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Upper Karr Canyon Campground

A large cul-de-sac layout with fire rings and treed camping areas, Upper Karr Canyon Campground sits within Lincoln National Forest outside Cloudcroft at no cost to visitors. Access is paved, which keeps the entry smooth even for smaller rigs, though RVs are limited to 16 feet and the picnic tables and fire rings are not immediately adjacent to the parking area. Tent campers fare best here. The setup is walk-in, so van campers and larger rigs may find the logistics frustrating.

Pine forest surrounds the cul-de-sac, and campers willing to hike a short distance into the trees can find their own site away from the main area. An old logging road leads back to a meadow with a small pond, and reviewers have noted deer and elk in the area. Downed wood is available for gathering. The Karr Trail connects from the campground and runs back toward a small private ranch. On busy weekends, particularly holidays, the site can fill with day users and overnight campers alike, so arriving early gives the best pick of spots.

Cell signal is unreliable here. One reviewer noted no Verizon coverage at the campground itself, with only a single bar available closer to the Village of Cloudcroft. A transistor radio picks up NOAA weather clearly, which matters given the elevation and the site's exposure to winter snow and summer temperature swings. Toilets are on-site near the parking area. Campers looking for dog-friendly camping near Lincoln National Forest will find this site fits, as pets are permitted. Lincoln NF Dispersed off FR 634 is a close alternative for those who prefer a more dispersed setup.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsUpper Karr Canyon Campground is located in New Mexico near Lincoln National Forest

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Cloudcroft, take NM130 south and turn right onto NM6563 (Sunspot Scenic Byway).  Continue along the Sunspot Highway for around 7 miles and to your left, just over the ridge you'll see a sign for the Upper Karr Recreation Area.  This road can be difficult to spot so keep your eyes open.

Coordinates

32.88032303 N
105.779894 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    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.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Upper Karr Canyon Campground needs a permit.

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Upper Karr Canyon Campground

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5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the beautiful pine forest setting with opportunities for secluded tent camping. Basic facilities are available but some noted maintenance issues and traffic noise during busy periods.

Reviewed Mar. 18, 2026

Nice area mainly for tent camping

This is a large cul de sac with camping areas around it. There is room for a couple RVs and dozens of tents around. There are nice treed areas that have fire rings. The Karr Trail is a nice scenic trail back to a small private ranch.

Sitelot
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Upper Karr Canyon Campground by Gary G., March 18, 2026
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2024

Quiet and spacious, but be cautious of the area...

First off, this was a luxury free campsite! Paved road, and picnic tables right next to the parking area! It was packed on Easter Sunday; an RV with many loud children was parked across the way, presumably for the long weekend, but, once they left, peace and quiet. The trail (or many meadows that were connected, more like) was very nice and serene, I saw not another person. There is no cell signal to be had here at all (Verizon), I had to go to the overlook point closer to the Village to even get a single bar, but you can get pretty good signal with a transistor radio, and many nearby stations, NOAA weather comes in very clear. Speaking of that, while watching the sunset there, I was attempted to be followed by what seemed like another onlooker once it got dark. I let them know very quickly I knew what they were up to, and they went on their way. I still would stay again, but, if that makes you nervous, I'd avoid.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Upper Karr Canyon Campground by Jon D., February 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Upper Karr Canyon Campground by Jon D., February 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Upper Karr Canyon Campground by Jon D., February 13, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 30, 2023

Good nature

Beautiful area for tent camping. I hiked into the trees a bit so there weren’t super close neighbors. Plenty of downed trees for gathering firewood. There’s an old logging road that makes for an easy hike. It leads into a meadow with a very small pond which I’m sure would be good for wildlife viewing if you sat there long enough.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Upper Karr Canyon Campground by Carson P., May 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Upper Karr Canyon Campground by Carson P., May 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Upper Karr Canyon Campground by Carson P., May 30, 2023
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2021

A parking lot with amenities

This is a parking lot with bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings that you cannot drive up to. This is more suited for tent campers and hikers. You cannot drive any where else besides the parking lot and would not be ideal for RVs or camper vans as the picnic tables/fire rings are not very close to the parking lot. We ended up not staying the night as it wasn’t realistic for our van and there was constant traffic of cars people stopping just to use the restrooms.

Siteparking lot
Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Sep. 4, 2018

Great place to hike away into your own campsite

They're a few areas that have a camp site established there but we chose to hike off into the trees and find our own spot. There are plenty of trails and campsites in the trees. Not a super popular area so they aren't too many people to fight over campsites with. They're are bathrooms there near the parking lot. They could be a little better but are just fine. Great place to cool down when coming from the basin and the 95+ degree days in the summer. Does get snow in the winter months and will drop below freezing. Beautiful pine trees surround the area. May run into deer or elk while out there.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Upper Karr Canyon Campground by Alex K., September 4, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Upper Karr Recreation Area located in New Mexico?

Upper Karr Recreation Area is located near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, in the scenic Sacramento Mountains. The campground sits within a forested area accessed by a paved road, making it relatively easy to reach. The area is nestled among trees, offering a cool mountain retreat particularly appealing during New Mexico's warmer months. Its proximity to Cloudcroft makes it a convenient base for exploring the region while enjoying a natural setting away from town.

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

Upper Karr Canyon Campground offers basic but functional amenities. The site includes restrooms near the parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Note that you cannot drive directly to the camping areas or fire rings—they're situated a short distance from the parking lot. This arrangement makes the campground best suited for tent camping rather than RVs or camper vans. The parking area is paved, and the campground is free to use. Campers can gather firewood from downed trees in the surrounding forest. While facilities are limited, the natural setting compensates with plenty of space to find secluded camping spots among the trees.

Are there hiking trails or outdoor activities at Upper Karr Recreation Area?

Upper Karr Recreation Area offers excellent outdoor activities centered around hiking and exploration. The area features plenty of trails, including an old logging road that leads to a meadow with a small pond—great for wildlife viewing. Hikers can follow established paths or venture into the forested areas to discover their own routes. The surrounding trees provide opportunities for dispersed camping and nature observation. The area isn't heavily trafficked, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience without crowds. Many visitors enjoy gathering firewood from downed trees for campfires after a day of hiking.