Tres Ritos Scout Camp

For those of us in New Mexico who understand the profound value of outdoor education, personal growth, and community bonding, places like Tres Ritos Scout Camp hold a special significance. Nestled high in the picturesque Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this camp provides a unique and immersive experience, primarily for youth and organized groups, offering a chance to connect with nature, learn new skills, and build lasting memories in a truly inspiring setting.

Tres Ritos Scout Camp is more than just a campground; it’s an established facility designed to foster adventure and development in a pristine mountain environment. While often associated with scouting programs, its facilities can also be available for rental by other groups, providing an excellent opportunity for various organizations to host their own retreats or educational experiences. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Tres Ritos Scout Camp, detailing its unique location, the services it offers, its standout features, and why it's a valuable resource for local New Mexicans seeking a meaningful outdoor experience for their groups.

Tres Ritos Scout Camp is situated at 89 NM-518, Vadito, NM 87579, USA. This address places it squarely within the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico, a region renowned for its stunning high-altitude scenery, lush forests, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The camp is located along New Mexico State Highway 518, which is a key route connecting Taos to Las Vegas, New Mexico, passing through scenic mountain terrain.

Accessibility to Tres Ritos Scout Camp is generally good, given its location on a state highway. NM-518 is a paved road, ensuring relatively easy access for buses, vans, and other vehicles transporting groups to the camp. While it's a mountain road, it is typically well-maintained, though visitors should always be mindful of weather conditions, especially during winter months when snow and ice can be present.

The camp's high-altitude setting (often around 8,400 feet above sea level) means cooler temperatures, particularly in the summer, offering a refreshing escape from the warmer climates found in other parts of New Mexico. It is approximately 26 miles southeast of Taos and just a few miles east of Sipapu Ski Area, making it convenient for those coming from different directions within New Mexico. The relatively remote yet accessible location ensures a genuine mountain experience while still being within reach of necessary services and supplies in nearby towns.

• Camp Post Facilities (for rent): The camp features a "Camp Post" with two bunk houses, a full-functioning dining hall, and shower facilities. These are available for rent, providing comfortable accommodations and essential services for groups.

• Camp Tres Ritos Facilities (for rent): Separate from the Camp Post, Camp Tres Ritos itself offers additional shower facilities, food storage and preparation facilities, and an enclosed program building. This camp is typically available for rent from Memorial Day to Labor Day on a first-come basis, with potential for winter camping.

• Shooting Ranges: The camp boasts a shotgun, rifle, and archery range, providing opportunities for safe and supervised marksmanship activities, often as part of educational programs like the Hunter Education Camp.

• Swimming Pool: A swimming pool is available on-site, offering a refreshing amenity for campers, especially welcome during warmer summer days in the mountains.

• Patrol-Style Cooking Support: For scout programs, the camp emphasizes "100% patrol cooking," where food is distributed, and troops cook meals at their campsites. This fosters teamwork and outdoor cooking skills.

• Program Buildings: Enclosed program buildings provide space for indoor activities, workshops, and educational sessions, making the camp versatile for various group needs, even during inclement weather.

• Food Provided (for specific programs): For certain programs, such as summer camps, the camp provides food to be cooked by the participants, simplifying meal planning for attending groups.

• Tent Camping Areas: The camp accommodates traditional tent camping, with designated campsites for units. Campers are typically required to provide their own tents.

• High-Altitude Mountain Camping Experience: Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Tres Ritos offers a genuine "high-altitude mountain camping experience." This provides cooler temperatures, stunning vistas, and a unique environment for outdoor activities.

• Extensive Hiking Locations: The camp provides access to some of "the finest hiking locations" in the country. The surrounding national forest (likely Carson National Forest) offers numerous trails for exploration, from leisurely walks to challenging treks.

• Spectacular Scenery: Visitors consistently praise the "spectacular scenery" of the area. The lush valleys, rugged mountains, and the Rio de los Tres Ritos (River of Three Rites) create a breathtaking backdrop for any outdoor adventure.

• Dedicated to Youth Development: A core highlight is the camp's commitment to youth development. Through programs like the "Trail to First Class" and various merit badge classes, it offers a structured environment for learning essential outdoor skills and fostering personal growth.

• Mountain Biking Trail: The inclusion of a "5-mile Mountain Biking Trail" provides a specific recreational feature for cycling enthusiasts, adding another dimension to the outdoor activities available.

• Unique Merit Badge Classes: For scouting groups, the camp offers merit badge classes that "take place in the stunning outdoors," providing hands-on learning experiences in subjects like camping, first aid, cooking, and survival skills.

• Adaptable for Various Groups: While a scout camp, the availability of facilities for rent makes it adaptable for various youth organizations, educational groups, or even family reunions seeking a large, equipped outdoor venue.

• "One of My Favorite Places on Earth!": This direct quote from a customer review encapsulates the profound positive impact the camp has on its visitors, highlighting the lasting memories and strong sense of affection it inspires.

Tres Ritos Scout Camp is operated by the South Plains Council of the Boy Scouts of America. For inquiries regarding camp rentals, programs, or general information, the primary contact details are as follows:

• Address: 89 NM-518, Vadito, NM 87579, USA (Note: Mail may be directed to their main office in Lubbock, TX)

• Phone (South Plains Council): (806) 747-2631

• Mobile Phone: +1 806-747-2631

• Email (General Inquiries): nathan.baie@scouting.org

For specific camp site requests or program questions related to summer camps, an email contact like sonja.morton@scouting.org may be provided, so it is always best to check the official South Plains Council website for the most current and specific contact information for Tres Ritos programs and rentals. Due to its nature as a group-oriented facility, direct communication is recommended for planning any visit.

For New Mexicans, Tres Ritos Scout Camp stands as an invaluable local resource, particularly for youth organizations, schools, and even large family groups seeking a structured yet deeply immersive outdoor experience. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its unique combination of location, specialized facilities, and educational focus.

Firstly, its prime location in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offers a genuine high-altitude escape right in our backyard. For our local youth, this means easy access to breathtaking natural beauty, where they can experience cooler summer temperatures and the invigorating mountain air without the need for extensive travel. This accessibility makes it a practical choice for schools, scout troops, and other organizations looking for a memorable, multi-day outdoor program.

Secondly, the camp's comprehensive facilities, including bunk houses, a dining hall, shower facilities, and specialized ranges for shooting and archery, cater specifically to group needs. This infrastructure allows for organized activities, educational workshops, and comfortable stays for larger contingents, something smaller, public campgrounds may not offer. For local leaders planning youth development programs, this all-encompassing environment simplifies logistics and enhances the overall quality of the experience. The emphasis on "patrol-style cooking" and outdoor-based merit badge classes for scouts, for example, directly aligns with the hands-on learning ethos many New Mexicans appreciate in outdoor education.

Moreover, the consistent positive feedback from visitors, describing it as "one of my favorite places on Earth" and highlighting "a wonderful time" with a "nice atmosphere," speaks volumes about the quality of the experience. The daily afternoon rain showers that help "cool things down" are also a familiar and often welcome aspect of mountain summers in New Mexico, contributing to the authentic local feel. Tres Ritos Scout Camp isn't just a place to camp; it's a dedicated institution for building character, fostering outdoor skills, and creating enduring memories within the stunning natural embrace of our New Mexico mountains, making it an ideal choice for our local communities.

Tres Ritos Scout Camp

89 NM-518, Vadito, NM 87579, USA