James Canyon
Open year-round. No fee, first-come first-served. Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect forest-wide; campfires are permitted only in fire rings or grills provided at developed campgrounds. No potable water available on site.
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…
Current Prescribed Fire Updates
As prescribed fire is implemented on the Lincoln National Forest this alert page will be updated to share current conditions, planned work or postponed burns.16 Springs Crooked Prescribed Pile Burn - 153 acresSeptember 19, 2026 - Press Release for Planned Prescribed Fires on the Lincoln National…
Order# 03-08-02-26-001: 69kV Power Line Maintenance and Hazard Tree Reduction
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety. Work within this corridor during this timeframe will include large machinery and aircraft.
About
James Canyon Campground is a compact, free campground tucked along US Highway 82 in the Sacramento Mountains of Lincoln National Forest. With just 5 sites, it offers a quiet stopping point for travelers between Cloudcroft and Mayhill. The lower elevation of 6,800 feet makes this campground accessible year-round, remaining usable later into the season than the higher-elevation sites in the area. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, grills, and a group shade structure. There is no potable water on site, so campers must bring their own supply. The 16-foot RV limit makes this campground best suited for tent campers, small trailers, or compact camping vehicles. Situated just 2 miles west of Mayhill and approximately 16.5 miles east of Cloudcroft on US 82, the campground is easily accessible from the highway. The surrounding Lincoln National Forest offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the Sacramento Mountain landscape.
Directions
From Cloudcroft, take US 82 east for 16.5 miles towards Mayhill. James Canyon Campground is located 2 miles before Mayhill, on the highway.
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 | 16ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 434-7200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!