Is Red Cloud Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Red Cloud Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Red Cloud Campground?

Red Cloud Campground is open Closed major holidays. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Red Cloud Campground?

Red Cloud Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Red Cloud Campground have?

Red Cloud Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Red Cloud Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Red Cloud Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Red Cloud Campground?

Red Cloud Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Red Cloud Campground

4.02

50 reviews

Top 14% in NMSpring

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Primitive Camping Oklahoma

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Closed major holiday...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Closed major holiday...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Red Cloud Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Hike and Bike Site Fee$9.00

Group Site Fee$125.00

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Campground Map

Red Cloud Campground

34.1762, -105.6997

Nearby places

Corona

Weather at Red Cloud Campground

Best Time to Camp at Red Cloud Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather and active wildlife — expect daytime highs around 40–65°F and chilly nights in the 20s–30s. Trails are coming alive with late snowmelt, early wildflowers, and frequent turkey and bird activity, making hiking and wildlife viewing especially rewarding. Crowd levels are generally low compared with summer; bring layers for variable conditions and expect some muddy stretches early in the season. Peak months: May, June, April, December

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in NM

Overview: 'Best season: spring' — mild days (40–65°F), active wildlife and late snowmelt trails.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Closed major holidays

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Red Cloud Campground

Red Cloud Campground sits in high-elevation alpine terrain within Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, operated by Red Cloud Mgmt. This very small campground offers primitive tent and RV sites surrounded by Ponderosa forests, with spacious layouts that attract visitors seeking quiet and solitude. Wildlife sightings, including wild turkeys, are common, and the dark skies make for excellent stargazing.

Red Cloud Campground is designed for primitive camping with minimal facilities. It primarily caters to tent campers and hunters during the fall.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather and active wildlife — expect daytime highs around 40–65°F and chilly nights in the 20s–30s. Trails are coming alive with late snowmelt, early wildflowers, and frequent turkey and bird activity, making hiking and wildlife viewing especially rewarding. Crowd levels are generally low compared with summer; bring layers for variable conditions and expect some muddy stretches early in the season. Peak months: May, June, April, December

Elevation7600 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa forests dominate the landscape, creating a high-elevation sanctuary where the tree canopy filters light across spacious sites. Wild turkeys roam through camp, and deer are common. The elevation and tree cover make this a solid stargazing location once darkness falls. The terrain reflects millions of years of geological activity typical of New Mexico's mountain forests, though the immediate surroundings are primarily pine-dominated rather than dramatic.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; the campground is primarily tailored for primitive camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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Stay Limit

Limit

Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov

AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible, but no other details about accessibility features are provided.

Site SizeSites are described as 'massive,' indicating ample space for campers.

PrivacyThe campground is noted for its quiet and secluded environment, surrounded by beautiful trees, providing a degree of privacy.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesBring water Add'tl

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Red Cloud Campground is a small, primitive facility nestled in a Ponderosa forest at 7,600 feet elevation. It offers a tranquil environment ideal for campers seeking solitude and natural beauty. The site is heavily used during the fall hunting season but remains relatively quiet during other times of the year. Facilities are minimal, reflecting its primitive nature.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Red Cloud Campground

Red Cloud Campground offers a range of outdoor activities centered around its natural setting. These include hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. The area is also popular during hunting season.

Winter Activities2.0/5

7600 ft elevation suggests winter conditions, but no ski/snowpark facilities noted.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Ponderosa forest, wildlife (turkeys, deer) and dark skies offer varied photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at the site. Vault toilets are the only facilities provided.

Food Storage RequiredOptional

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

50 reviews

Satisfactory

Red Cloud Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's tranquil environment, spacious sites, and natural beauty. It is described as quiet, secluded, and ideal for stargazing. Commonly mentioned drawbacks include limited cell service and minimal facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 50 reviews

What Campers Love

- Quiet and secluded atmosphere - Beautiful natural surroundings, including Ponderosa forests - Spacious campsites - Clean vault toilets - Presence of wildlife, such as wild turkeys - Good for...

Based on 50 reviews

Common Concerns

- Limited cell service, especially for AT&T users - Lack of water and electricity hookups - Minimal facilities - Only five campsites available, which can lead to limited availability

Based on 50 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 1: Limited information. - Site 2: Limited information. - Sites nearby Gallinas Peak are recommended for more remote camping, per Bob Bates. - All five campsites: Generally well-reviewed for...

Based on 50 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early due to the limited number of campsites (only five available). - Bring your own water supply as no potable water is provided. - Be prepared for minimal facilities and embrace the...

Based on 50 reviews

Seasonal Insights

- Fall: Heavy use during hunting season, making it more crowded. - Other Seasons: Quiet with fewer visitors, as noted by several reviewers. - Summer: Described as a nice stop for road trips; cooler...

Based on 50 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Such an awesome little spot, right outside of Corona.' - Jeremy Meeks 2. 'The sites have nice deep fire pits that had built-in grates to cook on.' - Campbell Kraemer 3. 'Quiet, open skies at...

Based on 50 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets are available. Further details on accessibility are not provided.

Based on 50 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Red Cloud Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Hike and Bike Site Fee$9.00

Group Site Fee$125.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

Go if

You want secluded alpine camping with wildlife viewing, stargazing, and don't need cell service.

Skip if

You require reliable network access or developed amenities beyond vault toilets.

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Red Cloud Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Ask Camp Sage about Red Cloud Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Red Cloud Campground

Best Time to Camp at Red Cloud Campground

Planning Tips

About Red Cloud Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Red Cloud Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Red Cloud Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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Ask Camp Sage about Red Cloud Campground

Best Time to Camp at Red Cloud Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Red Cloud Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Red Cloud Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews