Juniper Campground
Closed — Closed due to harmful algal bloom through April 1, 2026. Water is typically off for the season. The campground typically operates from mid-May through late September.
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
Juniper Campground is the most popular developed campground in the Quemado Ranger District, situated along the shores of 130-acre Quemado Lake at 7,712 feet elevation. The campground features 17 RV sites with electric hookups that can accommodate rigs up to 35 feet, along with leveled tent sites nestled among pinon and juniper trees. The facility operates with a mix of reservable sites (odd-numbered electric sites 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17) and first-come, first-served sites. Recreational opportunities abound with fishing and boating access to Quemado Lake, including hiking on forest and lakeside trails. The campground provides essential amenities including vault toilets, seasonal potable water (mid-May through September 30), picnic tables at each site, and fire pits. Each campsite is limited to two vehicles and has a 14-day stay limit. The campground host can assist with fee payment or self-service envelopes are available. Quemado Lake Recreation Area has specific regulations: OHV/ATV use is prohibited, hunting and target shooting are not allowed, horses are prohibited within the recreation area, dogs must be leashed at all times, and no tents are permitted in the RV loop. Single sites cost $15 per night, single sites with electric hookups cost $25 per night, and double sites cost $25 per night. America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes receive a 50% discount on camping fees.
Directions
From Quemado, take NM Highway 32 south approximately 14 miles to Quemado Lake/NM Highway 103 sign. Turn left onto NM Highway 103 and go 4 miles to Forest Road 13. Continue straight on Forest Road 13 for 1.4 miles to Juniper Campground. Turn right into campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| 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 |
Availability
Photos
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