How much does camping cost at Ojo Redondo Campground?

Camping fees at Ojo Redondo Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Ojo Redondo Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ojo Redondo Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Likely walk-up as no reservation system is noted.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ojo Redondo Campground before I book?

Yes! Ojo Redondo Campground has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ojo Redondo Campground?

Ojo Redondo Campground is open Null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ojo Redondo Campground?

Ojo Redondo Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Ojo Redondo Campground?

Fire policies at Ojo Redondo Campground: Null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Ojo Redondo Campground have?

Ojo Redondo Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Ojo Redondo Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Ojo Redondo Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Ojo Redondo Campground?

Ojo Redondo Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ojo Redondo Campground?

Popular activities at Ojo Redondo Campground include Hiking, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ojo Redondo Campground

3.63

19 reviews

Take Exit 53 at Thoreau and drive south on NM State Highway 612 past Bluewater Lake.

Featured in:Hiking Camping New Mexico

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

May 15 - October 15.

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

May 15 - October 15.

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Ojo Redondo Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are charged for camping at Ojo Redondo Campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

505-287-8833Null

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Ojo Redondo Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Take Exit 53 at Thoreau and drive south on NM State Highway 612 past Bluewater Lake.

Ojo Redondo Campground

Take Exit 53 at Thoreau and drive south on NM State Highway 612 past Bluewater Lake.

Nearby places

Grants and Thoreau are nearby, though exact distances are not provided.

Nearby supplies

Bluewater Lake area may offer limited supplies, but exact amenities are unclear. Null.

Driving directionsTake Exit 53 at Thoreau and drive south on NM State Highway 612 past Bluewater Lake. The road becomes FR178 at the Forest boundary. Continue south on FR178 for 8 miles to the junction with FR480. Turn east (left) and drive two miles further to the campground entrance on the right.

Road access may be challenging due to elevation and precipitation as noted. 'The road is a little rough but easy enough to get by' (User review by Scott Mccrobie, 2021).

Weather at Ojo Redondo Campground

Current alert: Currently no closures or advisories mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Ojo Redondo Campground

Summer brings the best conditions, with daytime temperatures typically between 60 and 75°F and cool nights dropping to 35–45°F. The high elevation keeps afternoons comfortable and evenings bug-free under clear skies. July and August bring occasional monsoon thunderstorms in the afternoon. The campground operates mid-May through mid-October, closing before winter conditions arrive.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 15–Oct 15; summer days 60–75°F with cool nights and low bugs, ideal mountain summer retreat.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 15 - October 15.

About Ojo Redondo Campground

Ojo Redondo Campground sits at 8,900 feet in the Zuni Mountains of Cibola National Forest, southwest of Mt. Sedgwick near Grants. The small campground offers 15 primitive tent sites with picnic tables but no water or trash service. Low visitation means campers often have the place to themselves.

The campground is suitable for tent camping and may accommodate small RVs based on road conditions.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions, with daytime temperatures typically between 60 and 75°F and cool nights dropping to 35–45°F. The high elevation keeps afternoons comfortable and evenings bug-free under clear skies. July and August bring occasional monsoon thunderstorms in the afternoon. The campground operates mid-May through mid-October, closing before winter conditions arrive.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,900 feet above sea level, Ojo Redondo sits in the rarified air of the high country. This lofty elevation rewards visitors with cooler temperatures and spectacular vistas, though newcomers to altitude should take it easy their first day or two. The thin mountain air makes stars appear closer and sunrises more spectacular, creating an alpine experience that feels worlds away from the desert below.

Natural Features and SceneryVolcanic highlands shaped millions of years ago form the foundation for this high-country setting. Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and aspen forest the slopes, opening onto a meadow that creates dramatic contrast between evergreens and sky. The clearing provides sightlines across the volcanic terrain and access to the surrounding forest. Bluewater Lake sits nearby for water-based recreation.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of the Zuni Mountains southwest of majestic Mt. Sedgwick, Ojo Redondo occupies a special corner of New Mexico's volcanic highlands. This ancient landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where volcanic forces once shaped the terrain now blanketed in evergreen forests. The adjoining meadow, carved by time and weather, creates a natural clearing that showcases the dramatic interplay between forest and sky unique to this mountain ecosystem.

Scenic ViewsGreat Zuni mountain scenery, as mentioned in user reviews.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations like cabins or lodges are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe 15 primitive sites spread across a small area. Reviewers note the campground feels isolated when empty. Higher-clearance vehicles handle the access road more easily.

Reservation PlatformsNull

Walk-in AvailabilityLikely walk-up as no reservation system is noted.

Cancellation PolicyNull

Site SizeThe campground is described as small, with around 15 spots per a user review.

PrivacyReviews suggest that the campground often has low occupancy, with users reporting having the entire campground to themselves. However, this solitude has been perceived as both a positive and a negative aspect depending on the reviewer.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesNull

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a tranquil place for nature-related activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking. Hunting is also permitted in the area.

Hiking

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad conditions may be challenging due to elevation and precipitation. Wildlife safety is not explicitly mentioned, but common in forested areas.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Ojo Redondo Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.6

19 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ojo Redondo Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is described as small, quiet, and clean, with beautiful natural surroundings. Users appreciated the solitude, though some found it unsettling when completely alone. Accessibility to nearby trails and scenic views were commonly praised.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's cleanliness, scenic beauty, and serene environment. Proximity to trails and nearby attractions such as Bluewater Lake was also noted.

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users commented on feeling unsafe due to the remoteness and lack of other campers. A rough access road and the absence of cell service were also mentioned as drawbacks.

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user specifically noted about 15 campsites available, along with mentions of nearby trails and Bluewater Lake.

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should prepare for no potable water and no trash services by bringing their own water and packing out all trash. Some reviews recommend a higher-clearance vehicle due to rough roads.

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground operates from May 15 to October 15, with cooler temperatures compared to the surrounding area during the summer, making it an excellent retreat from the heat. User reviews suggest...

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Awesome, small, quiet and clean campground. Close to Grants or Thoreau." - Jeremy Meeks. "I have the entire campground to myself and this place is beautiful and well kept." - Scott Mccrobie. "Such a...

Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.

Based on 19 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Solitude-seekers and mountain bikers who don't mind hauling in water will do well here. Summer days run 60-75°F, evenings cool off sharply, and trail access from camp is extensive across the Zuni Mountains service roads.

Skip if

No cell service is a real barrier, not just an inconvenience. The access road wants higher clearance, there's zero potable water on site, and the isolation genuinely unsettled some reviewers, including solo campers who found the emptiness more stressful than restorative.

Nearby Campgrounds

HC 73 BOX 3419, Prewitt, New Mexico, 87045, United States

Bluewater Lake sits at 7,428 feet in northwest New Mexico's high desert, where canyon walls meet a sizable reservoir. The campground has 14 sites ranging from primitive to electric hookups, with fees from $10 to $15 per night. Two main sections (Lakeside and Canyonside) offer different experiences, though many sites aren't level. RVers should bring leveling blocks.

$10.00 - $15.00 / night

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HC 61 Box 43, Ramah, NM, 87321, USA

El Morro Campground sits at the base of a towering sandstone bluff in El Morro National Monument, near Ramah in western New Mexico. This National Park Service campground offers free first-come, first-served sites under piñon and juniper trees, with vault toilets and potable water when temperatures permit. Visitors use it as a base for exploring the monument's ancient inscriptions and hiking trails around the mesa.

Perched on dramatic volcanic terrain, Joe Skeen Campground offers adventurous campers a front-row seat to El Malpais' ancient lava flows and towering sandstone formations—all completely free. This well-maintained BLM gem features shaded picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though its stunning setting and zero price tag mean sites fill fast on pleasant weekends.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

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(14)

Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground

10 miles northeast of Grants, NM (Specific road address not provided)

Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground sits at 7,437 feet in the Cibola National Forest, about 30 minutes from Grants. This is a day-use area, not a campground. Multiple visitors report finding "day use only" signs despite some mapping apps listing it for overnight stays. Open May 15 through September 15, the site features a CCC-built group shelter from the 1930s, vault toilets, and scattered picnic tables under pines and junipers.

Primitive

36.111 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

1800 LOBO CANYON RD, GRANTS, NM, USA 87020

Coal Mine Campground sits in Cibola National Forest near Grants, New Mexico, at 7,400 feet elevation. This Forest Service campground offers small-scale tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for quiet forest atmosphere, stargazing, and hiking access during the seasonal operating window.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

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Campgrounds

Cibola National Forest and Grasslands

Ojo Redondo Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Ojo Redondo Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>This campground is located southwest of  Mt. Sedgwick, the highest peak in the Zuni Mountains.  It is situated in ponderosa pine, douglas fir, and aspen trees, with a scenic meadow adjacent to the campground.  Be advised of road conditions due to elevation and precipitation.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 8,900 ft. The campground, pack it in, pack it out, is located at the end of a scenic drive beside a very pretty meadow among Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and Aspen. The campground name is an old Spanish name meaning "round spring." The adjacent meadow features a meandering stream which attracts a variety of wild life.

Seasons & access

Open May 15 through September 15 Cibola National Forest 102

RV information

The parallel parking aprons are gravel.

Directions

In Thoreau, NM, take State Rt. 612 south 13.9 miles to end of pavement. Continue straight onto gravel roadway (unmarked Forest Rt. 178) and go 9.2 miles to "T" intersection and campground sign. Turn left at intersection and go 2.7 miles on unmarked Forest Rt. 480 to campground sign. Turn right into campground. NOTE: Forest Rt. 480 is single-lane with few turnouts.

National Forest: Cibola National Forest
Ranger District: Mt. Taylor
Elevation: 8900
Rate: No charge
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May 15 – October 15