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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
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…
Hiring for seasonal positions: Feb. 20 - Mar. 3
We are encouraging anyone interested to apply to seasonal positions on the Gila National Forest. These positions will be recreation and visitor services support positions on all districts of the forest. Applicants can view open job announcements and submit applications through USAJOBS.gov.Forestry…
Vandalism on forest defers maintenance, decreases public safety
Resources diverted from recreation improvements and law enforcement to address damage from vandalismRepairing, restoring, and investigating vandalized sites takes Forest Service time and U.S. taxpayer money away from making other improvements on the 3.3 million acres of the Gila National Forest.…
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. Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, occur when certain types of algae grow excessively in water, posing potential health risks to people…
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. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and…
Gila National Forest Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Gila National Forest (including those lands identified on the Gila National Forest Map as Apache National Forest, within the State of New Mexico)…
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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