Lincoln National Forest

Camping Guide

Sleep Under the Stars at 9,000 Feet

From developed campgrounds with amenities to free dispersed camping in the wilderness, the Sacramento Mountains offer unforgettable camping experiences surrounded by towering pines and starlit skies.

Reserve a Campsite Free Camping
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10+ Campgrounds
⛰️
8,700-9,000 ft
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Pine & Aspen Forest
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Free Dispersed Options
Where to Camp

Campgrounds Near Cloudcroft

The Sacramento Ranger District offers 10 developed campgrounds and 5 group sites, plus abundant dispersed camping opportunities.

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Family Campgrounds

ReservablePines Campground entrance among tall pines near Cloudcroft

Pines Campground

Heavily forested campground with large pine trees providing plenty of shade. Located just NE of Cloudcroft village at 8,700 feet elevation.

🏕️ 24 sites 🚐 RV up to 35 ft 💧 Drinking water 📅 14-day limit
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
ReservableDeerhead Campground pine forest campsites near Cloudcroft

Deerhead Campground

Heavily forested site with great views of White Sands salt flats. Access to Osha Trail, Little Apache Trail, and Old Cloudcroft Highway Trail.

⛰️ 8,700 ft 🌲 Shaded sites 👀 White Sands views 🥾 Trail access
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
ReservableApache Campground sign among mixed conifers near Cloudcroft

Apache Campground

Mixed conifer and aspen forest at 8,900 feet. Perfect escape from summer desert heat with cool mountain air and stunning fall colors.

🏕️ 25 sites ⛰️ 8,900 ft 🍂 Aspen forest ❄️ Cool temps
Check Availability →
FreeJames Canyon Campground shaded picnic sites in Lincoln National Forest

James Canyon

One of three free developed campgrounds in the area. Generally open May through September, weather permitting.

🆓 Free camping 📅 May-Sept 🚗 First-come
Forest Service Info →
FreeUpper Karr Canyon Campground among pines in Lincoln National Forest

Upper Karr Canyon

Free campground open year-round. One of the few camping options available during winter months.

🆓 Free camping 📅 Year-round 🚗 First-come
Forest Service Info →
FreeLower Karr Canyon Campground dispersed sites in forested setting

Lower Karr Canyon

Free developed campground. Generally open from May through September depending on weather conditions.

🆓 Free camping 📅 May-Sept 🚗 First-come
Forest Service Info →
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Group Campgrounds

GroupSlide Group Area with panoramic views of Tularosa Basin

Slide Group Area

Just 2 miles from Cloudcroft village. Stunning views of Tularosa Basin from the rim of the Sacramento Mountains. Adjacent to Rim Trail.

👥 Up to 90 people ⛰️ 9,000 ft 🌸 Wildflower meadow 🥾 Rim Trail access
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
GroupUpper Fir Group Area nestled in pine forest near Cloudcroft

Upper Fir Group Area

Most popular group site in the Sacramento Mountains. Set far back from roads for true peace and quiet. One of few group sites with water.

👥 Up to 120 people 💧 Water access 🔇 Secluded 🔗 Connects to Lower Fir
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
GroupLower Fir Group Area near historic railroad trestle

Lower Fir Group Area

One mile from Cloudcroft village near the historic railroad trestle. Dramatic views of Tularosa Basin and lush mountain meadows.

👥 Up to 70 people ⛰️ 9,000 ft 💧 Water access 🔗 Connects to Upper Fir
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
GroupBlack Bear and Aspen Group campground in Sacramento Mountains

Black Bear & Aspen Group

Two separate group campgrounds, each accommodating up to 70 people. Reservation only.

👥 Up to 70 each 📅 Reservation only 🌲 Forested
Check Availability →
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Free Dispersed Camping

FreeDispersed camping along Forest Road 568 among tall pines

Forest Road 568

Multiple dispersed sites with established fire rings right off Highway 244. From Cloudcroft, take Hwy 82 east to Hwy 244, then half a mile past designated campgrounds.

🆓 Free 🔥 Fire rings 🥾 Trail access 🚗 Dirt road
FreeBluff Springs dispersed camping with creek and waterfall

Bluff Springs Dispersed

Creek-side camping in a forested valley approximately 10 miles south of Cloudcroft off Sunspot Highway. Near the scenic waterfall.

🆓 Free 💧 Near creek 🌊 Waterfall nearby 📍 Sunspot Hwy
FreeDispersed camping in Lincoln National Forest ponderosa pines

Lincoln National Forest

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest unless posted otherwise. Look for existing fire rings and practice Leave No Trace principles.

🆓 Free 📅 14-day limit 🗑️ Pack it out 🔥 Check fire rules
Forest Service Guidelines →
Camping Tips

Camp Smart in the Mountains

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Pack for Cold Nights

Even in summer, nighttime temps can drop to 40°F. Bring warm sleeping bags and layers.

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Bear Aware

Store food in vehicles or bear-proof containers. Never keep food in your tent.

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Fire Restrictions

Check current fire restrictions before your trip. Our forest is precious and dry conditions are common.

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Bring Water

Not all campgrounds have potable water. Bring your own or plan to treat stream water.

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No Cell Service

Coverage is spotty to none in most camping areas. Download maps and tell someone your plans.

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Afternoon Storms

Summer monsoons bring afternoon thunderstorms. Set up camp early and avoid exposed areas.

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Leave No Trace

Pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and leave sites better than you found them.

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Ranger Station

Contact Sacramento Ranger District at (575) 682-1518 for current conditions and info.

Resources

Plan Your Camping Trip

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Recreation.gov

Reserve developed campsites and group areas online. Plan ahead for peak summer and fall weekends.

Make Reservations
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Lincoln National Forest

Official forest service info on campgrounds, fire restrictions, and dispersed camping rules.

Forest Info
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The Dyrt

Find dispersed camping spots and read reviews from fellow campers in the Cloudcroft area.

Find Sites

Ready to Camp Under the Stars?

Reserve your campsite or find a dispersed spot in the Lincoln National Forest.

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