Jack's Creek Campground

This is our second time visiting Jack's Creek in a 6 year span.
Let's start with the perks: it's gorgeous. Towering ponderosa pines, spruces and aspen trees, with ample meadow spaces. The camp sites are large and not crammed together. It's remote (I'm counting that as a perk) and really off the grid - there is no cell service whatsoever here. It's peaceful for the most part: hummingbird's galore, deer meandering through camp, birds to watch and a night sky that is lovely and awe inspiring.  Please, for the love, do not feed the stupid chipmunks - they are not afraid of people and it shows.

The downsides: the road is one lane in some places getting up there. Please everyone just slow down and use good sense (i.e. do not crowd someone's tail going up or down the road.)
There is no longer any potable drinking water at Jack's Creek. Haul your own in. I heard other campers lamenting this...but it's just a fact of life that drilling and maintaining a well at nearly 9K feet above sea level is an arduous task.
Another downside: no camp host this time around...means no one to help remind other's of the rules. For example: a dog off leash who was a tad aggressive, running through other sites  - I did NOT want to turn my back to that mutt. And a generator that didn't shut off until 10:30pm at night. But all in all, the pros out weigh the cons for this gem of a spot in New Mexico.

If you are caravaning with two vehicles...or have a small pop up with vehicle and don't mind paying for 2 spots - we absolutely love the 35/36 site shared spot. No one to the South, and the tall trees provide shade for your tent in the morning or chairs in the heat of the afternoon, to the west. Snag it if you can, but note it will not work if you are towing a large 5th wheel.

This first-come, first served National Forest Service campground has three areas, not including the group area. One area is for horse campers and is right next to the trails that enter into the Pecos Wilderness. Finally, there are lower and upper camping loops. The campground is at the end of the road of the canyon and is up a fairly steep, narrow road. However, it is paved and in fairly good shape and should be passable for most RV’s. Many of the sites are shorter and many of the sites are far from level, so not really a campground suitable for very large RV’s. Several of the sites are set up as double sites for two RV’s. It is a beautiful campground with views of the high peaks in the Pecos Wilderness set among evergreen and aspen trees. At this elevation of around 9,000 feet, it is cooler even on the hottest summer days. There are very clean pit toilets and garbage receptacles, and there are picnic tables and fire rings at each site. There is no potable water and no dump station, nor is there water or a dump anywhere close by, so plan accordingly. There were very polite, helpful and diligent camp hosts during our stay. Since it is non-reservable, plan on getting there early as most sites are taken on the weekend with its proximity to Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

This campground is First come-first served ONLY, but we found that many people only stayed one night so every day sites did open up.  There were approx 44 sites in 2 large loops.  Some sites, around the outside edges have trees and shade, those in center of circles do not,.... but they have the best views of the amazing mountains surrounding you!  WOW WOW WOW

This campground sits at 8,800' at the southern border of the Pecos Wilderness which is filled with dozens  of 11,000-12000' mountains.  This is also a big backpacker entry point into the Pecos wilderness, so there is a "backpacker" parking lot over by the Horse camp about a mile away.  

Hiking trails leave from the Horse camp up into the mountains.... and they are busy with hikers every day of week.  Some are day hikers from this campground, but most are backpackers going out to spends several days, many from NM, but also from other states.  When we were just there last week, we met up with several groups from Texas who regularly come to this area to backpack for multiple nights.  

The campground has several pit toilets... all clean, and the BEST camp hosts we have ever seen.  Two camp hosts are set up, one at each end of the campground, and by the time you drive into the gate one of them is following you to which site you pick.  They stop and talk daily, make sure you are doing well, and give you any information, history, or gossip you might want.  They will even take your payment envelope for you so you don't have to walk to the deposit bin at the entry.  Very good Hosts, always ready to help out.  

Fee is $10 per night!  But if you have an ACCESS or Senior Pass, it is only $5.  Crazy!!!

This campground is up a very narrow winding road, pulling a big camper or 5-th wheel can be difficult.  No ATVs allowed.  

From this campground, just a few miles south, are several other tent only campgrounds, and also access to many other amazing hiking trails as well as fishing spots.

This may be our new favorite campground in the state.  Wow Wow Wow.