Black Kettle Campground
4.5716 reviewsnull
Black Kettle Campground
$0.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping is primarily free, but RV Nonelectric sites during peak season (May 15 - October 14) cost $10 per night.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil embrace of Black Kettle Campground, where the National Grassland offers a pristine retreat for those seeking an authentic back-to-basics camping experience. This hidden gem features 12 thoughtfully spaced camping units, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables, fire pits perfect for evening storytelling, and grills for outdoor cooking under the stars. While you'll find clean vault toilets throughout the grounds, the absence of drinking water and utility hookups ensures a genuine connection with nature. Best of all? Your wilderness adventure comes completely free of charge.
Black Kettle Campground offers free camping in a grassland setting, suitable for tents and RVs. The area is also described by reviewers as feeling more like a picnic area than a traditional campground.
Historical SignificanceThe stories of Black Kettle Campground remain as untold as the whispers in the wind through the grassland, waiting for modern adventurers to create their own tales and memories in this timeless landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience near-perfect camping conditions at Black Kettle, where Mother Nature seems to have crafted an outdoor enthusiast's dream. With crystal-clear skies greeting you 82.5% of the time and rain barely making an appearance (just 1.19% chance), you can plan your adventure with confidence. Temperatures dance between a crisp 28.5°F for those who love cool morning hikes and a comfortable 48.5°F for afternoon explorations. While spring through early fall offers the most inviting conditions, each season paints the grassland in its own spectacular palette.
ElevationPerched at 2,100 feet above sea level, Black Kettle offers that perfect sweet spot where the air feels refreshingly crisp without leaving you breathless. This moderate elevation creates an ideal microclimate—cool enough for comfortable hiking yet warm enough for relaxing evenings around the campfire. The dry conditions mean less humidity and more star-filled nights, making every moment outdoors feel invigorating.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled among a living cathedral of towering pines, ancient junipers, and stately oaks, Black Kettle Campground feels like nature's own sanctuary. A jewel-like lake mirrors the sky and surrounding forest, offering peaceful waterfront views that change with each passing hour. Well-maintained trails wind through the diverse landscape, inviting exploration, while soft grassy meadows provide the perfect carpet for your tent. Here, where forest meets water at 2,100 feet, every sunrise brings new discoveries and every sunset paints the landscape in golden hues.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent tapestry of Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, Black Kettle occupies a unique ecological crossroads where prairie meets forest. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's diversity with its signature blend of towering pines reaching skyward, aromatic junipers dotting the hillsides, and majestic oaks providing generous shade. The result is a geological wonderland where grassland ecosystems merge seamlessly with mountain forest habitats.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available. Paved parking spurs provide easy access for all visitors.
Sites SizeEach site is equipped to accommodate up to 10 people. Parking spurs are paved.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are spread out but do not provide significant privacy due to the open grassland setting.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent camping is recommended over RV camping due to site layouts.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers were mentioned as the best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
14 days during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates up to 10 people.
Groups
There is no specific mention of designated group campsites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are spread around the edge of a small lake. Some picnic tables are near rock fire rings, but camping feels more like a picnic area.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 15, 2025 - October 14, 2025 for first-come, first-served season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made in advance online or by phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are allowed; first come, first served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Black Kettle Campground can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives. A small lake provides opportunities for nature observation and relaxation.
Hiking
Several short trails are available near the campground, including trails that branch off from the north side of the lake and a trail around the dam.Fishing
Fishing is permitted, and there are fishing piers available near the lake.Boating
Boating is supported with amenities such as a concrete boat ramp and associated trailer parking.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as turkeys, rabbits, and even llamas have been spotted by visitors. The area is also home to coyotes, whose howls add to the natural ambiance.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are not explicitly mentioned, but the presence of a lake suggests potential opportunities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings and grills.
- Quiet hours are Scheduled quiet hours were not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsCoyotes, aggressive geese, and flies were noted by users. Drinking water is unavailable, creating a need for campers to bring their own supply.
Active alertsNo current warnings or advisories were provided.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 94%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15, 2025 - October 14, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo detailed information about trash and recycling facilities is provided. However, user reviews mention 'dumpsters' available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is alongside a small lake offering fishing piers and a boat ramp.
Common complaintsVault toilets are often dirty, fly infestations, aggressive geese, and lack of running water noted in user reviews.
HostNo information about campground hosts was provided.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsDirections to the campground are unavailable in the provided materials.
Accessibility details from major roads are not available.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
Cheyenne, a round trip of approximately 20 minutes, offers ice and supplies, according to user reviews.
Camper Reviews
4.6
16 reviews
Black Kettle Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is praised for its tranquil setting, cleanliness, and free access. However, some users noted drawbacks such as lack of potable water and the primitive nature of facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews
What Campers Love
Free camping with scenic views, proximity to a small lake, accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and fishing piers. The area is described as quiet, clean, and well-maintained.
Based on 16 reviewsCommon Concerns
No drinking water is available on-site. Some users found the vault toilets to be dirty. Geese in the area can be aggressive and might raid campsites. Flies were mentioned as a nuisance by one...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
"Bring your own water," "Keep pets on a leash," and "Be cautious about leaving food unattended due to aggressive geese."
Based on 16 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is described as clean and well-maintained throughout the year, but weather conditions such as heat lightning during the summer add to the camping experience.
Based on 16 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Camping at Black Kettle is like camping in a picnic area." "There aren't many free camping locations that offer multiple bathrooms, dumpsters, and waterfront views." "The vault toilets were really...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not numbered or described individually in the content provided.
Based on 16 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets and paved parking spurs were noted by reviewers. No complaints about accessibility for those with disabilities were mentioned.
Based on 16 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. A user mentioned that the campground is pet-friendly but advised keeping pets under control.
Based on 16 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025