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 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
Small Business Timber Sale 5-year Recomputation
Under provisions of the Small Business Timber Sale Program, Forest Service and Small Business Administration (SBA) policies provide for recomputation of the small business share of National Forest timber sale offerings every five years.
Quemado Lake Closure
Quemado Lake and nearby recreation areas are closed due to harmful algal blooms. See full alert for more information.
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.
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.
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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