Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)
4.3931 reviewsSummer Destination
Quick Facts
7,899 ftPrice
$15 - $125/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
May 10, 2025 - Septe...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
7,899 ftPrice
$15 - $125/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
May 10, 2025 - Septe...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPinon Campground (Quemado Lake)
$15.00 - $125.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservations during peak season range between $15.00 for standard non-electric sites to $125 for shelter non-electric premium accommodation. Payments...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$125.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
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What Campers Say
4.39
Recommended
Based on 31 reviews
21 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsspaciouslocationlake
"User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and spacious sites of Pinon Campground but express concerns about cleanliness and maintenance. "Pinon campground at Quemado Lake is a beautiful place," noted Bobbi Griffith. However, reviews like THERASA C's raise significant issues with trash and bathroom conditions."
Campground Map
Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)
34.1381, -108.4836
Driving directionsThe campground is located 14.2 miles south of Quemado. Take NM 32 south to Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. Turn left onto NM 103 and drive 4 miles to Quemado Lake/Forest Road 13. NM103 ends when the paved road turns to gravel. The gravel road is an indication that you are now driving on Forest Road 13. Continue driving on Forest Road 13 for 1.4 miles to reach the Pinon Campground. Turn left into the campground.
The campground can be accessed by taking NM 32 south and then onto NM103. NM103 transitions into a gravel road (Forest Road 13), which may indicate that certain vehicles could face challenges. The road remains accessible, although caution should be exercised on gravel terrain.Nearby places
Quemado (14.2 miles south)
Nearby supplies
No specific nearby grocery, camping supply, or fuel locations listed, but self-pay stations for fees are available at the campsite entrance.
Best Time to Camp at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)
Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Peak season May–Sep; summer reviews praise lake activities, wildlife and scenery.
Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
High-country forest and wildlife suggest a strong fall experience though few specific reviews.
Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5
Spring reviews note lake and wildlife; season included in peak/opening info but limited detail.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended
Campground operates primarily in warmer months; winter-season feedback absent.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 10, 2025 - September 29, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: May 10, 2025 - September 29, 2025 (Peak Season).
About Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)
Nestled in the heart of the Quemado Lake recreation area, Pinon Campground offers an enchanting escape into New Mexico's high country. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot for your tent, a spacious RV site, or the comfort of group and premium shelters, this versatile campground welcomes all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line into the pristine waters of Quemado Lake, launch your boat for a peaceful morning paddle, or explore winding trails that reveal the forest's hidden treasures. As evening falls, gather around your campfire ring, grill fresh-caught fish on provided grills, and share stories at your picnic table under a canopy of stars. Modern vault toilets ensure comfort while preserving the authentic camping experience.
Pinon Campground supports a variety of camping options. It offers tent camping, RV sites, and reservable group shelters, emphasizing flexibility for both individual campers and larger groups.
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Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
- 14 consecutive nights per visit during open months
- a total of 14 nights allowed per month.
Amenities available
Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities include fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Quemado Lake offers opportunities for non-motorized boating and fishing, and the surrounding forested area provides trails for hiking and biking.
HikingHiking opportunities include both forested and lakeside trails. Specific trail details such as lengths or difficulty levels are not provided.
FishingFishing is available at Quemado Lake. Bobbi Griffith shared that their campsite offered views of ospreys fishing, enhancing the natural experience.
BikingMountain biking is listed as one of the available activities, but no further details are provided about trails or terrain.
BoatingBoating activities include canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating on Quemado Lake. Non-motorized boating is highlighted as a preferred option.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with Bobbi Griffith noting, "we could see ospreys fishing," and Kylie Brooke mentioning, "there's so many elk!!"
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsVault toilets may have unpleasant odors, as per reviews. Gravel road access might challenge certain vehicles.
Weather at Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake)
Reviews
4.4
31 reviews
Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and spacious sites of Pinon Campground but express concerns about cleanliness and maintenance. "Pinon campground at Quemado Lake is a beautiful place," noted Bobbi Griffith. However, reviews like THERASA C's raise significant issues with trash and bathroom conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include scenic views, spacious sites, and helpful camp hosts (when available). MARIE P wrote, "We fit two RV’s and a few tents with plenty of room to spare." Bobbi Griffith praised...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include unclean bathrooms and inconsistent maintenance. Helen Hunt stated, "the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting," while THERASA C criticized poor preparation, "we swept and...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and cleaning supplies, as water availability has been inconsistent, and bathrooms may require extra attention. Hooee Corina advised, "Bring lots of water to wash with and to...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and summer reviews emphasize the beauty of the lake and wildlife. Winter-season feedback is absent; however, the campground appears to operate primarily during warmer months.
Based on 31 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "The lot that we were on was spacious!" - Hooee Corina
- "Fishing, camping, the sunsets were beautiful and there's so many elk!!" - Kylie Brooke
- "We dumped the trash that wasn't ours." - THERASA C
Based on 31 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are highlighted. However, lake-view sites are praised for their scenic beauty.
Based on 31 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences of users with disabilities.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and no negative experiences regarding pets are mentioned in reviews.
Based on 31 reviews0
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Last updated January 13, 2026
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