night.

Weather and SeasonsEl Rito's high-altitude climate paints each season with its own distinct palette. Spring arrives tentatively, with lingering snow creating a winter wonderland that gradually gives way to wildflower meadows. Summer transforms the campground into a cool mountain refuge, where daytime temperatures remain pleasantly warm while nights require a cozy sleeping bag. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings greet campers with frost-kissed landscapes, and the air carries that unmistakable scent of changing seasons—a reminder to pack layers for your mountain adventure.

ElevationAt 7,600 feet above sea level, El Rito Campground sits in that sweet spot where the air is crisp, the views are expansive, and every breath feels refreshingly pure. This lofty perch offers more than just cooler temperatures—it's a front-row seat to dramatic weather patterns, stunning sunrises that paint the peaks, and an ever-changing canvas of clouds that dance across the mountain skyline.

Natural Features and SceneryEl Rito Creek serves as the campground's centerpiece, its crystal-clear waters carving a gentle path through stands of towering evergreens. The surrounding canyon walls create an intimate amphitheater of stone and forest, where morning mist rises from the creek to meet sunlight filtering through pine boughs. This rustic sanctuary perfectly balances the raw beauty of exposed rock faces with the soft comfort of shaded groves, creating countless quiet corners for reflection and discovery.

Geological RegionPerched on the banks of El Rito Creek at 7,600 feet, this campground occupies a remarkable geological setting where water has sculpted the landscape over millennia. The evergreen-clad slopes tell a story of resilient forests thriving in thin mountain air, while the creek itself continues its patient work of shaping the canyon floor. This creekside haven offers campers a chance to witness the ongoing dialogue between water and stone that defines the high country's character.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

The group shelter costs $75 per night, but further details about its capacity or features are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutDispersed camping is allowed: "You can actually camp anywhere 200ft from the road once you enter the campground anywhere." (User Review)

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the El Rito Ranger District.

Walk-in AvailabilityYou can actually camp anywhere 200ft from the road once you enter the campground anywhere." (User Review) First-come-first-serve sites are available.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules are unclear from the provided sources.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the provided materials.

Site SizeThe campground has 11 campsites, but specific size dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyUser reviews suggest a mix of privacy levels, with some sites being dispersed and the ability to camp anywhere 200 ft from the road.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites near the creek provide peaceful settings, but visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

El Rito Campground offers recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The area is noted for its serene natural beauty and proximity to El Rito Creek.

HikingThe campground provides excellent hiking access, though user reviews mention uneven trails with lots of rocks, making some paths challenging to traverse.

FishingFishing opportunities are available in El Rito Creek, although one user review noted that the creek was too low for fishing during their visit in late July.

Wildlife viewingGiven the serene natural environment, wildlife viewing may be possible, although one review noted a lack of wildlife due to frequent ATV activity.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Late night cars and ATVs that drive by." "The trails were okay but lots of rocks where you were walking on uneven rock roads." (User Reviews) Drunk drivers and trash have also been reported.

Active Alerts"This place is closed until further notice because people misuse the area with ATVs and have overrun all of the plants." (User Review)

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire pits at campsites.

Emergency ServicesEl Rito Ranger District, Phone: (575) 581-4554, Address: State Road 554, Building 1221, El Rito, NM 87530

Trash & RecyclingThere are no specific details about trash and recycling facilities, but user reviews note issues with littering and trash being left behind.

Water FeaturesLocated along El Rito Creek, which is low during certain seasons. Fishing may not be possible year-round.

Camp HostManaged by El Rito Ranger District.

Weather at El Rito Campground

Reviews

4.2

33 reviews

Satisfactory

El Rito Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for El Rito Campground are mixed, with some praising its natural beauty and peaceful setting, while others criticize issues like trash, noise from ATVs, and lack of site management.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers appreciated the serene natural environment, the opportunity to camp for free, and the beautiful views of El Rito Creek. Some also noted the peaceful ambiance and the chance to see the...

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from late-night ATV activity, litter and trash left by previous campers, rocky and uneven trails, and limited restroom facilities. Several users also noted poor...

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring all necessary supplies as the site is far from civilization. It's also recommended to have a vehicle capable of handling rough roads. Cleaning up the campsite area before...

Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is busier during summer, with some mentioning issues like low water levels in the creek for fishing. Winter access appears to be limited or closed, as one...

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

"For the first time in my life, I got to see the Milky Way in the sky." - Triss | "It’s a cool spot. Not as busy as some other campgrounds in northern NM. But, if you don’t have a car with 4 wheel...

Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user mentioned that only 8 of the 11 sites have picnic tables and fire pits, and others are dispersed camping areas.

Based on 33 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews address accessibility features, though the rugged terrain and primitive facilities suggest limited accessibility for those with disabilities.

Based on 33 reviews