Ojo Redondo Campground
05 reviewsTake Exit 53 at Thoreau and drive south on NM State Highway 612 past Bluewater Lake.
Quick Facts
8,900 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
15 campsites
Season
May 15 - October 15.
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
8,900 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
15 campsites
Season
May 15 - October 15.
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Ojo Redondo Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are charged for camping at Ojo Redondo Campground.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider505-287-8833Null
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 reviews
14 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanwaterlake
"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."
Fees & Passes at Ojo Redondo Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Null
Cancellation: Null
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Mt. Taylor Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Ojo Redondo Campground
Open from mid-May through mid-October, Ojo Redondo captures the best of mountain weather. Spring arrives with crisp mornings that may still kiss freezing, gradually warming into glorious summer days perfect for hiking and exploring. The dry climate means you'll enjoy abundant sunshine, while cool mountain breezes provide natural air conditioning even on summer afternoons. As autumn approaches, temperatures begin their descent, painting the aspens gold before the campground closes for its winter slumber.
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: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: May 15 - October 15.
- Current Alerts: Currently no closures or advisories mentioned.
About Ojo Redondo Campground
Tucked away in the enchanting Zuni Mountains, Ojo Redondo Campground offers a serene escape where pristine wilderness meets modern comfort. This intimate campground provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude among towering pines and crystal-clear mountain air. With easy access to winding trails, scenic service roads, and the sparkling waters of nearby Bluewater Lake, it serves as your perfect basecamp for high-country adventures.
The campground is suitable for tent camping and may accommodate small RVs based on road conditions.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this particular spot remains unwritten, the surrounding Zuni Mountains hold centuries of stories waiting to be discovered by curious campers.
Weather and SeasonsOpen from mid-May through mid-October, Ojo Redondo captures the best of mountain weather. Spring arrives with crisp mornings that may still kiss freezing, gradually warming into glorious summer days perfect for hiking and exploring. The dry climate means you'll enjoy abundant sunshine, while cool mountain breezes provide natural air conditioning even on summer afternoons. As autumn approaches, temperatures begin their descent, painting the aspens gold before the campground closes for its winter slumber.
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 SceneryA natural amphitheater of towering ponderosa pines, stately Douglas firs, and dancing aspens cradles this mountain sanctuary. Just beyond your tent or RV, a picturesque meadow spreads like nature's welcome mat, blooming with wildflowers in summer and providing a window to wildlife at dawn and dusk. The diverse forest creates a living cathedral where sunlight filters through branches and the mountain breeze carries the vanilla scent of pine bark.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campground is described as small, with around 15 spots per a user review.
Sites 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 CampsitesNull
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutAbout 15 campsites noted in user reviews.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 15 - October 15.
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityLikely walk-up as no reservation system is noted.
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
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
The area provides access to numerous trails in the Zuni Mountains, as indicated by a user review mentioning 'a ton of trails and service roads throughout the area.' Trail specifics, such as difficulty levels or lengths, are not detailed.Biking
Mountain biking is listed as a recreational activity available in the campground area.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not mentioned, but the seasonal operation of the campground (May 15 - October 15) excludes winter months.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not mentioned as available activities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Null
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsRoad conditions may be challenging due to elevation and precipitation. Wildlife safety is not explicitly mentioned, but common in forested areas.
Active alertsCurrently no closures or advisories mentioned.
Weather at Ojo Redondo Campground
39
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 15.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Mt. Taylor Ranger District (Address: 1800 Lobo Canyon Rd., Grants, NM 87020, Phone: 505-287-8833) is the closest emergency service.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingNo trash services are provided, and campers are required to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresBluewater Lake is close by, providing recreational opportunities.
Common complaintsSome users expressed safety concerns due to isolated location (User review by Sandra Koppen, 2023).
HostNull
Campground Map
Take Exit 53 at Thoreau and drive south on NM State Highway 612 past Bluewater Lake.
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).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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
Ojo Redondo Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 5 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 5 reviewsCommon 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 5 reviewsPro 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 5 reviewsSeasonal 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 5 reviewsShow more
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 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user specifically noted about 15 campsites available, along with mentions of nearby trails and Bluewater Lake.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet policies or experiences were noted in the existing reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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