El Caso I-iv Campground
Closed — El Caso Campgrounds 1-3 are closed due to a harmful algal bloom in Quemado Lake. The closure order is in effect through April 1, 2026. The campground is generally open year-round when not under closure orders.
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
Small Business Timber Sale 5-year Recomputation
Under provisions of the Small Business Timber Sale Program, Forest Service and Small Business Administration (SBA) policies provide for recomputation of the small business share of National Forest timber sale offerings every five years.
Quemado Lake Closure
Quemado Lake and nearby recreation areas are closed due to harmful algal blooms. See full alert for more information.
Harmful algae detected in Quemado and Snow lakes
The New Mexico Environment Department is warning visitors to use caution at Quemado Lake, Snow Lake, and Hopewell Lake due to the formation of harmful algae blooms.
Gila National Forest to begin prescribed fires
Gila National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this fall, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the spring as weather conditions allow.
About
El Caso I-IV Campground consists of partially developed sites located at the east end of Quemado Lake in the Gila National Forest, approximately 0.25 miles east of Piñon Campground. The campground is nestled in a valley stretching alongside an intermittent stream and surrounded by ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees, offering a shaded, primitive camping experience at 7,700 feet elevation. These free campgrounds are popular with hunters, groups, horse campers, and others seeking a more rustic experience. The campground provides 13 picnic tables and vault toilets, but no potable water is available. This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out area with no trash service. The campground is generally open year-round, though winter storms may make access difficult. There is a 14-day stay limit as with all Gila National Forest campgrounds. OHV/ATV use is prohibited within the campground. Horses are allowed, though there are no dedicated facilities for horse camping. The campground is within hiking distance of Quemado Lake and offers access to trails including Largo Trail. Note that El Caso Campgrounds 1-3 are subject to periodic closures due to harmful algal blooms in Quemado Lake.
Directions
Just west of Quemado, New Mexico, go south on New Mexico Highway 32 for approximately 14 miles to Quemado Lake/New Mexico Highway 103 sign. At the sign go east on Highway 103 for 4 miles to Forest Road 13. 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 | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| 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 |
Useful Links
| El Caso I-IV Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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