Families planning summer camping trips to the Rio Costilla area will need to make other arrangements after campground managers announced an indefinite closure because of heightened wildfire danger.

The Rio Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association (RCCLA), which manages campgrounds in the area, said in a social media notice that all camping facilities would close beginning June 21 due to elevated fire risk.

Management cited below-average winter snowfall and spring precipitation, which have left vegetation unusually dry heading into the peak summer recreation season.

“This is not a decision we have made lightly,” campground management said in the post. “The safety of our visitors, staff, and surrounding community is our highest priority.”

The closure affects one of northern New Mexico’s popular summer recreation destinations, where generations of families have spent vacations fishing, hiking and camping in the forests surrounding the Rio Costilla area.

The shutdown comes as land managers across the Southwest continue monitoring drought conditions and wildfire threats that often intensify during the summer months. Dry conditions increase the risk that a small spark could quickly grow into a fast-moving wildfire, particularly in remote forested areas.

Campground management did not provide a timeline for reopening, saying facilities will remain closed until conditions improve.

Officials thanked visitors for their understanding and cooperation and said they look forward to welcoming campers back when it is safe to do so.