Mccrystal Campground

Star4.73
13 reviews
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

8,140 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

55 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mccrystal Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on reservation type and methods, ranging from $3 in-person to $8 online. If you cancel late, you may incur additional fees or lose...
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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

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What Campers Say

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 13 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietfriendly

"User reviews highlight the campground's serene and remote nature, making it perfect for solitude and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. Many users praise the lack of crowding and the picturesque Valle Vidal setting."

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Campground Map

Mccrystal Campground

36.7774, -105.1126

Driving directions36 miles northwest of Cimarron via US 64 &FR 1950
Graveled roads are not maintained during the rainy season and may only be passable with a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Nearby places
Cimarron: 36 miles northwest
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Mccrystal Campground

McCrystal Campground basks in remarkably clear mountain weather, with brilliant blue skies gracing visitors over 80% of the time during peak season. The high-altitude climate creates crisp, invigorating conditions perfect for outdoor adventures, with daytime temperatures reaching a comfortable 40°F and nighttime lows dipping to a refreshing 16°F. Gentle mountain breezes averaging 7 mph keep the air fresh and clean, while occasional dustings of snow (less than an inch) add a magical touch to the landscape without hindering access or activities.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Wildflowers, clear skies (~80%), and hiking/fishing make summer attractive.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Meadows 'turn golden' in autumn; wildlife activity remains a draw.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers wildlife activity and blooms but may have muddy roads and horse-related flies noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

High elevation implies snow; no specifics on winter access or services provided.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: null
  • Current Alerts: null

About Mccrystal Campground

Nestled deep in the heart of Valle Vidal's pristine wilderness, McCrystal Campground offers 55 spacious sites where the untamed spirit of New Mexico's high country comes alive. This coveted basecamp attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round, serving as the perfect launching point for world-class elk and bear hunting expeditions, backcountry hiking adventures, and fly fishing in crystal-clear mountain streams. Here, where the morning mist dances across alpine meadows and bugling elk echo through the valleys, you'll discover why seasoned outdoorsmen return to McCrystal season after season.
McCrystal Campground offers 55 campsites suitable for tent and RV camping. The remote location and primitive setup give it a dispersed camping vibe. There is no reservation system, and spots are generally available even during busy weekends.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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Activities you can enjoy

McCrystal Campground serves as a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting as its main attractions. The surrounding Valle Vidal area offers diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, making it a great spot for nature photography and exploration.
HikingThe campground is located in an area suitable for hiking, surrounded by Valle Vidal's scenic trails, but specific trail details such as length or difficulty are not provided.
FishingFishing is one of the key activities promoted for this site, though no specific details about fish species or best fishing spots are mentioned.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is in elk and bear country, making it an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Reviewers have noted sightings of hummingbirds and White-lined Sphinx moths, adding to the wildlife diversity.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad hazards include sharp rocks, as mentioned in user reviews. Wildlife such as bears and elk are present in the area.
Active Alertsnull

Weather at Mccrystal Campground

Reviews

4.7
13 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mccrystal Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's serene and remote nature, making it perfect for solitude and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. Many users praise the lack of crowding and the picturesque Valle Vidal setting.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground's quiet and secluded environment, friendly campground hosts, and beautiful natural surroundings. The area is noted for its wildlife, including elk, bears,...
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Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers mention the challenging access road with sharp rocks and washboard surfaces. Others point out the presence of flies due to horse activity.
Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Bring a sturdy vehicle for the rough access road. 2. Be prepared for the remote setting with essential supplies, as stores and towns are hours away. 3. Be ready for potential wildlife encounters,...
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Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground remains relatively uncrowded even during peak seasons. Weather conditions may vary, with potential challenges during the rainy season due to unmaintained roads.
Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We really enjoyed our visit to Valle Vidal! We stayed in the Crystal on the bluff overlooking the beautiful meadow!" - Paul Corley. "If you want solitude, this is the spot. Very remote and quiet." -...
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Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground is generally praised for its spacious sites and lack of crowding even on busy weekends. Specific site numbers or standout sites are not detailed.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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