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Forest Road 568 offers free dispersed camping in Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, providing a range of tent and RV sites throughout the mountainous pine forest. Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping presents additional primitive options, while established campgrounds like Saddle Campground and Sleepy Grass Campground provide more developed facilities with toilets, picnic tables, and drinking water. The area features both high-elevation forest settings and access to nearby attractions including White Sands National Park, with elevations around 8,000 feet contributing to cooler temperatures year-round.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the camping areas, with Forest Road 568 requiring careful navigation despite being accessible to most vehicles. Rocky, narrow sections and occasional fallen trees can present challenges, particularly for larger rigs. "The road is rocky and narrow, but we were able to make it in a 2 wheel drive vehicle with pretty low clearance," noted one camper, though several reviews recommend high-clearance vehicles for better access. Winter conditions often include snow and ice, while summer brings afternoon thunderstorms. Cell service is generally available but varies by carrier, with some campers reporting good connectivity for remote work. Most dispersed sites lack amenities but feature established fire rings.
Campers consistently mention the abundance of wildlife as a highlight, with multiple reviews noting elk and deer sightings throughout the area. The pine forest setting provides natural shade and a peaceful atmosphere that receives high ratings from visitors. "We saw 6 big elk and several deer," one reviewer shared about their Forest Road 568 experience. The proximity to Cloudcroft (approximately 5-8 minutes) allows easy access to supplies while maintaining a remote forest experience. Sites tend to fill quickly on weekends and during summer months, especially those nearest to the forest road entrances. Many campers recommend driving further along the road to find more secluded spots, though large RVs and trailers should remain near the entrance areas where turnaround space is available.
"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. "
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"No problem navigating in our 43ft motorhome --plenty of dispersed sites in a gravel loop off the paved entrance road to Oliver Lee Memorial Park. Sites were about 50 yards or so apart (see video)."
"Mine had a stone border created by previous guests which was pretty cool. Great views in every direction, but many sites will be exposed to wind. Was pretty gusty when I was there."
"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!"
GuideRoadtrip from Michigan, saw this place and decided we had to go! So glad we did! It’s packed full because of a bike race but super friendly locals and everyone making space. Skunk ran right through our camp, I wouldn’t go past the V in the road with a transit with mini van in tow lol
ScoutMost campgrounds in the area closed after Labor Day so we reserved an RV spot for 3 days to spend the weekend with the grands. Based on all info on the USDA site we set out on our trip prepared to fill our tanks with water once we got there. Upon arrival we noticed there are NO water hookups at the individual site!! The description said potable water at the site. Potable water was only available at the two restrooms from the water fountain hookup. At one faucet, there was no way to park to get water without blocking traffic in the loop. We also found out there were very limited generator hours that were NOT disclosed on the website! When there are NO electric hookups most RVs are dependent on generators for AC, microwave, etc. Thats fine if you can use your generator. When it's hot outside or you have planned your trip with generator use it's very restrictive. Also, tent camping is mixed in with RVs so generator use is a problem. If tents had their own areas that wouldn't be an issue. Why not tell everyone up front on websites?!! Over$30 for a site without any hookups is ridiculous. If you need more water, you would have to pack up& reattach your RV to fill up!! They should clearly state this on websites! Might as well boondock& not have neighbors close by! So that's what we did!
GuideGreat place to camp with toilet access. Easy walk to sites. Only downside was sound of traffic from the road until around 11 pm and picked back up starting at 5am
ScoutMultiple dispersed camping sites with established fire rings. Road goes for a couple miles. Initial mile or two has spots to tow a trailer in as well.
ScoutTHE CAMPGROUND IS VERY NICE. IT’S GRAVEL. THE SITES ARE WELL MAINTAINED. SOME SITES ARE COVERED BUT FILL UP QUICKLY. REASONABLE RATES (PARTICULARLY WEEKLY AND MONTHLY). THE ONLY REAL DOWNSIDE IS MAKING A RESERVATION. IT IS HARD TO NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO GET AHOLD OF SOMEONE TO MAKE A RESERVATION. TRY TEXTING. THE RESPONSE SEEMS TO BE BETTER.
TravelerThis is a beautifully appointed campground. Sites on the outer loop have picnic tables and fire rings below to add to the privacy feeling.
It is very quiet during the week, with more tent groups showing up on weekends. There are pit toilets with a female and male toilet in each loop. Potable water is located next to the pay station.
There are reserved and First Come sites, all nestled in tall pines. A great hiking trail borders the campground.
We are pulling a 15 Ft fiber glass trailer, and in a drive through space. We’re staying 2 weeks, July 21-August 5.
ScoutWhat a great retreat off the beaten path in the cool mountain air surrounded by incredible beauty and abundant wildlife. We enjoyed the friendly hospitality of the owner and camp host who gave good tips about the area. The campground is small and quiet. Our campsite site was very nice and perfect for what we needed. We definitely hope to return.
TravelerNice scenery; clean vault toilets
TravelerThe road was long but not bad. Since it was still cool there were lots of open campsites with views. Enough space between camps. The hiking was quite nice with the creek running. Tons of elk shit everywhere. Can hike far.
Camping in Lincoln National Forest offers visitors a high-altitude forest experience with temperatures that can drop into the 30s even in mid-May due to the 9,000-foot elevation. The mountainous terrain creates distinct microclimates throughout the camping areas, with afternoon rain patterns common in summer months. Wildlife sightings extend beyond elk and deer to include wild stallions and turkeys that roam freely through established campgrounds and dispersed sites alike.
Hike Bailey Canyon Loop: Access this trail system from Forest Road 568 where fewer hikers means more solitude. "We did a loop from 568 north and back down through Bailey canyon. There's also the OSHA trail that's mostly easy with great views of the trestle and White Sands in the distance," notes a camper at Saddle Campground.
Visit the Solar Telescope: Take a scenic drive from Deerhead Campground to the nearby solar observatory. "The solar telescope nearby is worth a visit and the drive is beautiful," shares a reviewer who appreciated this scientific attraction just minutes from their campsite.
Explore the Sensory Trail: A unique hiking experience designed for visitors with visual or hearing impairments can be found at Sleepy Grass Campground. "This campground also has a special trail that was created for blind and deaf children, so it has signs with sensory additions. It was a really sweet spot," explains one visitor who appreciated this inclusive outdoor experience.
Cooler temperatures: The significant elevation change provides natural air conditioning compared to nearby desert areas. "Just came from Midland TX where it was around 98, today at Cool Pines RV Park 72° at 3pm in the afternoon," writes one camper who enjoyed the refreshing mountain climate.
Waterfall access: Bluff Springs offers a natural water feature that draws visitors for both day trips and overnight stays. "The spring waterfall was great. Forest Ranger was super helpful. Dispersed camping marked as dots along forest roads on map at Bluff Springs," reports a camper who enjoyed this natural attraction.
Wildlife abundance: Beyond the commonly reported elk sightings, the area offers diverse animal viewing opportunities. "We saw plenty of deer and even an elk," notes a Sleepy Grass camper, while another at Lower Karr Canyon Campground reports "Saw plenty of wildlife including elk, wild turkey, and mule deer."
Vault toilets common: Most campgrounds provide basic facilities without showers. "Bathrooms were as clean as a campground can get," writes a Sleepy Grass reviewer, while Oliver Lee Memorial State Park stands out with "Nice shower facilities, but unlike KOA there are natural and manmade barriers very strategically placed."
Limited turnaround space: Larger vehicles should exercise caution on forest roads. "We went to the end of the road to find out that there was no way to turn our 29 ft trailer. We had to go in reverse about 1/4 mile to find a place to turn around," warns a camper at Forest Rd 568 Dispersed.
Variable cell service: Coverage depends on location and carrier. "Cell service barely exists, on and off 1 bar AT&T," reports a Forest Rd 568 camper, while at Deerhead Campground, another notes "Had consistently 2 bars for my AT&T service as that was a requirement for this trip and my job."
Consider walk-in sites for seclusion: Some campgrounds require carrying gear a short distance. "The sites are on the other side of a closed bridge, so you gotta carry your stuff a quarter of a mile or so for the sites furthest away from the parking area," explains a Lower Karr Canyon visitor who found the effort worthwhile for increased privacy.
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain weather can change rapidly. "It was chilly and breezy at night with temps dropping into the high 30's in mid-May (campground elevation is about 9,000ft)," shares a Sleepy Grass camper who experienced significant temperature fluctuations during their stay.
Check availability for weekday arrivals: Campgrounds fill quickly, especially popular sites. "I would suggest arriving Thursdays around lunch to snag yourself a beautiful camp site," advises a Saddle Campground visitor who found this timing strategy successful for securing preferred spots.
Water pressure considerations: Some campgrounds have unusually high pressure that requires equipment protection. "Water pressure is really high at around 155 psi. So definitely bring a regulator," warns a visitor at Alamogordo / White Sands KOA who experienced this issue firsthand.
Stay near entrance areas with larger rigs: Forest road conditions deteriorate further in. "Larger than vehicle should stay at beginning of road," advises a Forest Rd 568 camper, while another notes "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."
Prepare for noise factors: Some sites experience unexpected sound disruptions. "Train tracks not far away and one night I heard it at least 5 different times. 6:45a trash pickup on Tues mornings FYI. Just be aware if you're a light sleeper," shares a KOA visitor about factors that affected their otherwise positive camping experience.
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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