Armijo Springs Campground

4.36

13 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

7,850 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Gila National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,850 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Gila National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Armijo Springs Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground is free for use. It does not require any fees for camping.

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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USFS

Provider

575-388-8201.

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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 13 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shade

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Armijo Springs Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Armijo Springs Campground

The 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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Pleasant daytime temperatures and deep shade make summer camping attractive.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mountain climate and oak/pine setting suggest pleasant fall conditions and crisp nights.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Mild days likely and good for hikes, though water from spring is unreliable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but cold nights and no winter services; requires prep for cold conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: .. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round
Current Alerts: .

About Armijo Springs 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.

Best Campsites

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Check-out

Stay Limit

14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layout.

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.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.

PrivacyThe campground is described as secluded and lightly trafficked, providing a private experience for most visitors.

Recommended SitesNo specific sites are recommended in the source material.

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.

HikingDay hikes are available, but no specific trail details such as lengths or difficulty levels are provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is listed as an activity, though specific species or recommended viewing spots are not detailed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe 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.

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

Fire PolicyNo specific rules regarding campfires are detailed in the source.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are .

Emergency ServicesClosest 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.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities. Campers must pack out all trash.

Water FeaturesA natural spring is located near the site, but campers are advised not to rely on it for water quality or availability.

Camp Host.

Weather at Armijo Springs Campground

Reviews

4.4

13 reviews

Recommended

Armijo Springs Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 13 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 13 reviews

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 13 reviews

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 13 reviews

Seasonal 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 13 reviews

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 13 reviews