Pines Campground

Star4.49
92 reviews
Pines Campground, Cloudcroft, NM, Lincoln National Forest, Sacramento Ranger District

Quick Facts

8,700 ft

Price

$32 - $57/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Lincoln National Forest - Sacramento Ranger District site

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Pines Campground
$32.00 - $57.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $32 for single sites to $57 for quadruple large family sites. Additional fees include $10 per extra vehicle, $7 per shower 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$57.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 92 reviews

91 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanrestroomswell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, proximity to trails, and serene atmosphere. Many campers praise the camp host's dedication to maintenance and visitor satisfaction."

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Campground Map

Pines Campground, Cloudcroft, NM, Lincoln National Forest, Sacramento Ranger District

Pines Campground

Pines Campground, Cloudcroft, NM, Lincoln National Forest, Sacramento Ranger District

Driving directionsTravel east on US82 from Cloudcroft, turn left onto NM244. Less than 1 mile later on your left you will find the entrance to Pines Campground (across the street from the Fir Campgrounds).
Accessible from paved roads, specifically US82 and NM244. No seasonal closures are noted. Vehicle access is limited to RVs of 35-40 feet maximum length due to turning radius and site parking space constraints.
Nearby places
Cloudcroft (1 mile, 5 minutes), Sunspot Observatory (16 miles, 25 minutes), Bluff Springs (8 miles, 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Cloudcroft, which is approximately 1 mile away.

Best Time to Camp at Pines Campground

From May through September, Pines Campground basks in the perfect mountain climate—crisp, dry days that offer a refreshing escape from lowland heat. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a golden wonderland before winter blankets the landscape in snow. Cold-weather adventurers should come prepared for freezing temperatures, occasional snowfall, and mountain winds that whisper through the firs, creating a true alpine experience.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 17–Sep 3; summer praised for cool, lush conditions vs lowland heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Forest 'transforms into gold' in autumn, but campground closes early September limiting fall season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late spring (after May 17) offers cool, pleasant conditions; limited early-season access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (seasonal May–Sept).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season aligns with the open season, from May 17 to September 3.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 17 through September 3.
  • Current Alerts: No active advisories reported.

About Pines Campground

Nestled high in the Lincoln National Forest, Pines Campground invites you to discover its two distinct loops—Butterfly and Chipmunk—offering 23 thoughtfully positioned sites beneath a canopy of towering Douglas and white fir trees. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including fire rings, spacious parking spurs, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets and fresh potable water. Whether you're arriving with a tent or an RV up to 40 feet, you'll find the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventure. Just steps away, the scenic Osha Trail beckons, promising breathtaking vistas of the historic Mexican Canyon Trestle and the sprawling Tularosa Basin below.
Pines Campground supports a range of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Groups can book the spacious quad site.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
First-come, first-serve.
Check-out
Vacate by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers hiking, picnicking, and opportunities to explore nearby attractions. The Osha Trail provides stunning views of the Mexican Canyon Trestle and Tularosa Basin, making it a favorite among visitors.
HikingThe campground connects to several trails, including the Osha Trail (T10), a 2.2-mile loop featuring views of the Mexican Canyon Trestle and Tularosa Basin. Suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
BikingThe Osha Trail supports mountain biking and offers a moderate challenge for riders.
Wildlife viewingOpportunities to spot local wildlife such as deer, horses, crows, squirrels, and coyotes. Visitors have occasionally sighted mountain lions.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; campers must practice safe food storage. Additional wildlife reported includes mountain lions, coyotes, deer, and elk.
Active AlertsNo active advisories reported.

Weather at Pines Campground

Reviews

4.5
92 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Pines Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, proximity to trails, and serene atmosphere. Many campers praise the camp host's dedication to maintenance and visitor satisfaction.
Review Summaries
Based on 92 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean restrooms and campsites - Quiet and well-maintained - Proximity to Cloudcroft and Osha Trail - Host Don is frequently noted as helpful and attentive - Opportunities for wildlife viewing and...
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Based on 92 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of on-site showers - No water spigots directly at individual campsites - Some complaints about campground host behavior in isolated instances - Noise issues due to groups not being addressed...
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Based on 92 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during weekends. - Bring your own firewood to avoid paying $9 per bundle. - Visit mid-week to avoid crowds, as weekends fill up quickly. - Due to limited...
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Based on 92 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize the cooler temperatures and lush greenery compared to the surrounding desert. August sees higher traffic from out-of-state visitors, particularly from Texas.
Based on 92 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The summer temps are perfect, the views are spectacular, the people are friendly." - Julian Franklin - "Amazing place to camp! The person in charge of the campground was super nice and sweet." -...
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Based on 92 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 7 (quad site): Noted for its spaciousness and amenities like multiple tables and proximity to trails. However, some visitors reported hikers mistakenly entering the site.
Based on 92 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed feedback. While the vault toilets are wheelchair-accessible, further specifics on ADA-compliant features are not available.
Based on 92 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews or policies regarding pets were provided.
Based on 92 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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