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Established Camping

Lower Karr Canyon Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Lower Karr Canyon Campground, near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, is a fantastic spot for those seeking a quiet escape into nature. This place is all about seclusion, with plenty of sites tucked away in the trees, making it easy to find your own little slice of paradise.

The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy the sounds of nature without the hustle and bustle of crowds. Campers have spotted wildlife like elk and mule deer, adding to the charm of the area. As one happy camper noted, “We didn’t see a single other soul,” which speaks volumes about the tranquility here.

You won’t find a lot of frills, but that’s part of the appeal. There are vaulted toilets for convenience, and you can have a campfire to roast marshmallows under the stars. Just remember to bring your own firewood, as there’s none available on-site.

For those who love to hike, the surrounding area offers some great trails to explore. The dirt road leading to the campground is a favorite among visitors, especially in the fall when the foliage is stunning. Whether you're pitching a tent or just enjoying a day in the woods, Lower Karr Canyon is a solid choice for a peaceful getaway.

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Location

Lower Karr Canyon Campground is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the Village of High Rolls along US82, turn south onto Forest Road 63 (Karr Canyon Road). Continue for approximately 5 miles, the campground will be on the right side of the road. The last 1 mile is a dirt road. This road can be closed during winter months due to heavy snows.

Coordinates

32.89900098 N
105.81300067 W

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Connectivity

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    Verizon
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
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Apache Campground

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed May. 28, 2025

Off the beaten path in the Linc

Lower Karr Canyon campground is about 6 miles from the main highway at High Rolls, NM. The last 2 miles or so being rather rough dirt. Most cars should be able to make it if driven with care, though. 

The campsite itself is rustic, no amenities other than the pit toilet which is just fine. 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. Also, being deep in the canyon means that there's no cell signal unless you hoof it a fair bit up a hill. 

It's a very secluded experience despite being so close to Cloudcroft/Alamogordo. Highly recommended if you want a no-frills campsite that will make you work a bit to get to it and then some more to settle in.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Lower Karr Canyon Campground by Jorge G., May 28, 2025
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  • Review photo of Lower Karr Canyon Campground by Jorge G., May 28, 2025
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Reviewed Nov. 25, 2023

Quiet and remote

Very remote and quiet. We didn’t go too far in but plenty of sites available and didn’t see a single other soul. Easily accessible and had vaulted toilets available. Saw plenty of wildlife including elk, wild turkey, and mule deer.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Lower Karr Canyon Campground by Morgan E., November 25, 2023
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  • we took our 2019 subaru crosstrek
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Reviewed Mar. 16, 2022

Secluded

Fantastic spots. You just have to look around to find the best one. Be aware of others though. We did have a family show up and start shooting guns in the area without any concern for others around them.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Lower Karr Canyon Campground by Jayden C., March 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Lower Karr Canyon Campground by Jayden C., March 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Lower Karr Canyon Campground by Jayden C., March 16, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2021

Labor Day trip

We went for Labor Day weekend, we had a blast because we were able to stay secluded and enjoy it! Plenty of trees!

SiteLower Karr Canyon
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Lower Karr Canyon Campground by Stephanie D., September 12, 2021
Reviewed May. 2, 2017

Always love NM

The Sacramento Mountains in NM are a beautiful place to camp and visit. I would recommend it to anyone.

  • Review photo of Lower Karr Canyon Campground by Amy M., May 2, 2017
  • Review photo of Lower Karr Canyon Campground by Amy M., May 2, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for Lower Karr Canyon Campground or is it first-come, first-served?

Lower Karr Canyon Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. The campground typically has good availability with plenty of camping spots along the dirt road, even during holiday weekends like Labor Day. For the best experience, arrive early to secure one of the more desirable spots. The remote location means the campground remains relatively quiet and uncrowded, making it easier to find available sites compared to more developed campgrounds.

Where is Lower Karr Canyon Campground located and how do I get there?

Lower Karr Canyon Campground is located in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico, approximately 6 miles from the main highway at High Rolls, NM. To reach the campground, you'll travel about 4 miles on a maintained road, with the final 2 miles being a rougher dirt road. Most passenger vehicles can access the campground if driven carefully. The remote location offers beautiful mountain scenery and a peaceful setting away from busy areas.

What amenities and facilities are available at Lower Karr Canyon Campground?

Lower Karr Canyon Campground is a rustic camping destination with minimal amenities. The campground offers vault toilets but no running water or electrical hookups. Camping spots are scattered along a dirt road, providing ample privacy among plenty of trees. The area features hiking trails for outdoor recreation. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent, with visitors commonly spotting elk, wild turkey, and mule deer in the vicinity.