El Caso I-iv Campground
Generally open year-round, first-come first-served. No fees. A toxic algae closure affecting this area ended April 1, 2026. No potable water available; campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash.
Flood Watch issued October 30 at 11:50AM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of north central, northwest, and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in north central New Mexico, Far Northwest Highlands, Jemez Mountains, Northwest Highlands and Tusas Mountains Including Chama. In northwest New Mexico, Chuska Mountains and Northwest Plateau. In west central New Mexico, San Francisco River Valley, Southwest Mountains, West Central Highlands, West Central Mountains and West Central Plateau. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday morning. * 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. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Another round of widespread rainfall is expected Sunday into Monday with rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches near and west of the Continental Divide. This rainfall will occur over very saturated soils which will increase runoff. These are also areas that are still recovering from the last flood event. River rises are likely, but rises are not expected to be as high as the last flood event. If river flooding materializes, it will likely continue into Monday evening. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Advisory issued October 30 at 11:52AM MDT until November 2 at 4:00PM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
...The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flood Advisory for the following rivers in New Mexico... San Francisco River at Reserve affecting Catron County. * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...San Francisco River at Reserve. * WHEN...Rises on the river are expected to begin Sunday night and last through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...At 13.0 feet, Bankfull stage. Some minor overbank flow may begin into drainage ditches near Highway 12. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 10:55 AM MDT Friday the stage was 10.0 feet. - Bankfull stage is 13.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 13.0 feet Monday morning. - Action stage is 13.0 feet. - Flood stage is 15.0 feet. - 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…
About
El Caso I-IV Campground is a primitive camping area located at the east end of Quemado Lake in the Gila National Forest. The campground sits in a valley alongside an intermittent stream, surrounded by ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees that provide welcome shade during summer months. The partially developed site offers a more rustic experience compared to the nearby Juniper or Piñon campgrounds. The campground is popular with hunters, groups, and campers who prefer primitive camping conditions. Amenities are limited to vault toilets and picnic tables. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out area with no trash service. ATV use is not permitted in the Quemado Lake Recreation Area. Camping is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. A 14-day stay limit applies. Access is via NM Highway 32 south from Quemado, then east on NM 103 and continuing on Forest Road 13 past the lake.
Directions
From Quemado, NM, go south on NM 32 for 14.2 miles to the Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. Turn east on NM 103 for 4 miles to where Forest Road 13 (gravel) begins. Continue past the lake. The campground is on the right.
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) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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