El Rito
Open for the season. The campground operates spring through fall with dates weather-dependent, typically May 1 through October 1. All sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations required and no fee. No potable water or restrooms available.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 29 at 2:39PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
ESFABQ * IMPACTS...River, creek, washes and arroyos may reach out of banks. Rock, mud and debris may flow into roadways and flash flooding can not be ruled out, especially in urban areas. * CONFIDENCE...High confidence in widespread rainfall, with low confidence in river and flash flooding. * WHAT...A strong Pacific storm system will interact with a atmospheric river streaming into the Desert Southwest and Four Corners region, producing widespread rain which will focus in the mountains. * WHERE...Four Corners and surrounding region, including Aztec, Bloomfield, Farmington and Shiprock. * WHEN...Sunday into Monday. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...River basins are already saturated from last week's rainfall and flooding, making additional runoff more efficient and can more easily cause flooding problems. The greatest precipitation amounts are forecast in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, which will create high flows in the Animas and La Plata Rivers. These rivers feed the San Juan River, which saw record flooding last week. Continue to monitor forecasts for the updates as this situation unfolds. Follow NWS Albuquerque on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/NWSAlbuquerque and on X at: www.x.com/NWSAlbuquerque
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…
Kitchen Mesa Closure (Upper Trail)
The upper section of Kitchen Mesa Trail out of Ghost Ranch is currently closed to allow for critical trail reconstruction. The closure is expected to remain in effect through November 1, weather permitting.
About
El Rito Campground is a free, primitive campground located along El Rito Creek in the Carson National Forest, approximately 5 miles northwest of the small village of El Rito in northern New Mexico. At 7,600 feet elevation, the 11 campsites sit among pinon, cottonwood, spruce, juniper, and gambel oak, providing a scenic creekside setting that draws summer visitors. The campground is popular primarily for its fishing access. El Rito Creek supports brown trout in its lower reaches, while Rio Grande cutthroat trout can be found above Salvador Canyon. Day hiking is also available in the surrounding area. Wildlife in the area includes mule deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons, with occasional sightings of bears or mountain lions. This is a true primitive campground with no restrooms and no potable water. Campers must bring all their own water and be prepared for backcountry conditions. A group shelter with additional facilities is available by reservation for larger gatherings. Despite the lack of amenities, the campground sees heavy use during summer months due to its accessible location and quality fishing.
Directions
5 miles northwest of El Rito via NM 110 and FR 559
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 581-4554 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
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