El Caso, near Quemado, New Mexico, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the frills. This campground offers spacious sites under the shade of scattered trees, making it a comfortable spot for both tents and RVs.

Visitors have noted the large, well-spaced sites, which provide a sense of privacy despite the campground's openness. While there are no picnic tables or electric hookups, the natural setting is perfect for those who appreciate a more rustic experience. As one camper put it, “The camp sites are spread out well, and the roads and trails are solid.”

For those eager to explore, Quemado Lake is just a short drive away, along with several hiking trails that wind through the beautiful landscape. The area is also known for its peaceful atmosphere, with many campers enjoying the quiet surroundings and the chance to connect with nature. 

While amenities are limited—think pit toilets and no showers—there’s a dump station and potable water available just a mile away. If you're looking for a place to unwind and soak in the beauty of New Mexico, El Caso is worth checking out.

El Caso

Quemado is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Quemado, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New Mexico camping adventure.

Quemado

The Best Camping Near Quemado, New Mexico

This is a pretty sweet spot. Great little meadows between camp areas under Ponderosa pines. There is a vault toilet and big camp fire rings but no picnic tables. I'm not sure if it's the lack of picnic tables or the distance from the lake but there were very few people here on a beautiful weekend in mid May. We hiked towards the lake right from camp and it was gorgeous - a little creek meandering through trees and meadows. Skip the developed campgrounds near the lake a stay here for a bit more peace.

Worth Being Further From The Lake

Love this site. We end up here a few times a year. This was a special occasion to celebrate life and enjoy family. It was spring break and we drove through a blizzard to find ourselves under clear skies at Quemado Lake. El Caso camp ground is a few miles into the canyon. The camp sites are spread out well, and the roads and trails are solid. The weather caught up to us and we had about four to five inches of snow fall on us overnight. It was beautiful. The slash-pit had plenty of wood to burn, and we were the only fools in the snow and on the lake. It was perfect. 

El Caso 2…Don’t mind if I do! 

There are 5 camping areas within this campground. We stayed in the 4th area and were the only campers. This area had two sites that could accommodate a travel trailer or motorhome. There are also two tent camping sites within this area. There is a toilet which was clean but not well stocked. Make sure to bring toilet paper. 
There is a dump and water station a mile away. 5.00 charge to dump. 
Quemado Lake is a short drive down the mountain. Several hiking trails in the area. 

Great spring time camping. 

El Casi CG in Rec Area:   Past the lake with large campsites.  This is the only campground open in the rec area during our April visit.  
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

Overall Rating:  4 for large sites.  However, our site was trashy .  Toilets are only moderately clean.  Warnings are posted that no OHV allowed .   A large group has  camped at one  end of the campground using Senegal sites.  .  Looks like it works out well. 
Price 2023: Free
Security: None
Usage during visit: 1/4 full
Site Privacy:  No
Site Spacing:  Large sites, well spaced. 
Pad surface: dirt 
SITE CLEANLINESS: most sites I noticed were trashy. We needed to pick up trash at our site upon arrival.
Reservations:   First come first serve
Campground Noise:   Quiet
Outside Road Noise: Gravel access road along side of the campground. Some sites near this access road may get a little dusty, I suppose, during dryer times of the year
Through Traffic in campground:    no
Electric Hookup:  no
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: At Pynon campground, which is not open until May.  Charge for dog thing is going up for five dollars to $15 in.
Potable Water Available: not at the campground. 
Generators: yes
Bathroom: pit toilets.  Not as clean as they should be.   Supplied. 
Showers: no
Pull Throughs: yes
Cell Service (AT&amp;T): no
Setting: under scattered trees.
Recent Weather: very cool nights
Solar: yes
Insects: no
Host: no 
Rig Size: any size
Sites: sites are not numbered


Photos of El Caso

Real photos from real campers