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Signs & Maps

Established Camping

Three Rivers Campground

Three Rivers Campground, near Mescalero, New Mexico, is a fantastic destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Tucked away in the Lincoln National Forest, this campground offers a peaceful escape with shaded sites, picnic tables, and fire pits, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.

Visitors rave about the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the tranquility of the area. One camper noted, “The actual camp was in the trees and great views of the surrounding mountains.” With access to multiple hiking trails right from the campground, outdoor enthusiasts can easily explore the beauty of the White Mountain Wilderness.

The campground is open year-round, making it a great choice for any season. Reviewers appreciate the well-maintained facilities, including clean bathrooms and the presence of friendly hosts who are always ready to help. As one visitor put it, “Hosts present and active. Very nice couple watching over the sites.”

For those interested in history, the nearby Three Rivers Petroglyph National Park boasts over 21,000 petroglyphs, adding a unique cultural touch to your camping experience. Whether you’re tent camping, RVing, or trying out glamping, Three Rivers Campground is a welcoming spot for all types of campers.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Lincoln National Forest

This rustic style campground has 12 sites set at the base of southern New Mexico's tallest mountain. A portion of the site is designed for Group Camping. Three Rivers is a great place to go to get away from the crowds and is located at a much lower elevation than our other campgrounds (around 5000'). From here you can access the Three Rivers trailhead (T44) into the White Mountain Wilderness is located. Access to the site and the roads throughout the site are all well maintained dirt roads. Don't miss the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site on the way in or out. ACTIVITIES Camping Hiking Horseback Riding Picnicking: Smokey Bear Ranger District picnic area.

Fee Info

$6 per night. $6 per night for each additional vehicle, 2 vehicles max.

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Location

Three Rivers Campground is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Directions

From US 54, 24 miles south of Carrizozo or 18 miles north of Tularosa, turn east onto Forest Road 579 at the sign that says Three Rivers Petroglyph Site and Campground for 13 miles (the last 7 miles are unpaved). The road is well marked to the campground.

Coordinates

33.40121048 N
105.88712275 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed May. 20, 2024

Clean, quiet, and beautiful!

This was a really nice spot we stumbled upon. It's about 13 miles off the 54 on BLM land. The road was smooth (though gravel most of the way). It was also super quiet since it was so far away from the road. The actual camp was in the trees and great views of the surrounding mountains. Each spot has a table, fire pit, and gazebo. There are also a few trailheads at the back of camp. The only downside was that it cost $15.

Site2
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2024

Tread Carefully, Fragile Ecosystems

Three Rivers Campground finally reopened "for good" at the start of 2024 after some stops and starts due to fires around the area.

This place is unique as it is one of the few places you can camp on the Western edge of Sierra Blanca / the White Mountain Wilderness. Tons of hiking opportunities with 3 separate trails originating at the campground.

Well maintained dirt roads lead up to the campground. There's a single spot where water flows over the road but it was only an inch or so deep and padded with concrete.

$6 per vehicle per night. Hosts present and active. Very nice couple watching over the sites.

Please tread lightly, leave no trace, and be gentle with the wilderness. This place has gone through a lot of fire related hardships.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Three Rivers Campground by Jorge G., March 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Three Rivers Campground by Jorge G., March 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Three Rivers Campground by Jorge G., March 28, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2021

Nice camping, hard hike to ridge

My family and dog tent-camped at Three Rivers campground on Labor Day weekend 2014. There were shaded spots. The water in the river was running and fresh. There were a couple nice bathing holes. We tried to hike up to the peak but we ascended halfway and turned back. In Aug. 2018, I climbed the trail to the peak but camped 2/3 up the mountain; so it took me 2 days to ascend and descend, which was harder. Pretty place with many conifer trees.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Three Rivers Campground by Jacob  W., August 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Three Rivers Campground by Jacob  W., August 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Three Rivers Campground by Jacob  W., August 10, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2017

Open All Year

I have been to this campground many time. It's one of my favorites because it's open all year! It is 4 miles from the Three Rivers Petroglyph National Park and the portal to the White Mountain Wilderness area in the Lincoln National Forrest. This area is great for car/RV camping....but also great for backpack camping. My husband and I have done both several times.

SiteOur favorite site is #1
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Three Rivers Campground by Angela C., August 13, 2017
  • Love this place!
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  • Review photo of Three Rivers Campground by Angela C., August 13, 2017
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Three Rivers Campground?

    Three Rivers Campground allows vehicles up to 25 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Three Rivers Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Three Rivers Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Three Rivers Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Three Rivers Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Three Rivers Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.