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.
Flood Watch issued July 20 at 4:48PM MDT until July 21 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of central New Mexico, including the following area, South Central Mountains. * WHEN...Tuesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Another round of showers and thunderstorms are expected on Tuesday afternoon across the South Central Mountains. Storms will move toward the north and northwest around 5 to 10 mph. Rainfall rates over 1 inch per hour are expected in the stronger storms. Rapid runoff will lead to flash flooding, especially where the ground is saturated from recent heavy rainfall. This includes downstream of the South Fork and Salt burn scars. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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# 03-08-01-26-001: Seven Cabins Fire Closure Amended
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety. These areas are subject to flooding effects through monsoon season and conditions could become hazardous.Closure area includes The Capitan Mountain area, from Capitan Pass along Forest Road 56 and 5643, east along the Forest…
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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