Valle Tio Vinces Campground

4.42

21 reviews

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

Quick Facts

8,134 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens USFS Quemado Ranger District site

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

Opens USFS Quemado Ranger District site

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).

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) 773-4678

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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 21 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwater

"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."

Read all reviews

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

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Valle Tio Vinces Campground

At this lofty elevation, Valle Tio Vinces experiences the full drama of mountain weather throughout the year. Summer brings refreshingly moderate temperatures perfect for hiking and stargazing, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues under crisp, clear skies. Winter transforms the campground into a serene wonderland where cool to cold temperatures and occasional dustings of snow create a peaceful atmosphere for hardy campers. Spring arrives with gentle rains that awaken the forest, though visitors should always pack layers for the mountain's famously changeable moods.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers moderate temps, hiking and stargazing; praised as ideal season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Off-season appeal and scenic forest suggest strong fall experience; fewer crowd notes.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring hiking plausible but snowmelt/conditions may limit access; limited specifics provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round at high elevation so winter use possible, but snow/access not detailed.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: No consistent alerts documented, but one user review noted a fire-related closure during summer.

About Valle Tio Vinces Campground

Perched along the legendary Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Valle Tio Vinces Campground offers adventurous souls a rustic mountain retreat where simplicity meets spectacular scenery. This partially developed gem provides essential amenities including vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and spacious horse corrals for equestrian explorers. True to its backcountry spirit, visitors should come prepared with their own water supply and pack-out provisions, as the campground embraces a leave-no-trace philosophy without potable water or trash services.

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 SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, Valle Tio Vinces experiences the full drama of mountain weather throughout the year. Summer brings refreshingly moderate temperatures perfect for hiking and stargazing, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues under crisp, clear skies. Winter transforms the campground into a serene wonderland where cool to cold temperatures and occasional dustings of snow create a peaceful atmosphere for hardy campers. Spring arrives with gentle rains that awaken the forest, though visitors should always pack layers for the mountain's famously changeable moods.

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 SceneryNestled within a pristine forest sanctuary at 8,134 feet, Valle Tio Vinces captivates visitors with its untouched mountain splendor. Towering pines and native trees create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches whispering ancient stories in the mountain breeze. The surrounding wilderness unfolds in every direction, offering endless vistas of unspoiled country where wildlife roams freely and the landscape changes with each passing cloud. This rustic mountain paradise provides the perfect backdrop for those seeking authentic connections with nature's raw beauty.

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.

Best Campsites

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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 layoutThe campground features limited campsites (six total), picnic tables, horse corrals, and vault toilets.

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.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

HikingThe campground is situated along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a prominent route for hiking and biking. Specific details about trail lengths and difficulty are not provided.

BikingMountain biking is explicitly mentioned as an activity available at the campground, aligning with the trail's purpose.

Wildlife viewingThe area is noted for its scenic beauty and opportunities to observe wildlife. A user review highlights, 'Out of the way little campgrounds, with a vault toilet and nothing else. Good for boondocking and a step up from dispersed camping.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

Active AlertsNo consistent alerts documented, but one user review noted a fire-related closure during summer.

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

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.

Weather at Valle Tio Vinces Campground

Reviews

4.4

21 reviews

Recommended

Valle Tio Vinces Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

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