Carson National Forest — riversideLive availability via Recreation.gov· synced every 30 min
Abiquiu, NM, NM★ 4.8 (4 reviews)From $75/nightFederal campground · book on Recreation.gov
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.
Best for:CampersNature loversFamiliesSites:Tent
LIVE · weather + fire + AQI + availability + wildlife
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseCheck-in2:00 PM
Check-out12:00 PM
SeasonMay through October
Stay limit14 days
HookupsNo hookups.
Pull-throughsAvailable
PetsAllowed
CampfiresAllowed
Max/site6 people
Amenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedEssentials
Fire RingsCamp Host
Recreation
Picnic Tables
Family & Pets
Vault Toilets
Straight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Known issuesFederal campground — book early. No hookups at most sites. Seasonal operations.
Skip it if:✕ You need hookups — no hookups available at this site✕ You plan to visit November through April — seasonal operations May through October only✕ You have a low-clearance vehicle — entrance conditions require high-clearance or AWD
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a federal campground with limited availability
Bring all-wheel or high-clearance vehicle; entrance has deep potholes and ruts requiring 4WD access
Pack cold-weather gear even in shoulder seasons; sunrise temperatures are cold at this elevation
Best: May
Season opening month with cooler temperatures at 7,600 ft elevation; prepare for cold at sunrise
Best: September
Verified visitation month with manageable weather, though temperatures drop significantly at sunrise
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetT-Mobile
4G · 0%
Verizon
4G · 0%
AT&T
4G · 0%
FCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmAlert: Red Fox, Gunnison's Prairie Dog, American Ermine, Western Meadowlark, Black-billed Magpie, and Spiny Lizards present in the area
Location
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
575-581-4554· Carson National Forest
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Carson National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Carson National Forest before arrival — seasonal closures common.
- Bear country — store all food in bear boxes or locked vehicle at all times.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does El Rito Campground--Group Shelter cost per night?+
El Rito Campground--Group Shelter costs $75 per night. Hookup options: No hookups.
What season is El Rito Campground--Group Shelter open?+
El Rito Campground--Group Shelter is open May through October. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.
Does El Rito Campground--Group Shelter have hookups?+
No hookups.
What is the maximum RV length at El Rito Campground--Group Shelter?+
El Rito Campground--Group Shelter is primarily a tent camping facility.
How do I make reservations at El Rito Campground--Group Shelter?+
El Rito Campground--Group Shelter is a federal campground — book 6 months ahead at Recreation.gov. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.
What is the cell service like at El Rito Campground--Group Shelter?+
According to FCC coverage maps, cell signal at El Rito Campground--Group Shelter is rated none. FCC maps show theoretical coverage — actual signal in remote or heavily forested areas may be weaker.
What season is El Rito Campground--Group Shelter open, and what are check-in times?+
El Rito Campground--Group Shelter is open May through October. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.
Official resources
●Data sources on this page
Recreation.gov — Live site availability — updated every 30 min
recreation.gov · RIDB API
National Weather Service — Live hourly forecast + active alerts
api.weather.gov · open-meteo.com
Google Air Quality API — Live AQI at exact campground coordinates
airquality.googleapis.com
iNaturalist — Research-grade wildlife within 8km
api.inaturalist.org
Google Pollen API — Today’s tree, grass & weed pollen forecast
pollen.googleapis.com
FCC Broadband Map — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile 4G/5G coverage data
broadbandmap.fcc.gov · quarterly
Sunrise-Sunset.org — Sunrise, sunset & golden hour for today
api.sunrise-sunset.org
Google Street View — Campground entrance & access road imagery
maps.googleapis.com
RIDB — ADA sites, hookups, toilets, pets, campfire rules, bear boxes, max RV, activities, contact, directions
ridb.recreation.gov · /facilities /campsites /activities /links /recareas
CamperWatch never fabricates data. Where data is unavailable, it is not shown.
$75 /night★ 4.8 (4)
SeasonMay through October
Check-in2:00 PM
Check-out12:00 PM
Dates full? Get an availability alert
FAQ
How much does El Rito Campground--Group Shelter cost per night?+
What season is El Rito Campground--Group Shelter open?+
Does El Rito Campground--Group Shelter have hookups?+
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