Johnson Mesa Campground
Closed — Forest Road 156 access to Johnson Mesa was temporarily closed beginning May 19, 2025, with no specified reopening date. Contact the Pecos/Las Vegas District Office at +1 (505) 425-3534 for current road and campground status.
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
Seasonal Road Closures
Due to winter weather conditions, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will close some forest roads susceptible to damage to protect public health and safety, infrastructure, and natural resources.
Temporary Area Closure for the Tesuque Peak Powerline on the Espanola Ranger District
The area in the vicinity of Tesuque Peak Powerline is temporarily closed for a powerline rebuild and restoration project.
Jemez Cave Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide natural and cultural resource protection for the Jemez Cave and for public safety and welfare until current damage to natural and cultural resources can be assessed and a long-term management strategy developed.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions Order for the Santa Fe National Forest
The Santa Fe National Forest has the need to limit the stay of the visitors to lessen the opportunity of residency; and to comply with State Law prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21; and to protect general visitors sensitive to public nudity from human
Order Prohibiting Possession of Domestic Sheep or Goats within the Pecos Wilderness
The purpose of this Order is to protect bighorn sheep from diseases transmitted by domestic sheep and goats.
Special Closure for the Santa Fe Watershed on the Espanola Ranger District
Special Closure Order for the Santa Fe watershed
Santa Fe Watershed Closure Order on the Espanola Ranger District
WHEREAS, bathing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and other forms of human occupancy of the Santa Fe River Watershed in the Santa Fe National Forest, causes pollution of the water flowing therein used by the residents of Santa Fe, New Mexico , for drinking and domestic purposes, to a degree threate
About
Johnson Mesa Campground is a dispersed camping area managed by the Santa Fe National Forest, located east of Las Vegas, New Mexico on NM Highway 65 and Forest Road 153. This lightly-used backcountry site offers a primitive camping experience with basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and grills at dispersed sites. The campground provides access to the surrounding Santa Fe National Forest lands where horseback riding and picnicking opportunities are available. No potable water is available on-site, so visitors must bring an adequate supply of drinking water. A backcountry permit is not required to enter the nearby Pecos Wilderness from this location. Dogs are permitted at the campground but must be kept on leash at all times. The area receives light use compared to more developed campgrounds in the forest, making it suitable for campers seeking a quieter, more primitive experience.
Directions
Located east of Las Vegas, NM via NM Highway 65 and Forest Road 153.
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 (505) 425-3534 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Johnson Mesa Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!