Deerhead Campground

Star4.36
108 reviews
State Rt. 130, Cloudcroft, NM

Quick Facts

8,800 ft

Price

$10 - $32/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Lincoln National Forest - Sacramento Ranger District site

Official Website
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Deerhead Campground
$10.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fee is $32 per night for a single unit; $10 per night for each additional vehicle. Additional fees include $7 for showers at Silver Overflow...
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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

4.36

Recommended

Based on 108 reviews

115 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietspacioushikingfriendly

Some mention

noise

"Deerhead Campground is appreciated for its quiet and scenic setting, proximity to Cloudcroft, and access to the Rim Trail. However, privacy and bathroom cleanliness have been recurring concerns. "Well-groomed, but if you like a structured campground, you'll love it," noted one user. Many reviewers highlighted the friendliness of the camp host, availability of potable water, and the rustic charm of the campground."

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Campground Map

State Rt. 130, Cloudcroft, NM

Deerhead Campground

State Rt. 130, Cloudcroft, NM

Driving directionsFrom the west side of Cloudcroft, turn south onto NM130 and travel 1 mile. The campground entrance will be on your right just past the turnoff to the Ranger Station.
The road is paved up to the campground entrance. Seasonal closures may apply as the campground is only open from April to mid-October.
Nearby places
Cloudcroft (1 mile, less than 5 minutes), Alamogordo (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Ruidoso (45 miles, approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Cloudcroft Village (1 mile away) offers basic groceries, ice, and supplies. Additional options include Family Dollar and Allsup’s convenience store. Silver Overflow Campground (nearby) offers hot showers, potable water, and waste disposal services.

Best Time to Camp at Deerhead Campground

At nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, Deerhead's mountain climate delivers refreshingly cool summers and crisp, invigorating air year-round. Early spring visitors should pack warm layers as temperatures can still kiss freezing, while late summer brings perfectly comfortable days with highs reaching a pleasant 74°F. Even in summer's peak, nighttime temperatures often dip below freezing, creating ideal sleeping weather and morning mists that dance through the pines. Daytime temperatures typically range from a brisk 38°F in cooler months to those delightful summer highs.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cool, popular summer season at 8,800 ft; reviewers favor summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Crisp fall air and active wildlife; good seasonal visits reported.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from Apr 11; early spring can be cold and variable—pack warm layers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed (open Apr 11–Oct 12); winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April to October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from April 11 to October 12 as per general comments.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire restrictions may be in effect.

About Deerhead Campground

Nestled deep within the Lincoln National Forest, Deerhead Campground offers an intimate mountain escape with 19 thoughtfully spaced campsites. Here, at a breathtaking elevation of 8,800 feet, towering Ponderosa pines and majestic Douglas firs create a natural cathedral of shade above your campsite. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars, while convenient restrooms and parking spurs ensure comfort meets wilderness adventure.
Deerhead Campground accommodates tent and small RV camping. "RVs are limited to 25 feet," and there are no pull-through sites for larger vehicles.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
14 days

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Deerhead Campground provides access to hiking and biking trails and is close to several regional attractions. Wildlife viewing is popular, with deer and occasional black bear sightings. "Elk are frequent visitors along with an occasional black bear," noted the official description.
HikingThe Rim Trail (T105) trailhead, a 22-mile recreation trail, is accessible directly from the campground. The trail supports foot traffic, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ATVs (under 50 inches wide). "There is a trail only 1 mile away," commented one user.
BikingBiking is supported along the Rim Trail (T105) and other nearby trails. "Great place for camping and biking," reviewed one user.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include elk, deer, wild horses, and an occasional black bear. "We saw deer and had cool days among 100-foot ponderosa pines," said one user.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears, elk, and raccoons are common. Gopher holes may pose a risk of twisted ankles.
Active AlertsSeasonal fire restrictions may be in effect.

Weather at Deerhead Campground

Reviews

4.4
108 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Deerhead Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Deerhead Campground is appreciated for its quiet and scenic setting, proximity to Cloudcroft, and access to the Rim Trail. However, privacy and bathroom cleanliness have been recurring concerns. "Well-groomed, but if you like a structured campground, you'll love it," noted one user. Many reviewers highlighted the friendliness of the camp host, availability of potable water, and the rustic charm of the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 108 reviews

What Campers Love

Frequent wildlife sightings, proximity to Cloudcroft for supplies, friendly and helpful camp host, access to hiking and biking trails, spacious campsites, and quiet atmosphere.
Based on 108 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from nearby roads, lack of flush toilets, occasional issues with overflowing trash and toilet paper shortages, limited privacy in some campsites, and high fees compared to state parks.
Based on 108 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own hand sanitizer and extra toilet paper. Secure food and trash to prevent raccoons from scavenging. Consider staying in the right spur of the campground for more privacy. Check out the...
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Based on 108 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is a popular time to visit due to the cooler temperatures at higher elevations, but it can get cold at night. Seasonal wildlife activity includes elk and bear sightings. "Nice place to go to...
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Based on 108 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The camp manager was very helpful...he has firewood bundles for sale in case you need any"; "Bathrooms were decent...not great, and trash can was at the entrance of the site"; "Quiet despite being...
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Based on 108 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 17 is noted for being quiet, away from the main highway, and near a restroom. Site 12 is described as offering cool days under towering ponderosa pines. Site 11 is close to a bathroom but may be...
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Based on 108 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible sites are available, but the toilets are not wheelchair-friendly. Some users noted that paths could be uneven due to gopher activity.
Based on 108 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. "Dogs are allowed but need to be leashed," noted one user.
Based on 108 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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