4.3992 reviewsPrice
$32 - $57/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Opens May 15 - Closu...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$32 - $57/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Opens May 15 - Closu...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Pines Campground, Cloudcroft, NM, Lincoln National Forest, Sacramento Ranger District
Summer heat refugees and hikers will get the most out of this place. The Osha Trail (2.2-mile loop) leaves practically from camp, midweek arrivals land spacious sites like the quad Site 7, and nights in the 30s-40s are a genuine relief when the desert is baking.
No showers, no hookups, no dump station, and water spigots are shared across the whole campground, so plan to haul extra. Weekends pack out fast with no reservations, and a handful of reviews flag noise problems that the host didn't always address.
Reference information about Pines Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Pines Group Campground lies just NE of Cloudcroft and has 24 sites. Out of these 24 sites, 21 are single units, 2 are double units and 1 is a triple unit site. Douglas and white fir forest offers escape from desert heat to tent campers and large groups, good access to trails for hiking. Available at the site are tables, fire rings, parking spurs, gray water sumps, toilets, central garbage depository are all available here. Tents are allowed and RV's are limited to a maximum length of 35 feet.</p><p>There are connections to local area trails at the site, one of which takes you to the very popular Osha Trail (T10) named for the Osha plant found along its paths. Here there are stunning views of the Mexican Canyon Trestle and Tularosa Basin below.</p><p>(<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3798466.pdf">Sacramento District Camping Brochure</a>)</p>
The elevation is 8,700 ft. The campground has two loops named Butterfly and Chipmunk. In the middle of Butterfly Loop is a fenced meadow. This protected area is the home of the Checkerspot Butterfly found only here and in a few other areas around Cloudcroft. The Checkerspot is dependant on the New Mexico Penstemon and Orange Sneezeweed growing within the fenced area. Several campsites in this loop overlook the fenced area. The only tent pads in the campground are located on this loop. Chipmunk Loop, on the left of fee board and up an incline has a limited turn around. Motorhomes should detach dingy before exploring this loop. Towering Ponderosa pines provide some shade but most sites will be sunny for part of the day. The lack of middlestory results in fair to good privacy. Firewood is available for a fee. This is a good campground for hikers who want to explore the forest via the Osha Trail. Day trips are visiting the town of Cloudcroft, Sunspot Observatory, Bluff Springs and Trestle Recreation Area. Cloudcroft has several craft and variety shops to include a miniature golf course. The Sunspot Observatory is at the end of the 16-mile Sunspot Highway or Scenic Byway. You can take a free self-guided tour of the various observatories and watch the scientists at work - a great place for the whole family. Bring a picnic lunch. The Trestle Recreation Area has the Cloud-Climbing Rail Trail with several scenic overlooks and a replica of a train depot. Bluff Springs is a trail leading to a waterfall. Pick up literature at the Chamber of Commerce in Cloudcroft. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.
Open May 17 through September 3
Hot showers are available, for a fee, at the Silver campground (National Forest) off State Rt. 244. The first five gallons of water are included in the camping fee. After that, a fee is charged for each additional gallon of water. There is also a fee for trash pick-up.
The parking aprons are paved. The Forest Service recommends a maximum vehicle length of 40'. Pull-throughs are parallel style parking. An RV waste station, with potable water, is available for a fee at the Silver campground (National Forest) off State Rt. 244. A sign posted at entrance to the Chipmonk section states: "Maximum vehicle length 40 ft."
From Cloudcroft, NM, take US Rt. 82 east 0.2 miles to State Rt. 244. Turn left onto Rt. 244 and go 0.5 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
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Come in summer for cool, dry mountain days. Daytime highs typically reach the mid-60s to mid-70s, nights drop into the 30s and 40s. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through during monsoon season, so plan morning hikes. Trails, biking, and wildlife viewing peak July through August, but so do crowds. Arrive mid-week if you want solitude. The campground stays open into fall and winter, but expect freezing temps, snow, and wind. Water and some amenities may be unavailable off-season.
Open May 17–Sep 3; cool mountain days, lush greenery; peak season with many positive reviews.
Pines Campground is located in a serene Douglas and white fir forest, providing an escape from desert heat. It offers 24 campsites: 21 single-unit, 2 double-unit, and 1 triple-unit site. The facility includes essential amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, parking spurs, gray water sumps, vault toilets, and a central garbage depository. Potable water is available, and there is access to nearby hiking trails such as the Osha Trail.
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