Established Camping
Aspen Group Area (lincoln National Forest, Nm)
Aspen Group Area in Lincoln National Forest is surrounded by forested terrain. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include the Trestle Recreation Area and the Mexican Canyon Trestle, offering hiking and scenic views.
Description
Overview
At an elevation of almost 9,000 ft., campers at the Aspen Group Area can expect cool, crisp, mountain breezes coming off the steep Sacramento Mountains - perfect for an escape from the scorching desert valley below. The campground is surrounded by mixed pine, fir, and plenty of white-trunked aspen trees, with a high likelihood of blue skies above. The Sacramento Mountains overlook Dog Canyon and the Tularosa Basin. Take advantage of the campground's high elevation and revel in the breathtaking beauty of the region's unspoiled vistas stretching out over the Tularosa Basin. Wildlife in the area includes elk, deer, bears. With some luck, you could even spot a roadrunner.
Recreation
The campground is surrounded by a series of hiking trails. To the west you'll find trails with outstanding overlooks from Alamo Peak and Stark Peak. The most popular hike is the Osha Trail, which is a 2.5-mile loop.
Facilities
Water can be obtained at Sleepy Grass Campground during peak season, which lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The site is available as a group site only, so groups of anywhere from four to 70 can reserve the whole space.
Natural Features
Aspen is set in the rolling Sacramento Mountains of south-central New Mexico, near Alamo Peak and Stark Peak. It's part of Lincoln National Forest, most notable as the birthplace of the original Smokey Bear.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (575) 682-1518.
Nearby Attractions
The Rim Trail, a breathtaking 32-mile path for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding, can be reached a quarter mile from the campground. One stretch of the trail is open to motorcyclists, too. The Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, at the foot of the mountains, is worth a visit to see a restored 19th century ranch house and explore the flowering oasis of Dog Canyon.
Fee Info
Group Standard Area Non-Electric:1 to 30 people $123/night31 to 70 people $154/night
Location
Aspen Group Area (lincoln National Forest, Nm) is located in New Mexico
Directions
In southeast New Mexico, approximately 20 miles east of Alamagordo. From Alamagordo take US 82 east and go 16 miles. Just before Cloudcraft turn right (South) on NM 130. Go 1.4 miles. Turn left (east) on Forest Road 24B, go 0.5 miles. Aspen Group Area is on the left across from Black Bear Group Area.
Address
PO BOX 836
Cloudcroft, NM 88317
Coordinates
33.0344444 N
105.8 W
Drive Time
- 1 hr 43 min from Las Cruces
- 1 hr 50 min from El Paso
- 3 hrs 19 min from Albuquerque
- 3 hrs 42 min from Santa Fe
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
