Quemado Lake camping areas sit at approximately 7,800 feet elevation in west-central New Mexico's high desert pine forests. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with summer days reaching 80°F and nights dropping to 40°F. Winter conditions often bring snow accumulation from November through March, with several campgrounds closing seasonally.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several spots near Quemado Lake provide chances to see local wildlife. At Swingle Canyon, campers report "a group of deers in the late afternoon" during their stay. The dispersed sites here provide a peaceful setting for nature observation.
Fishing at Quemado Lake: The lake contains trout and other fish species. At Juniper Campground, campers note "the lake is beautiful" though some visitors mention limited cell service affects getting fishing licenses online. Consider purchasing licenses before arrival.
Hiking trails: Forest paths offer various difficulty levels. Near Head Of The Ditch Campground, campers share they "pulled into this site after a long day on motorcycles" and found sites "easily accessible" with "flat ground and a fire ring." The area offers walking routes suitable for day hikes.
What campers like
Quieter camping options: Many visitors appreciate the low usage at certain sites. A camper at Armijo Springs Campground noted it was "quiet, only campers here on a Saturday. Tall trees, crisp fresh air." Another mentioned it's "quiet secluded and low use in Spring."
Spacious sites: Campers frequently mention the generous spacing between sites. At El Caso, visitors note "great little meadows between camp areas under Ponderosa pines" and appreciate that "there are 5 camping areas within this campground" providing good separation between camping parties.
Dark skies for stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent star viewing conditions. Campers at Pie Town RV Park mentioned the "night night sky" as a highlight, while those at dispersed sites frequently comment on the quality of night sky views away from developed areas.
What you should know
Limited water access: Most campgrounds have no running water. A reviewer at Jackson Park Campground noted there's "a bathroom and a place for water but personally didn't check them as I was in need of nothing," while another camper mentioned "no water, garbage or dumpsite available."
Vault toilet conditions: Toilet maintenance varies across sites. Campers report "pit toilets not as clean as they should be" at some locations, while others note facilities that are "clean but not well stocked. Make sure to bring toilet paper."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is unreliable throughout the area. A camper at Armijo Springs noted they "had to move down the dead end road 100 yards to get a clear enough area for Starlink to partially work," while others report no service at all in more remote locations.
Stickers in grassy areas: Plant burrs can cause problems for dogs. At Pie Town RV Park, campers warn of "lots of stickers in the grass - beware if you have furry friends," making this consideration important when choosing dog friendly campgrounds near Quemado.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some locations offer dedicated play areas. At Jackson Park, a camper noted "there was also a playground across the road that the kidos could use to burn of some energy," providing an activity option for families with children.
Spacious group sites: Several campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings. A reviewer at El Caso Quemado Lake shared: "We end up here a few times a year. This was a special occasion to celebrate life and enjoy family... El Caso camp ground is a few miles into the canyon. The camp sites are spread out well."
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings require extra planning for families. One camper at El Caso described how "the weather caught up to us and we had about four to five inches of snow fall on us overnight," highlighting the need for families to pack for variable conditions even during spring breaks.
Tips from RVers
Campsite layouts and RV positioning: Some campgrounds have unusual arrangements. A camper at Juniper noted "whoever designed the campground had no business doing so. The sites are three RVs crammed into a spot made for two with everyone on top of each other."
Dump station availability: Limited dump facilities exist in the area. A reviewer mentioned "a $5 dump and water station at Pinion campground near Quemado Lake about 15 miles away" providing necessary services for RVs.
Pet-friendly considerations for RVers: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Quemado accommodate dogs. Armijo Springs campers note "elk walk through camp occasionally," suggesting pets should remain leashed and supervised as required at most pet-friendly facilities in the region.
