Good spot to camp near white sands. Very busy- but most people seem to stick to the large lot near the entrance. If you follow the road around to the west side of the lake there are additional spots that are a bit more secluded.

The Air Force does regular flyovers throughout the day on weekdays. Very loud.

Quiet area for a quick stop overnight. 3 pull through spots great for a camper or smaller RV plus a couple of back in spots with rock fire rings. Near town and close to i70.

Note: there are several coyotes in the area. Be sure to keep an eye on your pets.

Stayed here overnight for a quick stop. Wide open range with amazing views and a herd of wild horses.

Notice from the USDA Forestry Service:

Johnson Mesa is a dispersed camping area located east of Las Vegas on NM 65 and FR 153. Facilities: vaulted toilets, tables and grills. NO potable water available. This recreation site and its surroundings were burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Use of this site is not recommended. Exercise extreme caution and pay attention to the weather to avoid flash flood danger.

Quiet campground- especially early in the season.

$22/night; Firewood bundles on-site for $9.

Each site has a picnic table and a bear box for food storage.

Bathrooms were clean. Sites are smaller and very close together. Little privacy if visiting during a busier time.

Sites 7, 9, and 11 have trails that connect back to Chicago creek just a short distance away. Hiking trails are close by to nearby forests land. No cell service.

Scenic campground. Some spots are more secluded than others (19-22 are the furthest out). Most sites are very shaded (8-13 are in a meadow area and are almost full sun).

Good for tent, car, or RV/camper use (though no shore power or water/waste hookups onsite).

Proximity to Boulder/Denver is very convenient— but means it can get crowded and difficult to find a spot on the weekend.

Lots of mountain bike and hiking trails through the area. Sites 22 & 15 are both near trailheads and get a bit more foot traffic near the campsites than some of the others.

Overall- it was a quiet and relaxing stay. Highly recommend.

Great site for camping. Lots of spots to choose from- many are very secluded. Not too busy and a lot of activities to enjoy in the area.

Campsite was visited by moose, free range cows, and coyotes (not to mention the chipmunks and plethora of birds.)

Lots of pull offs. Great for vans or small RVs. Do not recommend for anyone in a tent or those traveling with small children or pets.