Best Tent Camping near Cloudcroft, NM
Several tent campgrounds surround the mountain town of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, with options ranging from primitive dispersed sites to established campgrounds in Lincoln National Forest. Lower Karr Canyon Campground offers secluded tent sites approximately 6 miles from the main highway at High Rolls, with the last 2 miles on rough dirt roads. James Canyon Campground provides convenient walk-in tent sites directly off US-82 near Mayhill, while Dry Canyon near the Hang Glider Launch offers more remote dispersed camping.
Most tent sites in the Cloudcroft area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets, though drinking water is scarce at most locations. Lower Karr Canyon requires campers to carry their gear across a closed bridge to reach tent sites, which are approximately a quarter-mile from the parking area. As one visitor noted, "Very remote and quiet... plenty of sites available with vaulted toilets. Saw plenty of wildlife including elk, wild turkey, and mule deer." James Canyon offers six sites total—two with parking at the site and three across a small footbridge from the parking area. No fees are charged at these primitive Lincoln National Forest campsites.
The Sacramento Mountains provide a cooler camping alternative to the desert below, with most tent sites situated among pine trees ideal for hammock camping. Walk-in tent locations at James Canyon remain visible from the parking area while offering a sense of seclusion. A review mentioned, "The site I stayed at had a fire ring/grill, picnic table and a tent pad. One of the sites had an Adirondack shelter." Road noise can be noticeable at James Canyon due to proximity to the highway, though traffic diminishes at night. Higher elevation sites like Skyline Campground offer stunning views but may experience significant wind exposure and temperature fluctuations, particularly at night when temperatures can drop significantly even during summer months.
