The Lincoln National Forest region surrounding Capitan sits at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 9,500 feet with a mixed piñon, juniper, and ponderosa landscape. This area offers dispersed camping opportunities accessible via forest roads, often featuring moderate temperatures even when nearby areas experience summer heat. Seasonal temperature fluctuations require different preparation depending on when you visit, with spring and fall providing the most comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Trail exploration: The area around Baca Campground provides numerous hiking opportunities with varied terrain and wildlife viewing. "This place was once a CCC camp in the 1930s. Very remote, lots of wildlife, elk, coyotes, roadrunners," notes Jamie P.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Three Rivers Campground offer prime opportunities for spotting deer, elk, and birds in their natural habitat. A visitor mentioned, "There are 3 separate trails originating at the campground" with "tons of hiking opportunities."
Petroglyph visits: Three Rivers Petroglyph National Park sits only 4 miles from Three Rivers Campground, featuring ancient rock art accessible via short hiking trails. One camper noted, "It is 4 miles from the Three Rivers Petroglyph National Park and the portal to the White Mountain Wilderness area."
Photography: The changing light conditions at Skyline Campground create ideal photography opportunities with panoramic landscapes. As one camper explained, "It's absolutely stunning to camp at the peak of a mountain. You have 360 views of the region."
What campers like
Natural privacy: The dispersed sites at West Mesa Trailhead BLM Dispersed provide natural seclusion without total isolation. A camper shared: "This was a very private remote area in the forest. It was a nice change of pace from the desert that surrounds the Forrest!"
Reliable cell service: Unlike many remote locations, several camps maintain usable connectivity. "I got 1-2 bars of cell service here. Would spend multiple nights in this spot!" reported one West Mesa visitor, while another noted: "Good cell phone service. I plan on staying for a full week and working from here."
Moderate temperatures: The higher elevations around Upper Karr Canyon Campground provide relief from summer heat. One visitor explained it's a "Great place to cool down when coming from the basin and the 95+ degree days in the summer."
Wildlife encounters: The natural surroundings offer frequent animal sightings. "I nearly always see lots of wildlife," noted a Baca Campground visitor, while another mentioned the area has "elk, coyotes, roadrunners."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change quickly in all seasons. At Upper Karr Canyon Campground, conditions "Does get snow in the winter months and will drop below freezing," according to Alex K. Pack accordingly with extra layers even in warmer months.
Road conditions: Access roads vary considerably. At Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area, "The drive in is a bit long and the road is rocky and washy in some places," notes one camper. Always check road conditions before heading out with a trailer.
Water availability: Almost all dispersed camping near Capitan requires you bring your own water supply. "No water so bring enough for your stay," advises Neal K. about Baca Campground. This is especially important for those traveling with horses.
Flash flood awareness: Some access roads cross drainage areas. Three Rivers Campground visitors noted "the road getting there is prone to flash floods." Be particularly cautious during monsoon season (July-September).
Tips for camping with families
Stream exploration: Bonito Creek offers shallow water play opportunities during certain seasons. "Lots of first come first served campsites along the little creek," shares a camper, though water levels vary significantly throughout the year.
Educational opportunities: Lincoln National Forest provides natural classrooms for wildlife and plant identification. "May run into deer or elk while out there," notes one visitor to Upper Karr Canyon.
Comfort considerations: Skyline Campground offers spectacular views but requires preparation for exposure. "It's absolutely stunning to camp at the peak of a mountain...but beware, the wind can get quite torrential and there is not a ton of shade but there is some!" cautions Michael.
Spacing needs: For families with active children, Guebara Tank Camp offers more open areas. One visitor notes the site has "not too many trees that are tall so u get cover but not complete seclusion" and "a lot of open areas."
Tips for RVers
Levelness challenges: Many dispersed sites require careful positioning. At Skyline Campground, be prepared as sites are reportedly "very slanted" according to one RVer.
Turn-around space: Scout ahead before taking larger rigs down forest roads. Twin Spruce RV Park provides a reliable full-hookup alternative when dispersed camping proves too challenging for larger vehicles.
Road clearance: Forest Service roads around horse campgrounds near Capitan, New Mexico often have washboard sections and occasional rocks. One camper at Upper Bonito notes, "Be prepared for lots of dust with the dirt road uphill from sites."
Hook-up alternatives: When boondocking becomes impractical, Stone Mountain RV Resort offers full hookups relatively close to wilderness areas. A visitor noted, "FHU. Friendly staff. Did not use the facilities but grounds were very clean."
