Red Cloud Campground

when i got to the site there was only one other person. we were at opposite ends of the site and couldn’t even see each others camps. very quiet and feels very secluded, but its only about 5 min off the highway. site has trash, toilets, grills, picnic tables, and already established fire pits. i did not see any of the free range cattle at the site, but i did see a large herd of deer at the back side of the site. i did a decent amount of exploring on the land across the road from the site, once off the site you will see a lot of manure but it was cool wandering around, found a bunch of animal skeletons. if you are wanting more dispersed camping with better views, i recommend going past the site entirely and camping off the road somewhere. you should only go on the trail if you have 4x4 though. there were some primitive campsites along the ~20 mile trail that had much better views. will be back to camp further down the trail! i’ve attached a pic marked with the location of camp and highlighted the trail. the trail does circle all the way around to the camp entrance.

The site is secluded and remote set in a beautiful pine forest. Only 5 camp sites that are spread apart. The sites have a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. Although it is remote and I have to travel down gravel roads, I easily got our RV to the camp grounds. At night it is pitch black and the only sounds you can hear are nature. On a clear night the stars would be amazing. Unfortunately it was overcast when I went. No hookups or anything, but a restroom. Great spot to get away and soak in nature.

Easy to find at night. Google Maps takes you to the right spot. It doesn’t exist on Apple Maps and Dyrt has it marked wrong. There is no cell coverage but there are also plenty of signs. Roads were solid with some snow and my 2wd sedan got in/out easy. Would only need 4wd if it’s muddy

Great campground, fencing around the campsites. Well maintained easily accessible 4x4 not necessary.

A nice place to disperse camp vault toilets, the campground is at approximately 8000 ft. I observed elk crossing my campsite. A very nice place to camp in the summer to escape the heat. Near the town of Corona.

Gem of a USFS campground in the Cibola National Forest near Corona, NM. Can get crowded on weekends and most especially during Fall hunting season.

Note that directions from Maps/Dyrt tries to send you the wrong way off County Rd 22, so follow the brown signs to the campground and you can’t miss it.

Pros:

• Road in is reasonably well maintained and accessible (we saw a mix of trucks, RVs and vans all making way easily, even a few passenger cars; go slow)
• Several dispersed sites also available near entrance to campground and down road passed campground
• Pit toilets were fine and seem to be maintained; trash bins also available
• Reasonably spaced sites with tables and fire pits (no water to my knowledge, so pack in)
• Beautiful views up the road on way to a fire tower and a zone that’s still pretty bare from previous fires
• Family of livestock roam the area which is entertaining (just watch out for the giant cow pies)

Cons:

• Might see some dirt bikes/UTV traffic, which can get noisy
• Can get really crowded during hunting seasons and likely near holidays, so be aware (talked to a local and got the scoop from their many times staying here)

The other review is spot on, nice small campground with pit toilets and no amenities.  If you are looking to get away, this is the place!   Yes, there is some livestock.  It is a beautiful campground.

Small free campground , pit toilets , no water , grazing livstock