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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
