Pinon Campground
The campground opens May 19, 2026 for the season. Water system is operational. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect across the Gila National Forest, meaning campfires are permitted only in provided fire rings and grills at developed sites. Season typically runs mid-May through September 30.
Flash Flood Warning issued September 9 at 12:43PM MDT until September 9 at 3:45PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
FFWABQ The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... The Sacaton and Hummingbird burn scars in... South Central Catron County in west central New Mexico... * Until 345 PM MDT. * At 1243 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the Sacaton and Hummingbird burn scars. Between 0.5 and 0.75 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.75 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will impact Willow Creek and Gilita Creek. This includes Willow Creek Road including the Ben Lilly and Willow Creek Campgrounds and any other residences in this area. Bursum Road near the Willow Creek Campground may also be impacted. Middle Fork Trail number 157 and Iron Creek Trail number 172 will be especially dangerous. The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding in and around the Sacaton and Hummingbird burn scars. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around the Sacaton and Hummingbird burn scars. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Mainly rural areas of South Central Catron County.
Flood Advisory issued September 9 at 12:55PM MDT until September 9 at 4:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Arroyo and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...West Central Socorro County in central New Mexico... Northeastern Catron County in west central New Mexico... * WHEN...Until 400 PM MDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1255 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This will cause arroyo and small stream flooding. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Mainly rural areas of West Central Socorro and Northeastern Catron Counties. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
From Recreation.gov
**IMPORTANT ! **The Gila National Forest is currently in STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS. Forest Service Stage 1 Restrictions essentially restrict campfires and cooking or stove wood/ briquet fires to designated developed recreation sites and within provided fire rings and grills.
About
Pinon Campground is a developed Forest Service campground in the Gila National Forest, located 14.2 miles south of Quemado, New Mexico. The campground sits at 7,899 feet elevation among mature piñon and juniper trees, with some sites offering views of nearby Quemado Lake. The family camping loop on the east side offers individual sites while the west side contains group camping facilities that can accommodate up to 75 people. Recreational opportunities abound with Quemado Lake less than 2 miles away offering fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible from the campground area. The forested setting and high elevation provide unrestricted night sky views ideal for stargazing. The campground operates seasonally from mid-May through late September, with the water system typically running from mid-May through September 30. All sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets. A dump station is available for $15 per use. Pets are permitted but must remain leashed at all times. The 14-day stay limit applies to all Gila National Forest sites.
Directions
From Quemado, take NM 32 south approximately 14 miles to the Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. Turn left onto NM 103 and drive 4 miles to the junction with Forest Road 13 (where the pavement ends). Continue on FR 13 for 1.4 miles to Pinon Campground on the left.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Gila NF Piñon Campground |
Availability
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