Deerhead Campground

Star4.45
99 reviews
Deerhead Campground

Quick Facts

8,700 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

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Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

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Deerhead Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 99 reviews

97 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanrestroomsshade

"Reviewers generally describe Deerhead Campground as a clean, beautiful, and quiet forest campground that feels relaxing and family‑friendly, with lots of shade and cooler temperatures due to the elevation. A few negative reviews mention noise from nearby campers, generators, and highway traffic, but more recent comments emphasize a well‑managed, peaceful atmosphere close to town and trails."

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About Deerhead Campground

Tucked into the heart of Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, Deerhead Campground welcomes you to a mountain sanctuary at 8,700 feet elevation. Here, towering pines cast cool shadows over your campsite while elk wander through the surrounding forest, creating those magical wildlife moments that make camping unforgettable.
Standard campground sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping.
ElevationAt 8,700 feet above sea level, Deerhead Campground offers the crisp mountain air and cooler temperatures that make summer camping a genuine escape from the heat below.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up beneath a canopy of majestic pines, their branches swaying gently in the mountain breeze. The campground sits nestled within the expansive 1,103,441-acre Lincoln National Forest, where nature reveals itself in layers—from the towering trees overhead to the stunning vistas of White Sands National Park's gleaming salt flats visible in the distance. Adventure awaits on multiple trails that wind through the surrounding wilderness. Whether you choose the scenic Osha Trail, the rewarding Little Apache Trail, or the historic Old Cloudcroft Highway Trail, each path offers its own window into this remarkable high-country ecosystem where ponderosa pines reign and wildlife thrives.
Geological RegionLincoln National Forest
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Campsite details

AccessibilityRoads within the campground are paved; parking spurs are paved.
Sites SizeStandard sites accommodating tent and RV camping.
Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesStandard sites accommodate both tents and RVs and feature paved parking spurs, picnic tables, grills and fire rings; expect shaded sites under large pine trees and good opportunities for wildlife viewing.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutStandard tent and RV sites with paved parking spurs, picnic tables, grills, fire rings and vault toilets.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Deerhead Campground is located in the Lincoln National Forest and offers access to hiking, caving, picnicking, horseback riding, hunting and sightseeing, with strong opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Hiking
Multiple trails in the Lincoln National Forest are accessible from the campground, including the Osha Trail, the Little Apache Trail, and the Old Cloudcroft Highway Trail. The forest (1,103,441 acres) provides extensive hiking opportunities.
Wildlife viewing
The campground is a prime location for wildlife viewing, notably a large population of elk; the site also offers views of the White Sands National Park salt flats. The nearby Trestle Recreation area is less than a 2-mile drive.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsPresence of wildlife, including a large elk population in the area.

Weather at Deerhead Campground

38
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 41%
Wind: 11.5 mph
Clear sky

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Good to know


Campground Map

Deerhead Campground
Driving directionsFrom the west side of Cloudcroft, turn south onto NM310 and travel 1 mile. The campground entrance will be on your right, just past the turnoff for the Ranger Station.
Accessible via NM310 from Cloudcroft (turn south from the west side of Cloudcroft and drive ~1 mile).
Nearby places
Alamogordo: roughly 20 miles
Nearby supplies
Stores and supplies in Alamogordo (~20 miles)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.5
99 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Deerhead Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers generally describe Deerhead Campground as a clean, beautiful, and quiet forest campground that feels relaxing and family‑friendly, with lots of shade and cooler temperatures due to the elevation. A few negative reviews mention noise from nearby campers, generators, and highway traffic, but more recent comments emphasize a well‑managed, peaceful atmosphere close to town and trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 99 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently praise the campground’s natural beauty, woods and shade, cool mountain temperatures, and overall cleanliness. Many like the quiet, relaxing vibe, the helpful on‑site camp manager,...
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Based on 99 reviews

Common Concerns

Several reviewers note noise issues: some experienced very loud neighboring campers, frequent use of RV generators, and sirens from the nearby highway. Others mention that bathrooms can be only...
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Based on 99 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Multiple reviewers advise bringing your own water, as there is no water source at sites (just a spigot by the pay station for refilling jugs) and no general campground water system. Campers recommend...
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Based on 99 reviews

Camper Quotes

“great campsite. basic but beautiful. Was quiet when we were there and had our choice of camp sites.” “the whole place is pretty quiet, even on the weekends. if it does get loud after hours, he’ll...
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Based on 99 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer near space 11 mentions that the nearby bathroom “was not very clean but acceptable” and had a strong chemical smell. Another notes that the campground has a paved loop, level spots, and...
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Based on 99 reviews

Accessibility Features

A reviewer specifically notes liking the “wheelchair accessible sites available,” indicating that at least some sites are designed for wheelchair users. The campground also has a paved loop road,...
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Based on 99 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed at the campground but must be kept on a leash, according to one detailed review. Campers are also reminded to secure and put away pet food at night to avoid attracting raccoons.
Based on 99 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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