How much does camping cost at Sleepy Grass Campground?

Camping fees at Sleepy Grass Campground range from $30-$47/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Sleepy Grass Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sleepy Grass Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served, with no reservation system in place.

What is the best time to visit Sleepy Grass Campground?

Sleepy Grass Campground is open Peak season is between Memorial Day and Labor Day.. 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 Sleepy Grass Campground?

Sleepy Grass Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Sleepy Grass Campground?

Fire policies at Sleepy Grass Campground: Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood is available for $9 per bundle.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Sleepy Grass Campground?

Cell phone service at Sleepy Grass Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Sleepy Grass Campground have?

Sleepy Grass Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Sleepy Grass Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sleepy Grass Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sleepy Grass Campground?

Sleepy Grass Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sleepy Grass Campground?

Popular activities at Sleepy Grass Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sleepy Grass Campground

4.31

97 reviews

Located off NM 130, 1.4 miles south of the village of Cloudcroft

Featured in:Camping Near White Sands National Park RV Camping New Mexico

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$30 - $47/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Opens May 15 - Closu...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$30 - $47/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Opens May 15 - Closu...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Sleepy Grass Campground

$30.00 - $47.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $30 per night Double Site: $38 per night Triple Site: $47 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $10 per vehicle per night

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Located off NM 130, 1.4 miles south of the village of Cloudcroft

Sleepy Grass Campground

Located off NM 130, 1.4 miles south of the village of Cloudcroft

Nearby places

Cloudcroft (1.4 miles, approximately 5 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Camping supplies, groceries, fuel, and other essentials are accessible in Cloudcroft, a short 1.4-mile drive from the campground.

Weather at Sleepy Grass Campground

Current alert: Occasional advisories during rainy seasons, including temporary flooding near campsites.

Best Time to Camp at Sleepy Grass Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions. Days settle into the 60s and 70s, nights drop to the 30s and 40s. Trails clear of snow, the forest greens up, and elk and deer move through camp. Afternoon monsoons roll in regularly during July and August. The campground fills on holiday weekends. All 15 sites can book up. Winter closes access entirely with deep snow and freezing temperatures.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer has mild days, cool nights, cleared trails and is peak season for visiting.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is between Memorial Day and Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opens May 15 - Closure October (Subject to change). Site closed for the winter season.

About Sleepy Grass Campground

Sleepy Grass Campground sits at 9,000 feet in Lincoln National Forest, 15 sites tucked into a grassy valley where the Sacramento Mountains meet stands of Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, and aspen. The campground includes 10 single-family sites, two doubles, and three triples, with fees running $30-47 per night. Cell service reaches here from nearby Cloudcroft.

The campground supports a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping for vehicles under 30 feet, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions. Days settle into the 60s and 70s, nights drop to the 30s and 40s. Trails clear of snow, the forest greens up, and elk and deer move through camp. Afternoon monsoons roll in regularly during July and August. The campground fills on holiday weekends. All 15 sites can book up. Winter closes access entirely with deep snow and freezing temperatures.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,000 feet above sea level, Sleepy Grass Campground offers a natural air conditioning system that makes it a coveted summer escape. Here, while desert valleys below swelter, you'll enjoy nature's perfect climate – warm sunshine filtered through pine boughs by day and cool, star-filled nights that demand a cozy sleeping bag.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a gentle valley ringed by mountain slopes thick with conifers. Douglas firs stand alongside vanilla-scented Ponderosa pines. Aspen groves add green in summer, gold in fall. The mix of meadow and forest creates an unusual setting for the high country. Open enough for light, enclosed enough to feel tucked away. At this elevation, the air stays crisp even in summer.

Geological RegionSleepy Grass Campground occupies a special niche in Lincoln National Forest's diverse ecosystem, where a gentle grassy valley meets the dramatic slopes of the Sacramento Mountains. This unique setting showcases nature's artistry – majestic Douglas firs standing sentinel alongside vanilla-scented Ponderosa pines, while groves of quaking aspens add splashes of green in summer and gold in fall. It's a living gallery that demonstrates the remarkable ecological tapestry of New Mexico's high country.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers picturesque views of the surrounding forested valley and mountain landscapes.

Programs & ActivitiesVisitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Sunspot Observatory, Bluff Springs, and the Trestle Recreation Area. Cloudcroft village offers craft shops and historical insights.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

First-come, first-served basis
no specific check-in time.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Specific guest limits per site not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites spread across the valley with decent spacing, though some campers found them clustered during busy periods. The layout mixes single, double, and triple units. Most sites handle tents and smaller RVs up to 30 feet.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, with no reservation system in place.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable; no reservations allowed.

AccessibilitySeveral campsites are wheelchair-accessible, and the campground features an interpretive trail with braille signs.

Site SizeThe campground includes 10 single-family units, two double-family units, and three triple-family units.

PrivacySites are described as well-spaced and offering good privacy, though some users found them clustered during busy periods.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesMany sites are level and equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and grills. Vault toilets are clean and distributed throughout the campground. Potable water is available at the entrance.

Best CampsitesSite 2 is the only back-in for RVs and gets mentioned often in reviews for its accessibility. Other site-specific preferences weren't detailed in the data.

Amenities available

Sleepy Grass Campground offers a range of amenities to support a comfortable camping experience. The campground is equipped with vault toilets that users have described as clean and odorless. Potable water is available at centralized spigots, and picnic tables are provided at all campsites. Fire rings with grill grates are also present. While showers are not directly available on-site, they can be accessed for a fee at the nearby Silver Overflow Campground.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a serene environment with opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and wildlife observation. The area is surrounded by natural beauty, including Ponderosa Pines and Aspen trees.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; campers are advised to practice safe food storage techniques.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood is available for $9 per bundle.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours begin at 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are available in Cloudcroft, including police stations and medical facilities.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof trash dumpsters are available throughout the campground. Trash disposal is free for campers, or $3 per bag for non-campers. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesNo lakes, rivers, or streams are onsite, but Bluff Springs trail is nearby and leads to a waterfall.

Camp HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful, maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Cell Coverage4G cell service is available, likely from the nearby village of Cloudcroft.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

97 reviews

Satisfactory

Sleepy Grass Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the tranquility, wildlife, and cleanliness of the campground, with many campers praising the natural beauty and helpful hosts. Some issues were noted with overcrowding and occasional interactions with rangers.

Review Summaries

Based on 97 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the clean restrooms, friendly camp hosts, abundant wildlife, and serene environment. Level campsites with fire rings and potable water were frequently mentioned as positives.

Based on 97 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported overcrowding during peak times and negative interactions with certain rangers. Others mentioned that the parking aprons are dirt and can become messy in wet weather.

Based on 97 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 2 was specifically mentioned as the only back-in site for RVs. Multiple users praised the cleanliness and maintenance of the vault toilets.

Based on 97 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own hand sanitizer and firewood, though firewood may be available on-site for $9. Visit during weekdays or the shoulder season to avoid crowds and ensure a more peaceful experience.

Based on 97 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from mid-April to early September. Summer is the most popular time, offering mild weather and opportunities for stargazing. Spring and late summer provide fewer...

Based on 97 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A beautiful secluded canyon campground with both single and group sites." - David Chasteen. "Wildlife like elk, deer, and raccoons just wandering around, beautiful woods to hike and explore." -...

Based on 97 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible sites and the braille trail were highlighted as excellent features for visitors with disabilities.

Based on 97 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is described as dog-friendly, with some users noting encounters with wildlife that could excite dogs.

Based on 97 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Weekday campers who can roll in early and snag a site before the holiday crowds hit. The elk and deer sightings are real, not just brochure copy, and Cloudcroft is five minutes away when you need groceries or a shower at Silver Overflow.

Skip if

Holiday weekends will test your patience: dirt parking aprons turn muddy after monsoons, all 15 sites can fill by Friday afternoon with no reservation option, and a handful of reviews describe ranger interactions and campground social dynamics that felt unwelcoming to visitors ou

Nearby Campgrounds

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Sleepy Grass

Lincoln National Forest

Sleepy Grass Campground sits at 9,026 feet in the forested Sacramento Mountains just outside Cloudcroft. The 20-site campground operates roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day and offers dry camping with potable water at the entrance. Reviewers compare the setting to Lake Tahoe and consistently praise the clean facilities and quiet, secluded feel despite being close to town.

$30.00 - $47.00 / night

State Rt. 130, Cloudcroft, NM

Deerhead Campground sits at 8,800 feet in the Sacramento Mountains, a pine-covered sky island rising sharply from New Mexico's southern desert. The 19 sites accommodate tents and RVs under 25 feet, with nightly fees ranging from $10 to $32. Cell service works here, and Cloudcroft's shops are close enough for supply runs.

$10.00 - $32.00 / night

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Deerhead Campground

Lincoln National Forest

Deerhead Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine forests near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, offering tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Operated seasonally during peak months, the campground delivers cool, pine-shaded sites and a quiet mountain atmosphere. Campers come for relief from desert heat, wildflower displays, and access to nearby hiking trails.

Tents

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PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM 88317, USA

Upper Fir Group Area sits at 9,000 feet in Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, operated by Vista Recreation for seasonal group camping. The site features a large pavilion, vault toilets, and potable water, serving as a base for summer hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing in the high-elevation alpine forest. Rocky ground and tight tree clearances present challenges for some tent and RV campers.

From Cloudcroft, NM, take US Rt. 82 east 0.5 miles to State Rt. 244. Turn left onto Rt. 244 and go 1.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.9 miles to the Apache campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

Apache Campground sits at 8,900 feet in the Lincoln National Forest, offering 25 sites beneath a canopy of Douglas firs and aspens. This high-elevation refuge welcomes tents and RVs up to 30 feet on paved parking aprons, with fees running $22-32 per night. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker, while amenities include showers, vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station.

$22.00 - $32.00 / night

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

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.

Lincoln National Forest

Apache sits in the high-elevation alpine country near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, operated seasonally during peak months. The small campground offers tent and RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables, surrounded by stands of quaking aspen that turn brilliant gold in fall. Interpretive trails wind through the forest, and the crisp mountain air makes for excellent campfire evenings.

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

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Pines Campground

Lincoln National Forest

Pines Campground sits at 8,700 feet in Lincoln National Forest, 15 minutes from Cloudcroft. First-come, first-served. No hookups, seven-night limit. Sites accommodate tents and RVs up to 40 feet, with paved access and a camp host who rakes sites between visitors.

Tents

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

Pines Campground sits at 8,700 feet in the Lincoln National Forest, offering 23 sites split between two loops: Butterfly and Chipmunk. Sites run $32–$57 per night and accommodate tents and RVs up to 35 feet. The Osha Trail starts nearby, leading to views of the Mexican Canyon Trestle and the Tularosa Basin below. Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and the camp host's attentiveness, though weekends fill up quickly.

$32.00 - $57.00 / night

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Lower Fir Group Campground

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Lower Fir Group Campground accommodates up to 70 people in a single reservation-only site within Lincoln National Forest, about 8,720 feet above sea level near Cloudcroft. A covered pavilion anchors the space, flanked by 8 picnic tables and 2 fire rings. Fees run $123–$154 per night, and RVs up to 30 feet fit on the grounds.

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Upper Fir Group Campground occupies a single, reservation-only site in Lincoln National Forest at 8,747 feet elevation. The campground accommodates up to 120 people and features a covered pavilion with 12 picnic tables, two communal fire rings, and vault toilets. Fees run $123-$283 per night depending on group size. RVs up to 30 feet can access the site.

$123.00 - $283.00 / night

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.

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

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Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)

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Aspen Group Area sits at 9,000 feet in Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, operated by the Forest Service for group reservations only. The high-alpine setting offers mixed conifer and aspen forest with flush toilets, potable water, and a resident camp host. Summer brings cool daytime temperatures and crisp nights, making it a popular escape from New Mexico's desert heat for group outings and wildlife watching.

Campgrounds

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Sleepy Grass Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Sleepy Grass Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Sleepy Grass offers a total of 15 units of which 2 are double and 3 are triple units leaving 10 single units.  Located just south of the Village of Cloudcroft, this site offers many sites for RV's, tents and campers.  30' RV limit.</p><p>(<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3798466.pdf">Sacramento District Camping Brochure</a>)</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 9,000 ft. The campground is located along a grassy valley cradled between Douglas fir, Ponderosa and Aspen- covered mountain sides. The scent of Ponderosa pine fills the area. This is a very pretty, rustic campground with an abundance of walk-in tent sites. Four pleasant day trips are visiting the town of Cloudcroft, Sunspot Observatory, Bluff Springs and Trestle Recreation Area. Cloudcroft has several craft and variety shops plus 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.

Seasons & access

Open May 17 through September 3

Facilities

Water spigots are co-located at far end of campground. For a fee, hot showers are available at Silver campground (National Forest) off State Rt. 244.

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt. An RV waste station, with potable water, is available for a fee at Silver campground (National Forest) off State Rt. 244.

Directions

In Cloudcroft, NM, take State Rt. 130 south 1.3 miles to Recreation Site sign. Bear left at sign and go 0.8 miles to campground.

National Forest: Lincoln National Forest
Ranger District: Sacramento
Elevation: 9000
Rate: $20 per day - single $28 per day - double
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May 12 – Sept 5