Deerhead Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Opens April 11, 2026 and operates through October 12, 2026. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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
Deerhead Campground is located in the Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, New Mexico at an elevation of 8,700 feet. This heavily forested campground offers 19 sites among towering ponderosa pines and Douglas firs that provide ample shade. Paved roads make the campground accessible while maintaining a natural mountain setting. The campground is situated just across the street from the Rim Trail trailhead and less than 2 miles from Trestle Recreation Area. The Lincoln National Forest spans over 1.1 million acres and offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for elk which are abundant in this area. The forest provides extensive hiking trails including the Osha Trail, Little Apache Trail, and Old Cloudcroft Highway Trail. Other activities include caving, horseback riding, hunting, and sightseeing. On clear days, campers can enjoy views of White Sands National Park salt flats in the distance. The Village of Cloudcroft is just 1 mile away, and Alamogordo with additional services is approximately 20 miles from the campground.
Directions
From the west side of Cloudcroft, turn south onto NM130 and travel 1 mile. The campground entrance will be on your right just past the turnoff to the Ranger Station.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $32 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 25ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| vista@vista-rec.com | |
| Phone | +1 (575) 682-2551 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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