Juniper Campground
Opens for the 2026 season on May 8. Water system is operational. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect across Gila National Forest; campfires and cooking fires are permitted only within provided fire rings. 14-day stay limit enforced.
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
From Recreation.gov
**IMPORTANT !**The Gila National Forest is currently in STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS. Forest Service Stage 1 Restrictions essentially restrict campfires and cooking or stove wood/ briquet fires to designated developed recreation sites and within provided fire rings and grills.
About
Juniper Campground is the most popular campground in the Quemado Ranger District, nestled in the high country of the Gila National Forest at 7,712 feet elevation. The campground offers a mix of reservable and first-come-first-served sites, with 17 RV sites featuring electric hookups and 18 leveled tent sites scattered through a juniper woodland setting on the shores of Quemado Lake. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring with pedestal grill. The campground has vault toilets and seasonal potable water available from mid-May through September. RV sites accommodate units up to 35 feet in length but do not have water or sewer hookups. Reservations for odd-numbered electric sites are available through Recreation.gov. Quemado Lake offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities, with a boat ramp nearby. The area features unrestricted night sky views and access to forest trails. A 14-day stay limit applies. Horses are prohibited in the recreation area, and all dogs must remain on leash.
Directions
From Quemado, take NM 32 south 14.2 miles to the Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. Turn left onto NM 103 and drive 4 miles to Quemado Lake/Forest Road 13. NM 103 ends where the paved road turns to gravel, indicating Forest Road 13. Continue on Forest Road 13 for 1 mile and turn right into Juniper Campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Juniper Campground |
Availability
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