El Rito Campground--group Shelter
Open for the season, which typically runs May 1 through October 1. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Check-in at 1:00 PM, check-out at 11:00 AM. Quiet hours 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Flood Watch issued October 31 at 1:38AM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of north central, northwest, and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in north central New Mexico, Far Northwest Highlands, Jemez Mountains, Northwest Highlands and Tusas Mountains Including Chama. In northwest New Mexico, Chuska Mountains and Northwest Plateau. In west central New Mexico, San Francisco River Valley, Southwest Mountains, West Central Highlands, West Central Mountains and West Central Plateau. * WHEN...From late tonight through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Another round of widespread rainfall is expected Sunday into Monday with rainfall amounts generally between 1 and 2 inches near and west of the Continental Divide, except near 3 inches in favored upslope regions of the Tusas Mountains near Chama. This rainfall will occur over very saturated soils which will increase runoff. These are also areas that are still recovering from the last flood event. River rises are likely, but rises are not expected to be as high as the last flood event. If river flooding materializes, it will likely continue into Monday evening. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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…
Post-Storm Road Conditions
Recent storms have caused degrading road conditions in some parts of the forest, especially on the Jicarilla Ranger District, where roads are largely inaccessible.With more weather forecasted, visitors should understand that road conditions can change fast: A road used to enter the forest may not…
About
El Rito Campground Group Shelter is a reservable group site tucked along the banks of El Rito Creek in Carson National Forest at 7,600 feet elevation. The surrounding landscape features pinon, cottonwood, spruce, juniper, and gambel oak, with striking red cliffs visible across the creek. The shelter accommodates up to 75 people and includes a large covered structure with a pedestal grill, seven picnic tables (four at the shelter and three dispersed), and three campfire rings throughout the site. The site allows up to five RV trailers and offers ample space for tent camping. A vault toilet and trash receptacle are provided, but campers must bring their own drinking water as no potable water is available. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and bands or DJ services are prohibited due to the shelter's proximity to nearby campgrounds and residences. The nearby creek offers fishing opportunities and a chance to cool off on hot days. Wildlife in the area may include mule deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons, with occasional bear or mountain lion sightings. Rock climbing areas exist nearby for experienced climbers with proper equipment.
Directions
From El Rito, travel approximately 5 miles northwest via NM 110 and Forest Road 559.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 581-4554 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Carson NF El Rito Campground |
Availability
Photos
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