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Best Campgrounds near Cloudcroft, NM

465 Reviews

Cloudcroft, New Mexico gives campers many different outdoor options. You can reach the area by taking U.S. Route 82, which leads to several camping spots. White Sands National Park is close by and worth checking out while you're camping in this part of New Mexico. The park has Backcountry Primitive Sites where you can camp among the white gypsum dunes. If you want more facilities, the Alamogordo / White Sands KOA has showers and laundry, plus they allow pets, though some animals might struggle with the gravel ground. Weather around Cloudcroft changes with the seasons - summers are cooler than you might expect and winter can bring snow. It's smart to look up current weather and road conditions before you head out. You should book ahead during busy times, especially spring and fall when the weather is best for camping. The Rio Grande and Sangre de Cristo Mountains are also nearby, with good hiking trails and fishing spots. These natural areas add more to do during your camping trip. No matter if you pick a basic site or one with full hookups, Cloudcroft puts you close to some great natural areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near Cloudcroft, New Mexico (120)

    1. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (236) 682-6567

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Very beautiful hidden away RV and Raised Primitive State Park full of marked and unmarked foliage and a nice museum reflecting on the surrounding area of New Mexico."

    "I like heat and live in New Mexico.  Northern new Mexico, in the mountains, where no one needs air conditioning. "

    2. Alamogordo / White Sands KOA

    37 Reviews
    Alamogordo, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-3452

    "In direct contrast to the White Sands backcountry camping which offers absolutely zero thrills and access to luxuries, the White Sand KOA is a great place to stay for those wanting some of the comforts"

    "However there is a train close by that blew the horn very loud all throughout the night. Woke me up at 1am, 3am, and 5:30 am."

    3. Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Cloudcroft, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-2551

    "There was lots of really nice people staying at the sites at the entrance, but if you go further you can find some privacy. Less than a 5 minute drive from Cloudcroft."

    "This amazing camping spot near cloudcroft nm is a perfect place to stop by and see the beautiful woods and mountains of Lincoln mountains."

    4. Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-7570

    "This is a quiet area tucked away in Lincoln National Forest. It's not too far from Cloudcroft, NM so it's easy to resupply on water, snack, etc."

    "Went 12/28-12/30 and the actual campground area was packed the whole time even with it being 20-30 degrees outside. Extremely windy and most areas only get an hour or two of sun."

    5. Forest Rd 568 Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Cloudcroft, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-2551

    "This was a beautiful location, near the town of Cloudcroft. We enjoyed the cooler weather up in the mountains. It was peaceful and quite. There were not very many spaces available."

    "You can get as far away from main roads as you need. There are infinite spots on this road. It’s quite long and the road conditions aren’t all that bad, so anyone can access it."

    6. Saddle Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cloudcroft, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-7570

    $28 / night

    "One of many campgrounds in the Cloudcroft area. Tents and RVs mixed. No hook-ups."

    "My husband and I wanted a cool getaway during the heat of Texas summer, and although Cloudcroft was 9.5-10 hours from home, it was worth it."

    7. Deerhead Campground — Lincoln National Forest

    7 Reviews
    Cloudcroft, NM
    1 mile

    $32 / night

    "A very beautiful campground within about 6 miles out of Cloudcroft New Mexico. This is dispersed camping. Amenities include water, vault type toilets, picknic tables, fire rings, and a camp host."

    "I have seen mostly upper New Mexico and well when I found this area in comparison that or anything else near El Paso, I was more than a bit confused as to where I was."

    8. Cool Pines RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Mayhill, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (281) 620-4329

    "Quiet, relaxing & convenient to the town of Cloudcroft. The owners are very nice and very accommodating. Everything was clean & in good working condition."

    "We will return any time we visit the Cloudcroft, NM area!"

    9. Lower Karr Canyon Campground

    6 Reviews
    Lincoln National Forest, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-7570

    "Lower Karr Canyon campground is about 6 miles from the main highway at High Rolls, NM. The last 2 miles or so being rather rough dirt."

    "You just have to look around to find the best one. Be aware of others though. We did have a family show up and start shooting guns in the area without any concern for others around them."

    10. Sleepy Grass Campground

    5 Reviews
    Cloudcroft, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-7570

    "This was a lovely campground near Cloudcroft, NM. It is located in the Lincoln National Forest. We really enjoyed our couple of days at this location."

    "We visited pSleepy Grass in May 2021 and it was an amazing campground fairly close to the town of Cloudcroft, but secluded enough to feel like the middle of an alpine forest."

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Recent Camping Photos near Cloudcroft, NM

165 Photos of 120 Cloudcroft Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cloudcroft, NM

465 Reviews of 120 Cloudcroft Campgrounds

  • TheFoxphire F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Forest Rd 568 Dispersed

    Lovely

    One of our favorites. Room for big rigs prior to road intersection pretty rough beyond that. Able to get our 31’ class C with no issues other than unevenness. The good: beautiful tree coverage, trails that lead to town, road biking distance to town, daily short rains, wild mustangs walking right through our site, plenty of room. The bad: rocky unlevel sites, local dude that drives in daily maniacally to smoke his cigar then speeds off.

  • r
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Saddle Campground

    Tall pines, quiet, wildlife

    One of many campgrounds in the Cloudcroft area. Tents and RVs mixed. No hook-ups. Dump and showers for a fee at top camp known as Overflow which is a gravel parking area but handles large rigs the best.

  • R
    Jul. 30, 2025

    El Campo Glamping

    Lovely Place

    The accommodations were great and the views were beautiful. Would definitely come back.

  • Haven D.
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    So good!

    A fantastic spot to relax for a few days and soak in nature. Stunning cliffs rise to the east, with a wide-open valley stretching beyond. The starry night skies are absolutely beautiful. Facilities are decent—nothing to complain about. Strong cell service with both Verizon and T-Mobile. Great location for day trips to the mountains or White Sands. The open sky also makes it perfect for slope setups

  • Manuel P.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping

    Super Busy

    Been camping here several times a year and it just keeps getting busier and busier. Need to find a new place!

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    Not for the 4th of July, unless you just escaped Hell

    Oddly this popped up in my feed as a late 4th of July choice.  Good God, no.  I like heat and live in New Mexico.  Northern new Mexico, in the mountains, where no one needs air conditioning. 

    Cooler times of the year, like mid-winter, I do recommend the area, particularly Dog Canyon, a great winter or early spring hike. 

    But for mid-summer?  No, unless you're an infernal demon it's a bit warm those months.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping

    Elk everywhere!

    We drove in around 10pm and the small town of Cloudcroft was beautiful for anyone needing a place to stop before heading into the forest. We saw more elk than we could count! Just glowing eyes everywhere and all in the road. The road dead ends at a fenced private property so we turned around and just got a pull off spot for the night since we camp in the truck but there's tons of tent spots. Some rock made fire pits around. And we didn't see anyone around us for miles. Tons of bullet shells everywhere. It was almost errie how quiet it was! Camped here on our way down to the White Sands.

    Road isn't bad, but we are in a higher up Toyota Tacoma. Poor cell signal for T-Mobile but Verizon did!

Guide to Cloudcroft

Camping near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Campers at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park rave about the "nice hikes from the park with amazing views." It's a great way to soak in the natural beauty.
  • Petroglyph Viewing: Visit the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site to see ancient rock carvings. One visitor mentioned, "The hikes were very fun. To see and imagine the people who created the petroglyphs was incredible."
  • Stargazing: The clear skies around Dog Canyon make it perfect for stargazing. A camper noted, "Starry skies" were a highlight of their stay.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping appreciate the "beautiful free spot" right by the creek. The natural beauty is a big draw for many.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake. One reviewer said it was "very quiet," making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers at The Camp @ Cloudcroft often mention the "friendly hosts" who make their stay enjoyable. Good service can really enhance the camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping, do not offer amenities like drinking water or toilets. A visitor mentioned, "No drinking water, no toilets," so be prepared to bring your own supplies.
  • Busy on Holidays: If you plan to camp during holidays, expect crowds. One camper at Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping noted it was "so busy" during Labor Day weekend.
  • Road Conditions: Some roads can be rough. A camper at Dog Canyon advised that the "unpaved road is rough," so a vehicle with high clearance is recommended.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds, like Alamogordo / White Sands KOA, offer playgrounds and pools. One parent shared, "The pool looked like it would be nice when filled," making it a great spot for families.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping enjoyed seeing deer and elk. A family mentioned, "We saw deer, tons of elk," which can be exciting for kids.
  • Bring Warm Clothes: Nights can get chilly, especially in the mountains. A camper at The Camp @ Cloudcroft suggested bringing "blankets and jackets for nighttime."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: If you need full hookups, consider Alamogordo / White Sands KOA. One reviewer appreciated the "level pull-through site with water/sewer/cable/electric."
  • Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds, like Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake, are near military bases, which can lead to noise from flyovers. A visitor noted, "Very loud" during the day.
  • Explore Local Towns: Campers at Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park enjoyed being close to shops and restaurants. One camper said, "It’s really opened my eyes to how we can RV parks as a pass through."

Camping near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, offers a variety of experiences, from serene landscapes to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping sites in Cloudcroft, NM?

Cloudcroft offers excellent camping options in Lincoln National Forest. Bailey Canyon Campground provides beautiful sites with open spaces and fire pits, located just 3 miles from Cloudcroft for convenient resupplying. While the access road is rocky, the top of the loop features the best spots. Deerhead Campground is another excellent choice about 6 miles from town, offering amenities like water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings with a camp host on site. For those seeking more solitude, several dispersed camping options exist on forest roads surrounding Cloudcroft, providing a true forest experience with varying levels of accessibility.

Is tent camping available in Cloudcroft, New Mexico?

Yes, tent camping is widely available in the Cloudcroft area. Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping is ideal for tent campers, offering creek-side sites in a quiet valley with great views. This area provides everything tent campers need in a dispersed setting. Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping is another excellent option for tent camping with private spots under large trees and plenty of forest to explore. The area has several sites right off Highway 244, with both roadside pull-offs and more secluded spots deeper in. Most campgrounds around Cloudcroft accommodate tents, though winter camping requires preparation for cold temperatures and wind.

Do I need reservations for camping in Cloudcroft?

Reservation requirements vary by campground type in Cloudcroft. Mountain Springs Ranch, a private campground in the area, typically requires reservations to secure a spot. For established public campgrounds like Saddle Campground, reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months and holidays when the area gets busier. However, many camping options around Cloudcroft are dispersed sites on national forest land that operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. These include the numerous pull-offs along forest roads. During busy periods (summer weekends and holidays), arriving early is advisable to secure your preferred spot at non-reservable sites.

What fishing opportunities are available when camping in Cloudcroft?

The Cloudcroft area offers several fishing opportunities within a short drive of local campgrounds. Picacho Road Dispersed Camping provides access to nearby streams. At Bluff Springs, campers can fish in the adjacent creek that runs through the valley. Beyond these immediate options, the Sacramento Mountains around Cloudcroft contain numerous streams and small lakes where trout fishing is popular. Nearby Bonito Lake (when open) and Alto Lake offer additional fishing opportunities within driving distance. Remember that fishing in New Mexico requires a valid state fishing license, and specific regulations may apply to different waterways. Seasonal conditions affect water levels, so checking with local outfitters in Cloudcroft for current information is recommended.

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