Campgrounds Near Cloudcroft
The Sacramento Ranger District offers 10 developed campgrounds and 5 group sites, plus abundant dispersed camping opportunities.
Family Campgrounds
Pines Campground
Heavily forested campground with large pine trees providing plenty of shade. Located just NE of Cloudcroft village at 8,700 feet elevation.
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.
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.
James Canyon
One of three free developed campgrounds in the area. Generally open May through September, weather permitting.
Upper Karr Canyon
Free campground open year-round. One of the few camping options available during winter months.
Lower Karr Canyon
Free developed campground. Generally open from May through September depending on weather conditions.
Group Campgrounds
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.
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.
Lower Fir Group Area
One mile from Cloudcroft village near the historic railroad trestle. Dramatic views of Tularosa Basin and lush mountain meadows.
Black Bear & Aspen Group
Two separate group campgrounds, each accommodating up to 70 people. Reservation only.
Free Dispersed Camping
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.
Bluff Springs Dispersed
Creek-side camping in a forested valley approximately 10 miles south of Cloudcroft off Sunspot Highway. Near the scenic waterfall.
Lincoln National Forest
Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest unless posted otherwise. Look for existing fire rings and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Camp Smart in the Mountains
Essential tips for camping at 8,700–9,000 feet in the Sacramento Mountains.
Pack for Cold Nights
Even in summer, nighttime temps can drop to 40°F. Bring warm sleeping bags and layers.
Bear Aware
Store food in vehicles or bear-proof containers. Never keep food in your tent.
Fire Restrictions
Check current fire restrictions before your trip. Our forest is precious and dry conditions are common.
Bring Water
Not all campgrounds have potable water. Bring your own or plan to treat stream water.
No Cell Service
Coverage is spotty to none in most camping areas. Download maps and tell someone your plans.
Afternoon Storms
Summer monsoons bring afternoon thunderstorms. Set up camp early and avoid exposed areas.
Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and leave sites better than you found them.
Ranger Station
Contact Sacramento Ranger District at (575) 682-1518 for current conditions and info.
Plan Your Camping Trip
Essential resources for finding and reserving campsites near Cloudcroft.
Recreation.gov
Reserve developed campsites and group areas online. Plan ahead for peak summer and fall weekends.
Make ReservationsLincoln National Forest
Official forest service info on campgrounds, fire restrictions, and dispersed camping rules.
Forest InfoThe Dyrt
Find dispersed camping spots and read reviews from fellow campers in the Cloudcroft area.
Find SitesReady to Camp Under the Stars?
Reserve your campsite or find a dispersed spot in the Lincoln National Forest. Cool mountain air and dark skies await.