Is Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm) first-come first-served or reservation?

Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm) before I book?

Yes! Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm) has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)?

Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm) is open May 15 to September 06. 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 Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)?

Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)?

Fire policies at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm): Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm) have?

Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm) has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)?

Pets are not allowed at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)?

Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)

4.22

18 reviews

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

Top 14% in NMSummer

Featured in:Camping Near White Sands National Park Fall Camping New Mexico Mountain Camping New Mexico +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Lincoln National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Lincoln National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$154.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

575-682-7570

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

Nearby places

Cloudcroft: ~2 miles

Alamagordo: ~20 miles.

Weather at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)

Current alerts(7)

Call 575-682-1518 prior to arrival to get the lock combination.
Check in after 2pm, check out by noon.
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
For more information on the Lincoln National Forest, please visit Home | Lincoln National Forest | Forest Service

Best Time to Camp at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear peak: cool daytime highs (generally mid-60s to mid-70s °F) and crisp nights (often 40s–50s °F) at 9,000 ft make Aspen Group Area a comfortable escape from desert heat, ideal for multi-day group hikes, mountain biking on nearby trails, and reliable wildlife viewing. The mixed conifer and aspen forests are fully leafed out and the long daylight hours maximize time on the trails, though mid-July–August brings the New Mexico monsoon with frequent afternoon thunderstorms—pack rain Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in NM

Peak season May 16–Sep 7; cool highs mid-60s–70s and reviews praise summer breezes and lushness.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 16 – September 7. Closed for reservations from September 8 to May 15.

About Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)

Aspen Group Area sits at 9,000 feet in Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, operated by the Forest Service for group reservations only. The high-alpine setting offers mixed conifer and aspen forest with flush toilets, potable water, and a resident camp host. Summer brings cool daytime temperatures and crisp nights, making it a popular escape from New Mexico's desert heat for group outings and wildlife watching.

Aspen Group Area is designed exclusively for group camping and does not support individual reservations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear peak: cool daytime highs (generally mid-60s to mid-70s °F) and crisp nights (often 40s–50s °F) at 9,000 ft make Aspen Group Area a comfortable escape from desert heat, ideal for multi-day group hikes, mountain biking on nearby trails, and reliable wildlife viewing. The mixed conifer and aspen forests are fully leafed out and the long daylight hours maximize time on the trails, though mid-July–August brings the New Mexico monsoon with frequent afternoon thunderstorms—pack rain Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Sacramento Mountains rise sharply from the Chihuahuan Desert here, creating a sky island ecosystem where pines, firs, and aspens thrive at elevation. Views stretch across Dog Canyon to the sprawling Tularosa Basin. The mixed forest supports black bears, elk, mule deer, and roadrunners. This is a landscape of contrasts: mountain meets desert, forest meets open sky, all at an elevation where the air stays notably cooler than the valleys below.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings or cabins at this campground.

Best Campsites

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Stay Limit

14 nights maximum per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 70 guests per group site.

Groups

The site accommodates groups of 4 to 70 people and provides a covered Ramada, picnic tables, and fire pits. Vehicles are limited to around eight parking spots.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or their mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in available materials.

Site SizeThe site can host group sizes ranging from 4 to 70 people.

PrivacyThis is a group site, so privacy between individual groups or users is not a feature.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose early dates in the season to enjoy cooler temperatures and more availability.

Need help booking Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Water can be obtained at Sleepy Grass Campground during peak season, which lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

18 reviews

Satisfactory

Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness and maintenance of the campground, the friendliness of the camp host, and the beautiful natural surroundings.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-kept facilities, daily trash removal, clean restrooms, and a camp host that checks in on guests. Scenic views and opportunities for wildlife viewing are frequently mentioned.

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited space for trailers, as noted in one review. No significant complaints were observed in the reviews provided.

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 (Loop: Aspen) is repeatedly reviewed positively for cleanliness and the helpfulness of the camp host. One user mentioned seeing elk and deer directly in the campsite.

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water if visiting outside of peak season when water facilities are unavailable on-site. Plan for group activities as the site is designed for group use.

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with reviews praising the cool mountain breezes and lush surroundings. Fall and spring seasons were not referenced in reviews.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Such a lovely place to camp! It was well kept and had a big covered area with plenty of tables for many guests.' - Sven Sears 2. 'The Aspen campground was very well-maintained. The restrooms were...

Based on 18 reviews

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You're organizing a group outing and want a cool mountain retreat with maintained facilities and wildlife viewing.

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You need individual site reservations or want to camp outside the summer season.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.4

(92)

Pines Campground

Lincoln National Forest

Pines Campground sits at 8,700 feet in Lincoln National Forest, 15 minutes from Cloudcroft. First-come, first-served. No hookups, seven-night limit. Sites accommodate tents and RVs up to 40 feet, with paved access and a camp host who rakes sites between visitors.

Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)

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Overview

Plan a trip to Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)?

Amenities available

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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