How much does camping cost at Valle Tio Vinces Campground?

Camping fees at Valle Tio Vinces Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Valle Tio Vinces Campground?

Valle Tio Vinces Campground is open Open year-round.. 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 Valle Tio Vinces Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Valle Tio Vinces Campground?

Fire policies at Valle Tio Vinces Campground: Campfires are allowed but there are no specific mentions of restrictions or requirements.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Valle Tio Vinces Campground?

Cell phone service at Valle Tio Vinces Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Valle Tio Vinces Campground have?

Valle Tio Vinces Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Valle Tio Vinces Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Valle Tio Vinces 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 Valle Tio Vinces Campground?

Valle Tio Vinces Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Valle Tio Vinces Campground?

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

Valle Tio Vinces Campground

Q: Is Valle Tio Vinces Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Valle Tio Vinces Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up and first-come-first-served. User reviews indicate that few campers and low traffic make it easy to secure a spot.

4.00

21 reviews

#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829

Featured in:Hiking Camping New Mexico

Quick Facts

8,134 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,134 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Valle Tio Vinces Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This campground has no fees associated with camping ($0.00).

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

(575) 773-4678

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829

Valle Tio Vinces Campground

#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829

Nearby places

Quemado - 9 miles east (approx. 15 minutes driving). Omega - 1 mile east from Highway intersection.

Nearby supplies

The community of Quemado has a gas station, a convenience store, and one restaurant, making it the closest source for basic supplies. No grocery-specific stores were mentioned.

Driving directionsFrom Quemado go east on US Highway 60 for approximately 9 miles to one mile east of Omega and the brown Valle Tio Vinces sign. Turn south on Forest Road 214 towards Mangas and Valle Tio Vinces. Go south about 22 miles and the campground is on the west side of the road, marked by a sign.

Access is via gravel roads from both the north and south directions, which user reviews mention as being in good condition. Seasonal closures are not noted, but road conditions may vary depending on weather.

Weather at Valle Tio Vinces Campground

Current alert: No consistent alerts documented, but one user review noted a fire-related closure during summer.

Best Time to Camp at Valle Tio Vinces Campground

Summer is the best time to visit. Daytime highs run mid-60s to mid-70s, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Wildflowers peak in early summer. Mid-summer brings afternoon monsoon storms you'll want to prepare for. The elevation keeps things comfortable when lower deserts are baking. Winter gets cold with occasional snow. Fire closures can happen during dry periods, sometimes without much online warning.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer called the best time; wildflowers peak early summer though monsoon storms occur.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Valle Tio Vinces Campground

Valle Tio Vinces sits at 8,134 feet along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail in Gila National Forest. The primitive campground has six sites with vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and horse corrals. There's no water or trash service. Pack everything in and out. Verizon gets five bars of 4G here, unusual for the area.

Valle Tio Vinces Campground offers a mix of primitive camping and equestrian-specific facilities, catering to hikers, bikers, and horse riders. It is a free, partially developed site with no water or garbage services.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the best time to visit. Daytime highs run mid-60s to mid-70s, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Wildflowers peak in early summer. Mid-summer brings afternoon monsoon storms you'll want to prepare for. The elevation keeps things comfortable when lower deserts are baking. Winter gets cold with occasional snow. Fire closures can happen during dry periods, sometimes without much online warning.

ElevationRising 8,134 feet above sea level along the spine of the Continental Divide, Valle Tio Vinces delivers an authentic high-country experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and summer temperatures remain delightfully cool. This impressive elevation places campers literally on top of the continent, where waters flow either east to the Atlantic or west to the Pacific, creating a geographical wonder that adds meaning to every mountain sunrise.

Natural Features and SceneryTall pines and mixed forest surround the campground at over 8,000 feet. Reviews describe the setting as beautiful with trees all around. The terrain reflects ancient volcanic activity and erosion typical of this part of the Continental Divide. Wildlife moves through the area regularly. The forest provides decent shade and a cool mountain atmosphere even in summer.

Geological RegionValle Tio Vinces claims its place within the magnificent Gila National Forest, straddling the iconic Continental Divide National Scenic Trail at an impressive 8,134 feet. This remarkable location places campers at the intersection of geological history and outdoor adventure, where ancient volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion have sculpted a landscape of stunning diversity. Surrounded by pristine wilderness and dense forests, the campground serves as a gateway to one of New Mexico's most treasured natural areas, where the rugged beauty of the American Southwest meets the cool, forested heights of the Continental Divide.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers views of the surrounding forested area. User reviews frequently describe the scenery as beautiful and quiet.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no information about hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day limit enforced.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to 2 vehicles per campsite with no guest limit explicitly stated.

Groups

There are no designated group-specific sites mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSix primitive sites spread out enough to give campers some separation. The layout accommodates vehicles and travel trailers. Horse corrals sit within the campground. Vault toilets and picnic tables at each site. No hookups, no potable water, no trash collection.

Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up and first-come-first-served. User reviews indicate that few campers and low traffic make it easy to secure a spot.

Cancellation PolicyNo formal reservation system exists and thus no cancellation policy applies.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly stated in the provided sources.

Site SizeThe campground has about 5-6 campsites, with space described as adequate for vehicles and travel trailers.

PrivacyIndividual sites are spaced apart, providing some level of privacy for campers.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesFor horse camping, pick sites near the corrals; for a quiet experience, visitors recommend staying during weekdays or non-peak times based on low traffic observations.

Best CampsitesSites near the horse corrals work well if you're traveling with stock. Reviewers mention the corrals and water troughs are in good shape. Specific site numbers aren't called out in reviews, but spacing between the six sites provides some privacy.

Amenities available

Valle Tio Vinces Campground is a partially developed campground located along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. While it offers basic amenities, it lacks water and trash services, requiring visitors to pack in and out their supplies. Notable facilities include four picnic tables, horse corrals, and a water trough for equestrian use. There is also a vault toilet available. As stated in an authoritative source, 'Although there is no water available it is still a nice resting spot for hikers and bike riders.'

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Valle Tio Vinces Campground primarily caters to outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Its location along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail makes it an excellent spot for hikers and bikers seeking a tranquil, undeveloped camping experience.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews emphasize the lack of potable water and trash services as a notable concern. Additionally, occasional fire closures posed disruptions as per user accounts.

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

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but there are no specific mentions of restrictions or requirements.

Emergency ServicesQuemado Ranger District Office (address provided above, open Mon-Fri, 8:00am-4:00pm except federal holidays). For outfitters contact Gila National Forest Supervisor Office at 575-388-8201.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no garbage service, so visitors must adhere to a 'pack in/pack out' policy.

Water FeaturesNo water features exist at the campground, and potable water is not available.

Camp HostThe campground is maintained by the Gila National Forest Supervisor's Office, and occasional visits from employees have been noted by users.

Cell CoverageBased on user reviews, 'It is also one of the campgrounds that actually has a Verizon cell signal (5 bars 4G) in the area.'

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

4.0

21 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Overall, the campground receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, equestrian-friendly facilities, and serene setting, but the lack of water and closure due to fire have been noted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the campground for its beauty, cleanliness, and equestrian facilities such as corrals and water troughs. One user noted, 'Neat and clean and just a really beautiful and clean area!'...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of water and garbage facilities and the occasional closure due to fire, as highlighted by a user: 'Showed up only to find signs saying the campground was closed due to...

Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground has approximately 5-6 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. One user described the sites as 'several campsites with plenty of room for vehicles and travel trailers.'

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing all necessary supplies due to the lack of water and trash services. One user advises, 'Pack it in, pack it out.'

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open year-round. Positive reviews emphasize its appeal in the off-season when it is less crowded, while closures due to wildfire have been noted during summer months.

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Out of the way little campgrounds, with a vault toilet and nothing else. Good for boondocking and a step up from dispersed camping.' 2. 'The public corrals are well placed relative to campsites,...

Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews or mentions regarding accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed, ensuring a pet-friendly environment.

Based on 21 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

CDT hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers who pack water and supplies from Quemado (9 miles east) will get a clean, shaded base camp at no cost, with enough site separation to feel genuinely remote.

Skip if

No potable water on-site and no trash service are hard stops for anyone who doesn't want to haul everything in and out. Fire closures can happen with little online warning, so call the Quemado Ranger District before driving out.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.1

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Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)

Gila National Forest

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.

$15.00 - $125.00 / night

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.

Juniper Campground (Quemado Lake)

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Juniper Campground sits at 7,712 feet on the shore of Quemado Lake in Gila National Forest, 15 miles south of the town of Quemado. This small US Forest Service campground offers electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water for tent and RV campers seeking high-elevation alpine scenery. Visitors fish, boat, and paddle the lake, hike and bike nearby trails, and watch for wildlife in the surrounding ponderosa forest.

$15.00 - $25.00 / night

Less Visited

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Armijo Springs Campground

Armijo Springs Campground sits at 7,850 feet in Gila National Forest, where ponderosa pines and oaks create a shaded mountain retreat. The campground stays lightly trafficked and offers primitive tent sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Groups sometimes use the area for volleyball and horseshoes. Campers consistently mention having the place to themselves.

Tents

Primitive

20.965 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Frequently Visited

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Apache Creek Campground

5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170, Reserve, NM 87830

Apache Creek Campground sits at 6,431 feet in the northwest corner of Gila National Forest, surrounded by park-like stands of Ponderosa pine and juniper. The 10 sites are spacious, well-spaced, and free on a first-come basis. Elk and deer wander through camp regularly, and there's no cell service.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

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Datil Well Recreation Area Campground sits at 7,441 feet on New Mexico's San Augustin Plains, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This small high-elevation campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water amid pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine. Reviewers consistently praise the exceptionally clean vault toilets, spacious sites with good privacy, and dark skies for stargazing.

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Campgrounds

Gila National Forest

Valle Tio Vinces Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Valle Tio Vinces Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Valle Tio Vinces Campground is a partially developed campground on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.Although there is no water available it is still a nice resting spot for hikers and bike riders. There are also horse corrals for equestrians looking for a place to camp.