Camper submitted image from Upper Karr Canyon Campground - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Upper Karr Canyon Campground - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Upper Karr Canyon Campground - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Upper Karr Canyon Campground - 4
Animals
Camper submitted image from Upper Karr Canyon Campground - 5
Buildings

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Upper Karr Canyon Campground

Upper Karr Canyon Campground, near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature without breaking the bank. This place offers a free camping experience with picnic tables and fire rings, making it a solid choice for tent campers and hikers.

The campground is surrounded by beautiful pine trees and meadows, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of solitude. Many visitors have hiked into the trees to find their own private spots, enjoying the peacefulness that comes with it. One camper noted, “There are plenty of trails and campsites in the trees,” which speaks to the area’s natural beauty.

While there are no electric hookups or drinking water available, the lack of cell service adds to the charm, allowing you to truly disconnect. Campers have mentioned that the area is great for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot deer and elk while wandering the trails. Just remember to check local fire restrictions before lighting up those fire rings!

If you’re up for a little adventure, the nearby logging road leads to a serene meadow with a small pond, making it a great spot for some quiet reflection or wildlife watching. Whether you’re here for a night or a weekend, Upper Karr Canyon Campground offers a refreshing retreat into the great outdoors.

Description

National Forest

Upper Karr Canyon Campground is located off of NM6563 (the Sunspot Scenic By-way) and has a 200 person capacity There are 2 fire rings, toilet, and garbage depositories are provided. RVs limited 16'.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Upper Karr Canyon Campground is located in New Mexico

Detail location of 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

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

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

Stay Connected

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

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.


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
0%
50%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

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 , May 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Upper Karr Canyon Campground by Carson , May 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Upper Karr Canyon Campground by Carson , 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

  • What is the max vehicle length at Upper Karr Canyon Campground?

    Upper Karr Canyon Campground allows vehicles up to 16 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Upper Karr Canyon Campground?

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

  • Does Upper Karr Canyon Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Upper Karr Canyon Campground does not have wifi.