Baca
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Access depends on road conditions; heavy rains or snowfall may prevent access via Forest Road 57. Limited to 14 consecutive days.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the s
Order #03-08-00-25-001: Camping Stay Limit Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect National Forest resources and to provide for public health and safety across all the National Forest System lands located within the boundaries of the Lincoln National Forest.
Updates for the 16 Springs Prescribed Burn
Get UpdatesFor future prescribed fire ignition notices and more about the Lincoln National Forest please follow our social media page and Alerts Page. To read the full Ne
Order# 03-08-02-25-002: Bluff Springs Temporary Closure on Sacramento Ranger District
This Order serves to protect public health and safety while Forest Service Engineering crews carry out annual maintenance, restoration and update infrastructure to current safety standards. Closed Areas Include:
Order# 03-08-02-25-001: Sacramento Ranger District Area/ Dispersed Camping and Motor Vehicle Use
This closure was enacted due to illegal off-highway vehicle use, resource damage to sensitive riparian areas, and ongoing restoration efforts. These activities have caused soil erosion, vegetation loss, and habitat disturbance, which require time and space for recovery.
InciWeb - for current incidents
For the most current information on incidents, including wildfires and prescribed fires, go to InciWeb.
Snow Play Closure
Snow play areas within the Smokey Bear Ranger district near Ski Apache are closed until further notice to protect the public from the potential danger in proximity to the state highway 532.
Order # 03-08-02-24-002: Toboggan Trail (T5003) Closure
Due to heavy erosion, the Toboggan Trail (T5003) is currently closed to all visitors. This closure is in effect to ensure public safety.
About
Baca Campground occupies a historic site in Lincoln National Forest that served as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the 1930s. Located approximately 17 miles east of Capitan via US 380 and Forest Road 57, this free dispersed camping area sits in a pinyon-juniper woodland at the edge of higher elevation forests. The campground offers informal camping spaces suitable for tents and small trailers, making it a popular destination for hunters and those seeking a quiet, rustic camping experience. The site features vault toilets but no potable water, though a nearby spring may occasionally provide water that requires treatment. Campers should come prepared with their own water supply. The campground is accessed via Forest Road 57, a dirt road that may become impassable during heavy rains or winter snowfall. The area's remote location and lack of amenities make it ideal for self-sufficient campers who appreciate solitude and the opportunity to explore the surrounding national forest.
Directions
From Capitan, drive approximately 10 miles east on US Highway 380. Turn left onto Forest Road 57 and continue about 7 miles. The Baca camping area is on the north side of Forest Road 57.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 434-7200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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