Ghost Ranch

Absolutely beautiful! We didn't have enough time. Will return and really soak in the beauty and history here. So awesome to see and be where Georgia O'Keeffe had been and painted.

Ghost Ranch is near Abiquiu Reservoir. The scenery is spectacular. Famous artist, Georgia O'Keeffe, had a home here and created many of her amazing paintings here. Karen and I have been to Ghost Ranch a few times. We've taken the Chimney Rock hike a few times and love it. Our plan for this trip was to stay overnight in our camper van, which we have never done at Ghost Ranch, and hike the Kitchen Mesa Trail.

It was spectacular. I think it's my new favorite New Mexico hike. Ghost Ranch is run by the Presbyterian Church. They do a lot of retreat programs at the ranch and they have a campground. There are quite a few campsites in the camp. They have about four spots for large RVs with electricity and water (and possibly sewer). Many sites have 15AMP electricity. It was going to be cold so we wanted to have electricity for an electric heater and our electric blanket. We ended up being one of only three RV campers in the entire campground so we had the pick of sites. We chose a site way in the back away from the others. (Nov 19th)

(A few spots have 50Amp service. There is a dump on the property. No sewer hookups.)

The campground is normally closed after October but they have decided to keep the campground open all year. However, the bathroom/showers closest to the campground are shut down for the winter. (Call them to make sure that this is still the case if you go in the winter.)

(Read more about our visit and see a video of our amazing hike up to Kitchen Mesa on the attached blog post.)

From the Ghost Ranch - RV Camping webpage:
The Campground has facilities for RV camping, with or without electricity. An RV is defined as any motorized vehicle (van camper, pop-up trailer, motor home, 5th wheel, or truck camper). Most sites have a table and a fire ring, and only a very limited number have shade. Campfires are permitted only when weather conditions allow. Water and a dump station are available at the Campground, but not necessarily at specific sites.

Full hookup sites include water and a dump station at the site, and 30- and/or 50-amp electric hookups. There are only a small number of full hookup sites, available on a first come, first served basis.

The communal bath house is equipped with an ice machine, shared refrigerator, showers, sinks and coin-operated laundry.

There is a 10-20 minute walk to the Dining Hall and meeting rooms. No pets are allowed in the campground (except for approved assistance animals).

Campers should check in first at the Main Office, and then with the Campground Host. Please inform the Main Office of the total length of the vehicle, plus any towed trailer or extra vehicles.

Currently open — May until early October 2016, campsites are not pre-assigned, nor may specific sites be reserved in advance. Meal tickets may be purchased in the Welcome Center or at the Dining Hall; meals in the Dining Hall will not be served to campers without a ticket.

Our Blog Post:
http://sockmonkeytrekkers.blogspot.com/2016/12/ghost-ranch-rving-kitchen-mesa-hike.html

We camped here on July 4. There were evening activities which included a small parade and a musical group. Our site had 30 amp electric and water. The sites in the campground (all on dirt) are not particularly level. At our site we used all three bags of the blocks we carry and could not get completely level. If we came again, I would try and get one of the full hook up sites as they appeared to be the most level. There are two interesting museums on the property. The scenery is wonderful. There is about 1.5 miles of gravel road to get to the campground from highway 84. The restroom in the campground was very adequate and included showers, washer/dryers, and a refrigerator for camper use. Wifi was available in the welcome center where you register. Check the Ghost Ranch website for information on all the activities going on there.

The scenery is beautiful, but you’re way better off staying at Abiquiu Lake 10 minutes away.

Reservations are first come first serve, they have no idea who is where.

Layout is ridiculous...“Pull-through” sites are set up, in some cases, for 3 rigs!! Luckily nobody got the middle space. Some of the full hookup sites have all hook ups on the wrong side of the RV. Dump station is on the wrong side of the one-way road.

Again, a beautiful area, but there are plenty of nearby areas (Abiquiu Lake, Echo Amphitheater Campground, El Vado and Heron Lake State Parks, that are much nicer and1/3 the price. We covered our main requirement (full hookup with 97° forecast) but next time I’ll plan ahead a bit more and stay someplace else.

The campgrounds are old and rundown. We never saw the camp hosts. DEFINITELY do not expect full hookups. We ran our extension cord 100+ feet to nearest plug. The Abiquiu Lake accomodations are much nicer and $10/night.

Nice campground in a beautiful setting with options for full hookup of even dry camping. Since it is full on winter I decided to go for the electric and water option, 30 Amp power. DOGS ARE WELCOME!!!
As with all campgrounds they must be on leash.
The bathroom/bathhouse is heated with flush toilets, showers, and even coin operated washer (2) and dryer.
The hiking trails were fun. But of course with winter hiking came some snow and mud patches.
And check out the museums while you are here. Kids of all ages will love the dinosaur museum! This is Georgia O'Keefe country and you will see so many of the sights that inspired her paintings.

Wow this place is gorgeous, Picturesque New Mexico landscape at its finest. Worth the detour for sure! Wish we were here longer.