Armijo Springs Campground
05 reviews.
Armijo Springs Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
The campground is free for use. It does not require any fees for camping.
About this campground
Hidden like a treasured secret among towering ponderosa pines, Armijo Springs Campground offers an escape into nature's embrace. This partially developed mountain retreat combines the rustic charm of wilderness camping with thoughtful amenities for group gatherings. Picture afternoons filled with friendly volleyball matches and horseshoe tournaments beneath the pine-scented canopy, where cool mountain breezes provide natural air conditioning even on summer's warmest days. This secluded gem invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the timeless rhythms of the forest.
Armijo Springs Campground accommodates both primitive and group camping. It is primarily designed for a secluded, rustic camping experience.
Historical SignificanceWhile Armijo Springs may not boast ancient ruins or historic landmarks, its untold stories lie in the whisper of wind through pines and the unchanging presence of the natural spring that has likely drawn visitors to this spot for generations.
Weather and SeasonsThe mountain climate at Armijo Springs brings its own dramatic personality to your camping experience. While daytime temperatures remain pleasantly moderate throughout most of the year, the high-altitude desert environment orchestrates spectacular temperature swings that can plunge 30 degrees in just two hours as evening approaches. This theatrical weather shift transforms warm afternoons into crisp, star-filled nights that demand cozy campfires and extra layers. Experienced campers know to pack for both seasons in a single day, making the transition from t-shirts to fleece jackets part of the adventure.
ElevationPerched at 7,850 feet above sea level, Armijo Springs occupies that sweet spot where the air turns crisp and clean, and every breath feels like a gift from the mountains. This impressive elevation creates a natural climate refuge, where evening temperatures drop dramatically, painting breath in the air and inviting campers to gather around warming fires under brilliant star-studded skies.
Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of ponderosa pines and stately oaks creates an enchanting backdrop for your camping adventure at Armijo Springs. These gentle giants cast dancing shadows across the forest floor, their branches forming a natural canopy that filters sunlight into golden rays. The campground's namesake natural spring bubbles nearby, a timeless water source that adds its gentle music to the forest symphony. This harmonious blend of towering trees, dappled shade, and fresh mountain water creates an atmosphere of profound tranquility.
Geological RegionNestled within a secluded pocket of ponderosa pine forest, Armijo Springs occupies a unique ecological niche where majestic pines mingle with hardy oak trees. This diverse woodland creates multiple layers of shade and shelter, from the towering pine crowns to the spreading oak branches below. The interplay of these species maintains a naturally cool microclimate, transforming the campground into a refreshing mountain sanctuary where the forest floor stays pleasantly cool even as summer temperatures rise in the valleys below.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as secluded and lightly trafficked, providing a private experience for most visitors.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific sites are recommended in the source material.
Best Campsites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
.
Check-out
.
Stay Limit
14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations cannot be made in advance.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy is applicable, as use is free and first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Armijo Springs Campground offers day hiking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and picnicking opportunities. These activities capitalize on the natural surroundings and the serene environment.
Hiking
Day hikes are available, but no specific trail details such as lengths or difficulty levels are provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is listed as an activity, though specific species or recommended viewing spots are not detailed.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific rules regarding campfires are detailed in the source.
- Quiet hours are .
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground hosts wildlife such as bears, wolves, mountain lions, and coyotes, attracted by improper disposal of food or animal remains. Campers are cautioned to be vigilant.
Active alerts.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
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
Closest ranger station: Quemado Ranger District (#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829, Phone: 575-773-4678, Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 4 PM, Closed on federal holidays). Closest hospital and police station information not provided.
Good to know
Peak season dates.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities. Campers must pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresA natural spring is located near the site, but campers are advised not to rely on it for water quality or availability.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight issues such as noise from late-night arrivals and the poor quality of vault toilets. One camper mentioned, "These were the worst vault toilets I encountered on a 3k mile road trip."
Host.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Quemado go south on New Mexico Highway 32 approximately 18 miles to Forest Road 854. Go east approximately 4 miles. Forest Road 854 is not well marked on Highway 32 but a large brown sign for the campground is visible to the east of the intersection.
Forest Road 854 leading to the campground is not well-marked off Highway 32, but a large brown sign helps with navigation. Users need to be aware of this. The road conditions are not elaborated upon in the source.Nearby places
Quemado (18 miles south, approximate travel time not specified), Apache Creek (distance and time unspecified)
Nearby supplies
Quemado and Apache Creek have gas stations and small general stores providing basic supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Armijo Springs Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's seclusion, quietness, and suitability for group activities. Concerns were raised about the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the pack-it-in, pack-it-out trash policy.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciated the campground's seclusion and the natural shade provided by ponderosa pines. One user stated, 'We had the place to ourselves,' and another called it the 'best place to camp in...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The vault toilets received criticism, with one review describing them as 'the worst vault toilets I encountered on a 3k mile road trip.' Another user mentioned encountering trash left by previous...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing adequate supplies, including water, as potable water is not available. Another tip was to prepare for dramatic temperature drops at night.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, but seasonal reviews indicate that visitors must be prepared for significant nighttime temperature drops. Winter visits may require preparation for colder...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'We had the place to ourselves.' - John Farmer
2. 'Awesome campground a few miles off the main road.' - Russell Olivas
3. 'These were the worst vault toilets I encountered on a 3k mile road trip.'...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers or areas are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed. There are no specific reviews highlighting pet-related experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025