Is Piñon Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Piñon Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Piñon Campground?

Piñon Campground is open Seasons of Use Generally mid-May through September 30.. 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 Piñon Campground?

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

How many campsites does Piñon Campground have?

Piñon Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Piñon Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Piñon Campground. 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 Piñon Campground?

Piñon Campground 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 Piñon Campground?

Popular activities at Piñon Campground include Hiking, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Piñon Campground

4.22

27 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds New Mexico Boating Camping New Mexico

Quick Facts

7,899 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use Gener...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,899 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use Gener...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Piñon Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

575-773-4678

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Piñon Campground

34.1381, -108.4836

Nearby places

Quemado (14.2 miles, approximately 25 minutes).

Weather at Piñon Campground

Best Time to Camp at Piñon Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for lake-centered recreation — expect daytime highs around 65–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s at 7,900 ft, ideal for sleeping under the piñons. Boating, fishing, hiking and biking around Quemado Lake are at their peak, with long daylight hours and refreshing mountain breezes; wildlife viewing is excellent in early morning and late evening. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends (lower than low-elevation tourist areas), but be prepared for a Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer; campground popular then for fishing, hiking and boating.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasons of Use Generally mid-May through September 30.

About Piñon Campground

Piñon 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 setting offers cool summer nights under piñon pines, with spacious sites that serve tent campers, RVs, and groups. Visitors come for lake-centered recreation — boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing — with elk sightings common in early morning hours.

Piñon Campground offers both individual and group camping options, accommodating tents, RVs, and group gatherings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for lake-centered recreation — expect daytime highs around 65–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s at 7,900 ft, ideal for sleeping under the piñons. Boating, fishing, hiking and biking around Quemado Lake are at their peak, with long daylight hours and refreshing mountain breezes; wildlife viewing is excellent in early morning and late evening. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends (lower than low-elevation tourist areas), but be prepared for a Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7899 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPiñon and juniper trees dominate the landscape, providing natural shade and privacy between sites. Some campsites offer views of Quemado Lake through the forest. The elevation and high desert vegetation create cooler temperatures than the surrounding lowlands, with the aromatic scent of piñon characterizing the area. Reviewers note elk are common, particularly in early morning and evening. One visitor mentioned "so many elk" alongside beautiful sunsets over the lake.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style or cabin lodging is mentioned at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo details about cultural or educational programs were provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

The group camping loop is located on the west side of the campground and is suitable for larger gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Site SizeThe group camping loop accommodates larger gatherings, while individual sites offer space for standard family setups.

PrivacyThe sites are described as nestled among trees, providing some natural privacy.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites with views of Quemado Lake for opportunities to see wildlife like elk and ospreys. Bring plenty of water due to non-functional water wells.

Best CampsitesUser reviews recommend sites with lake views for wildlife watching and scenery, though specific site numbers aren't mentioned in the feedback.

Amenities available

Piñon Campground offers a range of amenities suitable for both family and group camping. The campground is located in a tranquil setting among piñon and juniper trees, offering picnic tables, vault toilets, fire rings, and a dump station. There are self-pay stations at the entrance, and potable water is available on-site.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Piñon Campground offers opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. It is located near Quemado Lake, providing access to forest and lakeside trails.

Hiking

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

27 reviews

Satisfactory

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

The reviews for Piñon Campground are mixed. Many reviewers appreciated its natural beauty, tranquility, and proximity to Quemado Lake. Others criticized the lack of amenities such as a camp host or functional water wells.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the peaceful setting, spacious campsites, and scenic views of Quemado Lake. One user noted, 'I loved spending the weekend camping here! Fishing, camping, the sunsets were...

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of a camp host, unclean vault toilets, and the need to manage trash and fire pits upon arrival. One user mentioned, 'No camp host... we also had to take care of our own...

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group sites are spacious and located on the west side of the campground. Some individual sites have views of Quemado Lake.

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring drinking water and cleaning supplies to ensure a comfortable stay. Be prepared for quiet nights without a camp host. Visiting during the off-season might offer additional solitude.

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular in the warmer months, particularly during the summer when fishing and hiking conditions are optimal. Issues like non-functional water wells and unclean facilities appear to...

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Our space overlooked the lake so we could see ospreys fishing and in the afternoon, the lake sparkled.' 2. 'The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting and smelled horrendous.' 3. 'Great Camp Ground...

Based on 27 reviews