El Rito Campground
4.1013 reviewsState Road 554, Building 1221, El Rito, NM 87530
Quick Facts
7,600 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Site is open seasona...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
7,600 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Site is open seasona...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$75.00
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USFS
Provider(575) 581-4554
What Campers Say
4.10
Satisfactory
Based on 13 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."
Fees & Passes at El Rito Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Cancellation: Cancellation rules are unclear from the provided sources.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official El Rito Ranger District website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the provided materials.
Sites SizeThe campground has 11 campsites, but specific size dimensions are not provided.
Sites 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 CampsitesCampsites near the creek provide peaceful settings, but visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain.
Best Campsites
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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 are 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)
Open and Closed SeasonSite is open seasonally, from spring through fall, depending on weather conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the El Rito Ranger District.
Walk-in Availability"You 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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
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.
Hiking
The campground provides excellent hiking access, though user reviews mention uneven trails with lots of rocks, making some paths challenging to traverse.Fishing
Fishing 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 viewing
Given the serene natural environment, wildlife viewing may be possible, although one review noted a lack of wildlife due to frequent ATV activity.Winter Activities
The source materials do not provide information about winter recreation opportunities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned in the sources.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire pits at campsites.
Hazards
General hazards"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)
Weather at El Rito Campground
36
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
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Emergency Services
El Rito Ranger District, Phone: (575) 581-4554, Address: State Road 554, Building 1221, El Rito, NM 87530
Good to know
Peak season datesSpring to fall, weather-dependent.
Trash and recyclingThere are no specific details about trash and recycling facilities, but user reviews note issues with littering and trash being left behind.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along El Rito Creek, which is low during certain seasons. Fishing may not be possible year-round.
Common complaintsTrash and misuse of the area were repeatedly mentioned in user reviews, along with loud noise from ATVs and cars late at night.
HostManaged by El Rito Ranger District.
Campground Map
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)
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
13 reviews
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 13 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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific user reviews address accessibility features, though the rugged terrain and primitive facilities suggest limited accessibility for those with disabilities.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
"My two dogs loved it! Definitely would recommend." - Triss | There are no restrictions or specific amenities for pets mentioned in the materials.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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