Is Slide Group Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Slide 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 Slide Group Area before I book?

Yes! Slide Group Area has 14 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 Slide Group Area?

Slide 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 Slide Group Area?

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

Can I have a campfire at Slide Group Area?

Fire policies at Slide 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 Slide Group Area have?

Slide Group Area has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Slide Group Area?

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

Slide Group Area

4.14

22 reviews

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

Peace & Quiet

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

1 campsites

Season

Peak season runs May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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

1 campsites

Season

Peak season runs May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Slide 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

Slide Group Area

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

Nearby places

Alamogordo: 20 miles (approximately 32 minutes) Cloudcroft: 2 miles (approximately 5 minutes)

Weather at Slide 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 Slide Group Area

Best season: fall. Early fall offers the clearest, crispest mountain weather and the best balance of quiet campsites and excellent hiking conditions — daytime highs are commonly in the 50s–60s°F with nights dipping into the mid-20s–30s°F. Scenic vistas are at their sharpest after summer haze clears, making this an ideal time for long ridge hikes, wildlife viewing when animals are active, and photography. Visitor levels drop compared with midsummer, so groups get the campground’s dramatic rim views with fewer crowd Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Early fall noted as best: cooler days, clearer air and sharp distant views.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season runs May 16 to September 27 annually. Outside these dates, reservations are not available.

About Slide Group Area

Slide Group Area is a high-elevation alpine campground in Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, operated by Vista Recreation for group reservations only. This very small facility offers seclusion in the Sacramento Mountains, where fall brings crisp mountain air and sharp scenic vistas ideal for ridge hiking and wildlife viewing. The site serves organized groups like scout troops seeking privacy and alpine access during the seasonal operating window.

Slide Group Area is tailored for group camping with no individual campsites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall offers the clearest, crispest mountain weather and the best balance of quiet campsites and excellent hiking conditions — daytime highs are commonly in the 50s–60s°F with nights dipping into the mid-20s–30s°F. Scenic vistas are at their sharpest after summer haze clears, making this an ideal time for long ridge hikes, wildlife viewing when animals are active, and photography. Visitor levels drop compared with midsummer, so groups get the campground’s dramatic rim views with fewer crowd Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe site perches on the edge of the Sacramento Mountains, where pine and aspen forests meet ancient limestone cliffs. At 9,000 feet, the campground overlooks the sprawling Tularosa Basin below. The area combines volcanic geology with evidence of prehistoric seas. An open meadow provides space for group activities, while the surrounding mixed evergreen forest offers shade and wind protection.

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

Agroup site allows up to 90 guests.

Groups

The campground supports groups of up to 90 people. Rates vary based on group size: $123 per night for groups of 1 to 40 people and $154 per night for groups of 41 to 90 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov. Contact center and app options are also available for booking.

Site SizeSupports group camping with space for up to 90 individuals.

PrivacyHaving a full site with no other campers within a couple of miles was priceless," noted one reviewer.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesIdeal for large gatherings like reunions or scouting events. Privacy is a major advantage as there are no other campers nearby.

Need help booking Slide Group Area?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Slide Group Area offers a range of amenities designed for group camping, featuring scenic views and convenient access to recreational opportunities. "Parking can accommodate approximately 12 trailers or 50 automobiles." The site provides an open meadow suitable for sports like volleyball and football. Restroom facilities are mentioned in user reviews but details about their type and cleanliness vary.

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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 Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

4.1

22 reviews

Satisfactory

Slide Group Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Slide Group Area are highly positive overall, with an average sentiment rating of 4.71. Visitors praise the spaciousness, secluded nature, and variety of activities, despite some operational and maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great place for the cub scouts!" and "Having a full site with no other campers within a couple of miles was priceless."

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted maintenance challenges, such as "the campground had not been cleaned, the bathrooms had not been unlocked and the water tank wasn't there" upon arrival.

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001, Loop SLID, is frequently mentioned. "We had reserved this site for a full family reunion next year."

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive prepared as amenities like restrooms may not always be operational upon arrival. The open meadow is ideal for group sports.

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Highly positive experiences noted during peak season. No significant data available for off-season use.

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Campground hosts Pat & Vernon make this a very special place. They always keep the area clean and safe." - CHRIS B, "The weekend was extra special with our family camping with us. Having a full site...

Based on 22 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

409 DOG CANYON RD, Alamogordo, New Mexico, 88310, United States

Oliver Lee Memorial sits at the mouth of Dog Canyon, where the Sacramento Mountains rise abruptly from the Tularosa Basin floor at 4,370 feet. The campground offers both tent and RV sites ($10-18/night) with modern amenities including showers, flush toilets, and hookups. Rust-colored canyon walls frame the sites, and White Sands National Park lies a short drive away.

Slide Group Area

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Slide Group Area

Campground Map

Weather at Slide Group Area

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Slide Group Area

Planning Tips

About Slide Group Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Slide Group Area?

Amenities available

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Overview

Plan a trip to Slide Group Area

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Slide Group Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Slide Group Area?

Amenities available

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews