The Quemado Lake area sits at nearly 7,800 feet elevation in western New Mexico, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with summer temperatures reaching 80°F during the day and dropping significantly at night. RV camping near Quemado, New Mexico offers varied terrain from pine forests to high desert landscapes. Cell service throughout the region is unreliable with most campgrounds experiencing limited connectivity.
What to do
Fishing access points: At Cove - Quemado Lake, the locals recommend parking along the road between the day use area and boat launch for best fishing spots. "The site has good bathrooms and a paved path heading one direction and a dirt path the other - or you can head straight through the grass out to the water's edge," notes one visitor to Cove - Quemado Lake.
Group camping options: The Cove area offers a group site located uphill from the lake. "It's a large area with water and a lot of parking. It has a large shade with several picnic tables and a fire ring. The down side it's a ways from the lake at the top of the hill," according to another camper.
Playground facilities: Jackson Park in Pie Town provides family recreation areas within walking distance of camp. "There was also a playground across the road that the kidos could use to burn of some energy," mentions a camper at Jackson Park Campground.
What campers like
Free overnight parking: Jackson Park offers no-cost camping convenient to Highway 60. "Jackson Park is a free campground provided by Pie Town NM, just south of US 60. Elevation is 7,786'. I am here at the beginning of May and it's 80 degrees," reports one visitor to Jackson Park Campground.
Diverse terrain access: The region provides opportunities for both lake activities and desert exploration. "This campsite in Pie Town New Mexico is just on the south side of the Hwy near the volunteer fire department. There are plenty of spots... Good cell service," notes another Jackson Park camper.
Clean RV facilities: Bear Paw RV Park maintains well-kept grounds approximately 30 miles from Quemado. "The spaces are well spaced & large. Lots of shady spots. Owners were very helpful and friendly, (this was our maiden voyage), & the park matched," shares a visitor to Bear Paw RV Park.
What you should know
Off-road conditions: Some dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles in wet weather. At Jackson Park, one camper notes it's "Easily accessible when dry, almost certainly would require AWD/4WD if muddy."
Limited amenities: Basic campgrounds like Jackson Park lack services. "No water, garbage or dumpsite available and a vault toilet has been trashed. Drive past the campground sign and you can find many places to camp," advises a visitor.
Campground design issues: Some developed campgrounds have layout challenges. At Juniper Campground, a visitor reports: "The sites are three RVs crammed into a spot made for two with everyone on top of each other. You also have to walk through each other's picnic spots to get to your picnic table."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: While Quemado Lake offers water recreation, prepare for inconsistent cell service. "I also could not get a fishing license since there was no cell or internet service so I could not fish the lake which was my goal," notes a Juniper Campground visitor.
Site selection strategy: For families needing space, look for end sites at developed campgrounds. "Only a few end spots were decent. If the person on the end spot took up more than their fair share of the spot, you had no outdoor seating in front of your rig," advises a Juniper camper.
Alternative lodging: For families seeking more amenities, El Morro RV Park and Cabins offers cabin accommodations. "My parents stayed in the cabin and loved it, we stayed in our camper van. We really enjoyed talking with some of the folks who live there and it's a very welcoming community," shares one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Overnight access points: The Pie Town RV Park serves as a convenient stopover location. "No frills. But a perfectly fine place to spend the night if you are looking for a place from Truth or Consequences to Sedona. Nice owners. Clean bathrooms. Gravel sites," reports a visitor to Pie Town RV Park.
Site-specific considerations: Rig owners should note varying site conditions. "This is a basic campground- has hookups on gravel but no trees, picnic tables near campsite tho they do have a nice bbq area available for people," mentions another Pie Town RV Park camper.
Pet safety concerns: Watch for hazards to pets in undeveloped areas. "Lots of stickers in the grass- beware if you have furry friends," warns one RV camper about Pie Town RV Park.
