Camping near Lincoln National Forest
Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico encompasses several camping options from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping areas throughout its mountainous terrain. Forest Road 568 near Cloudcroft serves as a popular dispersed camping corridor with numerous established pull-offs suitable for tents and smaller recreational vehicles. Developed options include Saddle Campground and Sleepy Grass Campground, which operate seasonally from May to September, offering amenities like toilets, picnic tables, and drinking water. Several dispersed camping areas require no reservation or fee, while established campgrounds typically charge fees and may require advance booking during peak periods.
The forest's elevation significantly affects camping conditions, with most sites situated between 7,000-9,000 feet. This elevation creates cooler temperatures year-round, with nighttime lows that can drop significantly even in summer months. Dispersed camping roads like FR 568 feature varying conditions that may challenge larger vehicles or those with low clearance. Several campgrounds close during winter months due to snow and freezing temperatures, with the most reliable year-round options located at lower elevations or in nearby communities like Alamogordo. Cell service varies throughout the forest, with spotty coverage in more remote areas. A visitor noted, "The road is a little rough but flattens out as you go up the hill. After the fork, sites are big enough for a van or larger Class B but that's it."
Campers frequently mention the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, with multiple reports of elk and deer sightings throughout the forest areas. Sites along Forest Road 568 receive consistent praise for their accessibility while still offering a sense of seclusion. Reviews indicate the area can become crowded during holiday weekends and summer months, though midweek visits often allow for more solitude. The forest's mixed conifer ecosystem provides natural shade at most camping areas. According to one review, "We got a nice little private spot under a huge tree. There was lots of really nice people staying at the sites at the entrance, but if you go further you can find some privacy." Proximity to the town of Cloudcroft (typically 5-10 minutes by car) allows campers to access supplies and services while still enjoying a forest camping experience.
