Open year-round, first-come, first-served, with access dependent on road conditions. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect forest-wide since March 27, 2026; campfires are permitted only in USFS-installed metal fire rings. No potable water available on site.
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 states of Texas and…
Order# 03-08-01-26-003 Cedar Creek Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety during active forest restoration and hazardous fuels reduction operations. The closure area is subject to extreme safety hazards, including:Felling and removal of hazardous, dead, or unstable trees.Heavy machinery operations,…
Order# 03-08-26-002: Temporary Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety as there has been extensive damage to the roads from recent rain.Closure Area Includes:National Forest System Road (NFSR) 329 from the forest boundary within Township 14 South, Range 12 East, Section 2, New Mexico Meridian to the end of the road…
About
Baca Campground sits in the Smokey Bear Ranger District of Lincoln National Forest at approximately 7,500 feet elevation. This free primitive campground accommodates tents and small trailers on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day stay limit. Facilities are minimal: vault toilets are available, but potable water is not, so campers must bring their own supply. A nearby spring exists but is unreliable. The site carries significant historical importance. It was established as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the 1930s. After sitting vacant for a year, the buildings were repurposed for the Unemployed Girls Education Camp under the National Youth Administration, a program serving rural girls without access to schools. Renamed Camp Capitan, the program operated year-round for five years until funding ended in 1940. The campground remains popular with hunters due to its location in prime hunting territory. Access is via Forest Road 57, approximately 7 miles north of US Highway 380. Road conditions vary seasonally, and heavy rain or snow may temporarily prevent access.
Directions
From the village of Capitan, travel approximately 10 miles east on US Highway 380. Turn left (north) onto Forest Road 57 and continue about 7 miles. The campground is on the north (left) side of Forest Road 57.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Baca Campground Page | |
| Lincoln NF Alerts |
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