Is Lower Fir Group Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Lower Fir Group Area 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 Lower Fir Group Area before I book?

Yes! Lower Fir Group Area has 11 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 Lower Fir Group Area?

Lower Fir Group Area is open May 15 to September 25. 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 Lower Fir Group Area?

Lower Fir Group Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Lower Fir Group Area?

Fire policies at Lower Fir Group Area: 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 Lower Fir Group Area have?

Lower Fir Group Area has 70 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lower Fir Group Area?

Pets are not allowed at Lower Fir Group Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lower Fir Group Area?

Lower Fir Group Area offers: Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Lower Fir Group Area

3.37

12 reviews

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

Featured in:Camping Near White Sands National Park

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Open Season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation 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

70 campsites

Season

Open Season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Lower Fir Group Area

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

Lower Fir Group Area

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

Nearby places

Cloudcroft (1 mile, approx. 5 mins)

Alamogordo (17 miles, approx. 25 mins).

Weather at Lower Fir Group Area

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 Lower Fir Group Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the most comfortable weather for large-group camping—daytime highs are commonly in the upper 50s to mid-70s°F (15–25°C) with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C). Trails, mountain-biking routes, and the open meadow are at their best for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, morning yoga, and evening stargazing. Daylight is long and precipitation is minimal, though expect occasional afternoon thunderstorms; weekends in July–August are busiest, but the siteʼ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 16–Sept 26; summer has the most reliable access and comfortable temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open Season: May 16 to September 26 annually. Closed from September 27 to May 15.

About Lower Fir Group Area

Lower Fir Group Area sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, operated by Vista Recreation for seasonal group camping. The mid-sized facility offers tent and RV sites with potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, surrounded by meadows and mountain-biking trails. Summer brings comfortable daytime temperatures and crisp nights ideal for group activities, stargazing, and exploring the forest.

Lower Fir Group Area is primarily a group camping facility, accommodating groups of various sizes. It is connected to the Upper Fir Group facility, which can host even larger groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the most comfortable weather for large-group camping—daytime highs are commonly in the upper 50s to mid-70s°F (15–25°C) with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C). Trails, mountain-biking routes, and the open meadow are at their best for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, morning yoga, and evening stargazing. Daylight is long and precipitation is minimal, though expect occasional afternoon thunderstorms; weekends in July–August are busiest, but the siteʼ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in mountain meadows where seasonal wildflowers bloom beneath four distinct forest types: pine, fir, aspen, and oak. Views stretch across the Tularosa Basin below. Elk graze the meadows at dawn, deer move through the understory, and black bears pass through occasionally. The high-altitude setting creates a sky island ecosystem rising from the surrounding desert.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges available within this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Accommodates up to 70 people per group site.

Groups

The site can host up to 70 people. There are no individually marked tent pads, and uneven grounds may require campers to choose tent locations carefully. "Large spot clean restrooms, a few issues but not a deal breaker, you share the entrance with another campsite and uneven grounds."

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Site SizeThis group campground accommodates up to 70 people at a time, making it suitable for medium to large gatherings.

PrivacySet away from public roads, the sites offer a high level of privacy with minimal outside noise.

Total Campsites70 campsites

Recommended SitesGroups should consider uneven terrain when choosing tent spots. Pavilion facilities are ideal during rain.

Need help booking Lower Fir Group Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Lower Fir Group Area offers a range of amenities tailored to group activities in a scenic and secluded environment. The campground provides running water at the pavilion and a large fire pit with surrounding benches, making it conducive for social gatherings. Although there are no designated tent pads, the available restrooms are reported to be clean. This site is one of the few group areas in the region with water access, making it a unique choice in the Lincoln National Forest.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Lower Fir Group Area is described as a hub for recreational activities, particularly hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Rim Trail, accessible nearby, offers challenging routes and scenic views. Additionally, the open meadow adjacent to the campground is noted for its suitability for group games like volleyball and horseshoes.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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 Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

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

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.4

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lower Fir Group Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives positive reviews for its spaciousness, cleanliness, and suitability for group activities. However, some users have mentioned issues such as uneven ground for tents and limited facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users have praised the availability of water at the pavilion, spacious group areas, clean restrooms, and the scenic environment. One reviewer noted, "The covered pavilion was a great place to hold...

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned uneven ground for pitching tents and shared entrances with another campsite. "There are no tent pads so you pitch your tent on lumpy slopes," and "you share the entrance with...

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mainly focus on the group shelter and pavilion area. One user stated, "The group shelter is great with lots of tables and water is available." Another commented, "The covered...

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing tent sites carefully due to uneven ground. Bringing your own sports equipment for games like volleyball is also suggested.

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Most reviews are from summer months when the campground is open. Activities and accessibility may be limited during off-peak seasons due to weather conditions.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Beautiful! We rent the campground out once a year for a group and have a relaxing, fun time!" 2. "The campground was spacious and clean. We had room to spread out and be comfortable." 3. "Nice...

Based on 12 reviews

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Go if

You're planning a large group gathering in a high-elevation forest setting with access to hiking and mountain biking.

Skip if

You need level tent sites, a dump station, or a private entrance separate from other campgrounds.

Nearby Campgrounds

Lincoln National Forest

Saddle Campground sits at 9,000 feet in Lincoln National Forest, about 16 sites tucked into mixed conifer and aspen forest near Cloudcroft. The elevation creates a cool refuge from the desert below, with sites running $32/night and access to vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station. The campground closes September 7, so fall visits require early planning.

Lower Fir Group Area

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Lower Fir Group Area

Campground Map

Weather at Lower Fir Group Area

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Lower Fir Group Area

Planning Tips

About Lower Fir Group Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Lower Fir Group Area?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Lower Fir Group Area

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Lower Fir Group Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Lower Fir Group Area?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews