Is Upper Fir Group Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Upper Fir 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 Upper Fir Group Area before I book?

Yes! Upper Fir Group Area has 18 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 Upper Fir Group Area?

Upper Fir 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 Upper Fir Group Area?

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

Can I have a campfire at Upper Fir Group Area?

Fire policies at Upper Fir 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 Upper Fir Group Area have?

Upper Fir Group Area has 120 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Upper Fir Group Area?

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

What amenities are available at Upper Fir Group Area?

Upper Fir Group Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Upper Fir Group Area

4.50

40 reviews

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM 88317, USA

Top 14% in NMSummer

Family FriendlyScenic Views

Featured in:Group Camping New Mexico#2 Hidden Gem Campgrounds New Mexico#2 Tent Camping New Mexico#2 +9 more

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

120 campsites

Season

Open May 16 – Sept 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

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

120 campsites

Season

Open May 16 – Sept 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Fir Group Area

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$283.00

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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

Upper Fir Group Area

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM 88317, USA

Nearby places

Cloudcroft (1 mile), Alamogordo (17 miles)

Weather at Upper Fir Group Area

Current alerts(8)

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 Upper Fir Group Area

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable access and the best weather for large-group camping at 9,000 ft — expect comfortable daytime highs around 65–75°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Trails and forest roads are fully open, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and the large pavilion and grills are ideal for gatherings. Weekends in July and August can be busy, but weekdays remain pleasantly quiet for group activities and stargazing. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in NM

Open May 16–Sept 26; summer praised for trails, group activities and comfortable temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 16 – Sept 26, closed Sept 27 – May 15.

About Upper Fir Group Area

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.

The Upper Fir Group Area is designed primarily for group camping, accommodating up to 120 people. It’s suitable for tent camping, with some RV sites available, though they may be tight for larger RVs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable access and the best weather for large-group camping at 9,000 ft — expect comfortable daytime highs around 65–75°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Trails and forest roads are fully open, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and the large pavilion and grills are ideal for gatherings. Weekends in July and August can be busy, but weekdays remain pleasantly quiet for group activities and stargazing. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in dense pine and fir forest within the Sacramento Mountains, part of Lincoln National Forest's 1.1 million acres. Aspen groves dot the surrounding slopes. The terrain is rocky underfoot, with limestone and volcanic geology creating the dramatic peaks and valleys visible from the site. At 9,000 feet, the forest canopy filters sunlight across open meadow areas connected to the pavilion. Wildlife sightings are common.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis campground does not offer lodging or hotel-style accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no information about cultural or educational programs offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 120 guests permitted at the group site.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 120 people, and it is connected to Lower Fir Group if additional space is needed for up to 70 more campers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or its mobile app.

Site SizeThe campground comfortably accommodates groups of up to 120 people, with ample space for dozens of tents.

PrivacyThe campground is noted for its privacy, being set back from public roads. Reviewers mentioned a quiet and private experience, ideal for group camping.

Total Campsites120 campsites

Recommended SitesBest suited for groups as large as 120. RV accommodations may require careful maneuvering due to tree density.

Best CampsitesThe main pavilion area draws consistent praise in reviews for its size and setup. It's the focal point for group gatherings, with multiple grills and tables under cover. The connected meadow offers space for tents, though the ground is rocky.

Need help booking Upper Fir Group Area?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Upper Fir Group Area provides a variety of amenities catering to large groups. It includes one of the few group sites in the region with water access, a significant draw for visitors. The campground features a large pavilion with a concrete floor measuring 36’ x 65’, equipped with 10 wooden 8’ long picnic tables, permanent grills, a bear box for food storage, and trash receptacles. "The spacious pavilion was ideal for cooking, eating, and socializing with large groups," stated one user review. Vault toilets are available, and running water is accessible at the pavilion.

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground. Instead, vault toilets are provided.

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

4.5

40 reviews

Top-Rated

Upper Fir Group Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Upper Fir Group Area emphasize its suitability for large groups, privacy, and spacious facilities. Many highlight the pavilion as a standout feature and praise the quiet and scenic environment.

Review Summaries

Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the spacious pavilion, ideal for group activities, the quiet and private location, and the availability of water at the site. Wildlife viewing opportunities and proximity to...

Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users pointed out the rocky ground, which might make tent setup challenging. Accessibility for larger RVs (33-35 feet) was noted as tight due to trees, though manageable.

Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 in Loop GPUP received high praise for its spacious and clean facilities. No negative site-specific reviews were noted.

Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend calling ahead for the lock combination. They appreciate the camp host's helpfulness and note the importance of checking fire restrictions due to the high elevation and potential dry...

Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are generally positive across seasons, with summer being particularly praised for group activities and outdoor recreation. No specific complaints about seasonal weather trends were noted.

Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground was quiet and isolated, perfect for our group," stated one reviewer. Another highlighted, "The 36’ x 65’ pavilion was spacious enough for cooking, eating, and games." "We saw wild...

Based on 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features, so it is unclear how accessible the site is for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews addressing experiences or policies related to pets at this campground.

Based on 40 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You're organizing a summer group outing and want high-elevation forest access with a covered pavilion and on-site water.

Skip if

You need level tent ground or wide RV clearances without tree obstacles.

Nearby Campgrounds

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.

Upper Fir Group Area

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

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Plan a trip to Upper Fir Group Area

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Weather at Upper Fir Group Area

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Upper Fir Group Area

Planning Tips

About Upper Fir Group Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Upper Fir Group Area?

Amenities available

RV details

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Upper Fir Group Area

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Upper Fir Group Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Upper Fir Group Area?

Amenities available

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews