El Rito, New Mexico · Rio Arriba County · Campground
Overview The El Rito Campground Group Shelter is situated along El Rito Creek and is part of a larger campground, El Rito Campground. The group shelter and campground are located approximately 5 miles from the small village of El Rito. Elevation of the group shelter is 7,600 feet with the predominant vegetation being p…
Overview The El Rito Campground Group Shelter is situated along El Rito Creek and is part of a larger campground, El Rito Campground. The group shelter and campground are located approximately 5 miles from the small village of El Rito. Elevation of the group shelter is 7,600 feet with the predominant vegetation being pinon, cottonwood, spruce, juniper and gambel oak. This is a great place to host your family and friends, graduation parties, organization meetings, and school events. Stay for the day or make it an overnight! Visitors can enjoy hiking and fishing, plus there are also nearby opportunities for sport and traditional climbing . Wildlife (depending on the season) may include mule deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and racoons plus the rare sighting of a bear or mountain lion. The campground is situated along the banks of the El Rito Creek. Typical season of use is May 1 to October 1. Check-in at the site is 1:00 PM on the start date of your reservation. Check-out is 11:00 AM on the last day of your reservation. Recreation The nearby creek is great for fishing and enjoying nature. Look for birds flitting around the water in search of their next aquatic meal and splash around in the creek on hot days when the water is lower and you need to cool off. The water from this creek begins in the mountains as snow and rain runoff and travels along the corridor shared with the picnic shelter/camping area. Cross the creek and you will find adventures at the base of the red cliffs. Can you spot the hawk flying overhead and was that a chipmunk that just ran past you?! Please do not climb the cliffs unless you are an experienced rope/harness climber. There are specific climbing areas designed for such adventures in the nearby vicinity. Facilities The beautiful, majestic timber shelter was constructed on a concrete foundation in 2018 and is situated in a big grassy meadow 200 feet from the river. Amenities included with your reservation of the group site include 1) a large grill
Photos
Southwest Conservation Corps 2022--group shelter site improvements — Forest ServiceA great placed to camp! — Forest Service
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Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to El Rito Campground--Group Shelter
Heading to El Rito Campground--Group Shelter? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for El Rito Campground--Group Shelter?
No central reservation system listed for El Rito Campground--Group Shelter. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10241523) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at El Rito Campground--Group Shelter?
El Rito Campground--Group Shelter has 1 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I contact El Rito Campground--Group Shelter?
