Apache Campground

Star4.54
92 reviews
From Cloudcroft, NM, take US Rt. 82 east 0.5 miles to State Rt. 244. Turn left onto Rt. 244 and go 1.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.9 miles to the Apache campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
Family Friendly

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$22 - $32/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Lincoln National Forest site

Official Website
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Apache Campground
$22.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees include $32 per night for a single-family unit, $10 per extra vehicle per night, $7 per person per use for showers (available at Silver...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
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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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 92 reviews

98 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsshade

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of Apache Campground are mixed, highlighting its peaceful setting and clean amenities while raising concerns about some camp host interactions. Positive feedback focuses on its natural beauty, tranquility, and suitability for families."

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Campground Map

From Cloudcroft, NM, take US Rt. 82 east 0.5 miles to State Rt. 244. Turn left onto Rt. 244 and go 1.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.9 miles to the Apache campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

Apache Campground

From Cloudcroft, NM, take US Rt. 82 east 0.5 miles to State Rt. 244. Turn left onto Rt. 244 and go 1.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.9 miles to the Apache campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

Driving directionsTravel east on US82 from Cloudcroft, turn left onto NM244. Approximately 4 miles turn right at the Silver-Saddle-Apache Campground Complex sign (Forest Road 24C).
Access to Apache Campground is through paved roads, and it is accessible from Cloudcroft via US Rt. 82 east and NM244. The roads are well-maintained and suitable for RVs up to 30 feet in length.
Nearby places
Cloudcroft (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Alamogordo (approximately 30 miles, 30-40 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies, food, and essentials can be found in Cloudcroft, located approximately 4 miles away. Alamogordo, with larger stores like Walmart, is about 30 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Apache Campground

Summer transforms Apache Campground into a cool mountain refuge where daytime temperatures hover pleasantly in the 70s while nights dip into the refreshing 50s and 60s—perfect sleeping weather under a blanket of stars. As autumn arrives, the aspens burst into golden flames against the evergreen backdrop, creating a photographer's paradise. Winter brings a dramatic transformation as snow blankets the forest and freezing temperatures close the mountain roads, leaving this alpine wonderland to rest beneath its white winter coat until spring's return.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season in summer; cool daytime temps in 70s and pleasant nights praised by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open only into early Sept, so fall access and colors are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 9 — limited late-spring window; cooler temps but short season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; seasonal operation May 9–Sept 7.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: The campground operates primarily during the summer months, with peak season spanning late May through early September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 9 to September 7 (subject to change).
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are currently reported.

About Apache Campground

High in the Lincoln National Forest at 8,900 feet, Apache Campground offers a refreshing mountain sanctuary where towering Douglas firs create a natural cathedral above 25 thoughtfully spaced campsites. This peaceful retreat welcomes both RV adventurers (up to 30 feet) and tent campers seeking an authentic wilderness experience without hookups. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, while well-maintained facilities include restrooms, a convenient central garbage station, and interpretive trails that reveal the forest's hidden stories. Here, beneath a canopy of mixed conifers and quaking aspens, you'll discover the simple pleasures of mountain camping in one of southern New Mexico's most scenic hideaways.
Apache Campground caters to tent and RV campers seeking a natural and rustic camping experience. Sites are first-come, first-serve with no reservations.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No specific check-in times provided.
Check-out
No specific check-out times provided.
Stay Limit
Stay limit is 14 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Apache Campground offers a serene environment with interpretive trails inside the campground and other day trips nearby. Visitors often enjoy nature walks, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby attractions such as the Sunspot Observatory and Trestle Recreation Area.
HikingApache Nature Trail #231, a 1.6-mile loop suitable for all ages, offers a tranquil hiking experience. Reviews describe it as ideal for small children, elderly campers, and those seeking educational nature walks.
Wildlife viewingDeer and elk sightings are common, adding to the campground's appeal for wildlife enthusiasts.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs are hosted every Saturday evening at the amphitheater, enhancing the educational experience.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is a notable hazard; campers are required to practice safe food storage. Terrain is mountainous and can pose risks for those unprepared.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are currently reported.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available to mitigate bear activity. Proper food management is highly recommended.

Weather at Apache Campground

Reviews

4.5
92 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Apache Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Apache Campground are mixed, highlighting its peaceful setting and clean amenities while raising concerns about some camp host interactions. Positive feedback focuses on its natural beauty, tranquility, and suitability for families.
Review Summaries
Based on 92 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, serene atmosphere, ample shade, and educational nature trails. The campground's proximity to Cloudcroft and other attractions enhances the stay.
Based on 92 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users reported rude behavior from camp hosts, issues with site 'saving,' and restrictive rules on noise and music. Privacy between campsites was noted as insufficient.
Based on 92 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early during holidays or peak weekends to secure a site. Practice proper food storage techniques due to bear activity. Consider visiting nearby attractions like the Sunspot Observatory and...
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Based on 92 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer months, users appreciate the cool temperatures and shaded sites. Holiday weekends were noted as overcrowded, with issues related to site saving and host enforcement of rules. Winter...
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Based on 92 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The camp hosts were very nice. Only downside is this is a no reservations campground.' - Heidi Wolff 2. 'Vault toilets were clean and well stocked. Area was clean. Definitely going back!' - Mary...
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Based on 92 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #13 is recommended as the best site by reviewers for its scenic and peaceful qualities. No specific worst sites are mentioned.
Based on 92 reviews

Accessibility Features

The paved road and wheelchair-friendly vault toilets were praised for accessibility, accommodating elderly and less mobile visitors.
Based on 92 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No explicit reviews related to pets or pet policies were provided.
Based on 92 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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