Reaching Monjeau Campground means navigating a narrow, switchback road with steep grades that has turned away more than a few drivers. Most passenger vehicles and short-wheelbase trucks handle it without trouble, but trailers have no realistic path up, and anything larger than a Class B motorhome will struggle to fit or level out. No reservation is required, and camping is free.
The campground sits near the top of Monjeau Peak within campgrounds near Lincoln National Forest, where the elevation brings consistent wind, especially at night. Campers with lightweight or freestanding tents should plan for real gusts rather than occasional breezes. The reward for that exposure is open sightlines in every direction, along with a short hike to a fire lookout tower that gives a full 360-degree view across the surrounding landscape, including forest recovering from past wildfires. Reviewers have spotted wild horses, deer, and signs of elk or bear in the area.
The setup is minimal: roughly five walk-in tent sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and a vault toilet. No water is available on-site. Chad D. notes the campground is "on a mountain peak so it gets pretty windy," which is worth factoring into gear choices. Pets are not permitted. For campers who prefer flush facilities and a lower-elevation site, Skyline Campground sits less than a mile down the road.
The campground is open mid-May through mid-September. If the drive and wind exposure fit your setup, the mountaintop position makes for a distinctive overnight.
Description
Monjeau Lookout is a famous landmark on the Smokey Bear Ranger District built originally in 1936 and then reconstructed in 1940 as part of a Civilian Conservation Corps project. This site is a wonderful and adventurous place to visit. Roads leading up to the site are dirt and can be steep in places. Visit during the summer months as the road leading to it closes during the winter with the advent of snow. Monjeau Lookout is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).Click Here for a recent article from the "Lookout Network" detailing the entire history of this place.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMonjeau Campground is located in New Mexico near Ruidoso
Coordinates
33.430786 N
105.73161 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 11/14/25
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 11/14/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 35 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 2 hrs 42 min from El Paso, TX
- 3 hrs 1 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 24 min from Santa Fe, NM











