Saddle Campground

Star4.35
41 reviews

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Seasonal operation: ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Lincoln National Forest site

Official Website
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Saddle Campground
$32.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The standard site fee is $32 per night for a single-family unit. An additional $10 per night per vehicle is charged for extra vehicles. Showers at...
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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

4.35

Recommended

Based on 41 reviews

39 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhikingfriendly

"Reviews highlight Saddle Campground's clean facilities, friendly hosts, and tranquil environment. However, some users noted closely spaced campsites and strict enforcement of rules, including quiet hours from 10 pm to 7 am."

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Campground Map

Saddle Campground

32.9707, -105.7262

Driving directionsTravel east on US82 from Cloudcroft, turn left onto NM244. Approximately 4 miles turn right at the Silver-Saddle-Apache Campground Complex sign (Forest Road 24C). Turn left at the Saddle campground sign.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Roads are maintained and suitable for any car. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain are noted.
Nearby places
Cloudcroft - 2.5 miles (approximately a 5-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials can be found in Cloudcroft, approximately 2.5 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Saddle Campground

Spring and summer transform Saddle Campground into a refreshing mountain oasis, with crisp morning air giving way to pleasantly mild afternoons. Crystal-clear skies dominate the season, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities and sun-dappled days perfect for exploration. The high elevation ensures comfortable temperatures even during peak summer, while minimal precipitation means your outdoor adventures are rarely interrupted by weather. Cool evenings invite cozy campfire conversations, making every night a memorable part of your mountain escape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open and pleasant in summer but noted as busier and sometimes less peaceful in peak months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quaking aspens and high-elevation forest imply strong fall color and quieter visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Early season is quieter and pleasant, though campground opens May 9 so late spring only.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 9–Sept 7; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 9 to September 7.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Seasonal operation: opening May 9 and closing September 7.

About Saddle Campground

Escape to Saddle Campground, where 16 secluded sites await you in the heart of Lincoln National Forest's enchanting high country. Nestled among towering conifers and shimmering aspens, this mountain sanctuary offers the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness solitude. The campground's distinctive figure-eight layout creates intimate camping neighborhoods, each site thoughtfully equipped with a sturdy picnic table, fire ring for evening gatherings, and convenient parking spur. Whether you're pitching a tent under the starlit canopy or settling in with your RV, you'll find yourself immersed in a cool mountain paradise that feels worlds away from the desert valleys below.
Saddle Campground offers camping for tents and RVs, with paved parking spurs and a 30-foot RV length limit. It does not provide group camping or cabin lodging.
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Best Campsites

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Stay Limit
14 days maximum stay.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Saddle Campground include hiking, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs. The campground offers access to the Saddle Nature Trail, a one-mile loop trail with interpretive signs, and is close to other hiking trails.
HikingThe Saddle Nature Trail, a one-mile loop with crushed gravel and interpretive signs, encircles the campground. However, user reviews mention that many signs do not match nearby plant species or features. Additional trailheads are accessible from the main paved access road.
Wildlife viewingUsers report sightings of elk and deer, adding to the appeal of the wooded surroundings.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs are offered each Saturday evening at the amphitheater.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, and food storage rules should be followed to prevent wildlife encounters.

Weather at Saddle Campground

Reviews

4.4
41 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Saddle Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight Saddle Campground's clean facilities, friendly hosts, and tranquil environment. However, some users noted closely spaced campsites and strict enforcement of rules, including quiet hours from 10 pm to 7 am.
Review Summaries
Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the cleanliness of vault toilets, friendly and helpful hosts, access to hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere with wildlife sightings. The nature trail and interpretive programs...
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Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users raised concerns about the strict enforcement of rules, such as quiet hours and payment requirements. Privacy between campsites was critiqued, and one user mentioned a negative encounter...
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Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing extra tables and canopies for shade, keeping pets leashed (as required in New Mexico pay-to-camp areas), and preparing for closely spaced campsites. Some suggest exploring...
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Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Early and late seasons are noted as quieter, ideal for families, while summer can be crowded and less peaceful. Seasonal wildlife sightings add to the appeal during quieter times.
Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms are vault-style composting toilets and are handicapped accessible. Hand sanitizer and toilet paper were provided and the bathrooms were checked regularly for cleanliness." - Jordan...
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Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are closely spaced with poor privacy, suitable for car camping or small groups. No specific site numbers are highlighted as the best or worst.
Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets and paved aprons make sites accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash, which some users found restrictive. No additional pet-friendly features are mentioned.
Based on 41 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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