How much does camping cost at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)?

Camping fees at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake) range from $15-$125/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake) first-come first-served or reservation?

Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake) 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake) before I book?

Yes! Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake) has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)?

Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake) is open May 08 to September 29. 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 Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)?

Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)?

Fire policies at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake): Fires are permitted only in fire rings provided.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)?

Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)?

Popular activities at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake) include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)

4.13

31 reviews

Top 14%Summer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping New Mexico

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,899 ft

Price

$15 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

May 10, 2025 - Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service - Gila National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,899 ft

Price

$15 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

May 10, 2025 - Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service - Gila National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)

$15.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Pinon Group Site A: $50.00; Pinon Group Site B: $125.00; Standard Nonelectric: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

575.773.4678

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)

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Campground Map

Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)

34.1381, -108.4836

Nearby places

Quemado (14.2 miles south)

Driving directionsThe campground is located 14.2 miles south of Quemado. Take NM 32 south to Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. Turn left onto NM 103 and drive 4 miles to Quemado Lake/Forest Road 13. NM103 ends when the paved road turns to gravel. The gravel road is an indication that you are now driving on Forest Road 13. Continue driving on Forest Road 13 for 1.4 miles to reach the Pinon Campground. Turn left into the campground.

Weather at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)

Current alerts(6)

All Gila National Forest sites have a 14 day stay limit.
All pets must be on a leash except in enclosed areas.
Horses are prohibited at the Pinon Campground and the Quemado Lake Recreation Area.
Hunting and target shooting are prohibited in the Quemado Lake Recreation Area.

Best Time to Camp at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for lakeside recreation at 7,900 ft—expect daytime highs roughly 60–80°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Boating, fishing, paddling, and lakefront hiking are at their peak, and the campground is fully staffed and serviced during the May 10–Sept 29 peak season. Expect moderate crowds (especially July–August) and occasional afternoon monsoon thunderstorms, but also outstanding dark-sky viewing on clear nights. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in US

Summer best for lake recreation; temps 60–80°F and peak-season activity noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 10, 2025 - September 29, 2025 (Peak Season).

About Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)

Pinon Campground sits at 7,900 feet on the shore of Quemado Lake in Gila National Forest, operated by the US Forest Service. The high-elevation alpine setting draws visitors for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, with spacious sites that can accommodate multiple RVs and tents. Camp hosts provide support during the peak season, and the lakefront location offers osprey sightings and mountain scenery.

Pinon Campground supports a variety of camping options. It offers tent camping, RV sites, and reservable group shelters, emphasizing flexibility for both individual campers and larger groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for lakeside recreation at 7,900 ft—expect daytime highs roughly 60–80°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Boating, fishing, paddling, and lakefront hiking are at their peak, and the campground is fully staffed and serviced during the May 10–Sept 29 peak season. Expect moderate crowds (especially July–August) and occasional afternoon monsoon thunderstorms, but also outstanding dark-sky viewing on clear nights. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7899 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPine forest surrounds the campground at the lake's edge, where some sites overlook the water. Ospreys fish the lake during daylight hours, and elk calls echo through the trees at dusk. The high elevation and remote location create dark skies for stargazing. The terrain is forested and spacious enough that sites feel private despite the relatively small campground footprint.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information about other lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges is mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights per visit during open months
a total of 14 nights allowed per month.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site type.

Groups

Group shelters are available at rates of $50.00 and $125.00 per night, depending on the shelter type. No specific details about group size limits are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov. Payments can be processed online, via the contact center, or in person.

Site SizeUser reviews suggest spacious sites, as MARIE P stated, "We fit two RV’s and a few tents with plenty of room to spare.

PrivacyUser reviews indicate good privacy, as MICHAEL T commented, "Very private. Lots of room for kids to play.

Recommended SitesCertain sites offer lake views; consider those for scenic experiences.

Need help booking Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Horses are prohibited at the Pinon Campground and the Quemado Lake Recreation Area.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities include fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Quemado Lake offers opportunities for non-motorized boating and fishing, and the surrounding forested area provides trails for hiking and biking.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

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Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.1

31 reviews

Satisfactory

Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and spacious sites of Pinon Campground but express concerns about cleanliness and maintenance. "Pinon campground at Quemado Lake is a beautiful place," noted Bobbi Griffith. However, reviews like THERASA C's raise significant issues with trash and bathroom conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include scenic views, spacious sites, and helpful camp hosts (when available). MARIE P wrote, "We fit two RV’s and a few tents with plenty of room to spare." Bobbi Griffith praised...

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unclean bathrooms and inconsistent maintenance. Helen Hunt stated, "the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting," while THERASA C criticized poor preparation, "we swept and...

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are highlighted. However, lake-view sites are praised for their scenic beauty.

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and cleaning supplies, as water availability has been inconsistent, and bathrooms may require extra attention. Hooee Corina advised, "Bring lots of water to wash with and to...

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer reviews emphasize the beauty of the lake and wildlife. Winter-season feedback is absent; however, the campground appears to operate primarily during warmer months.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The lot that we were on was spacious!" - Hooee Corina - "Fishing, camping, the sunsets were beautiful and there's so many elk!!" - Kylie Brooke - "We dumped the trash that wasn't ours." - THERASA C

Based on 31 reviews