Karr Canyon Upper
Open year-round, first-come first-served with no fee. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect through September 30, 2026; campfires are permitted only in the permanent Forest Service fire rings.
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…
Order# 03-08-01-26-001: Seven Cabins Fire Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect health and safety during fire suppression and rehabilitation activities.Closure area includes The Capitan Mountain area, from the HWY 246 around the Forest Service boundary and south to the South Base Trail System.
Order# 03-08-26-001: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety, as well as National Forest System lands, resources, and facilities, by reducing the risk of human-caused wildfires during the current period of increased fire danger and severe fire weather conditions.
Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
Fire managers will enact temporary fire restrictions at times of heightened fire danger to complement regional orders and national prohibitions.This page lists local, regional and national laws regarding the use of fire on the Lincoln National Forest. The text of each prohibition is listed with a…
Order# 03-08-02-26-001: Bluff Springs Temporary Closure on Sacramento Ranger District
This Order serves to protect public health and safety while Forest Service Engineering crews carry out annual maintenance, restoration and update infrastructure to current safety standards. Closed Areas Include:Bluff Springs Recreational Site and T112 Bridge: This includes the Bluff Springs…
Order #03-08-00-25-001: Camping Stay Limit Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect National Forest resources and to provide for public health and safety across all the National Forest System lands located within the boundaries of the Lincoln National Forest.
Order# 03-08-02-25-002: Bluff Springs Temporary Closure on Sacramento Ranger District
This Order serves to protect public health and safety while Forest Service Engineering crews carry out annual maintenance, restoration and update infrastructure to current safety standards. Closed Areas Include:Bluff Springs Recreational Site and T112 Bridge: This includes the Bluff Springs…
Order# 03-08-02-25-001: Sacramento Ranger District Area/ Dispersed Camping and Motor Vehicle Use
This closure was enacted due to illegal off-highway vehicle use, resource damage to sensitive riparian areas, and ongoing restoration efforts. These activities have caused soil erosion, vegetation loss, and habitat disturbance, which require time and space for recovery.Closure Prohibits:Dispersed…
InciWeb - for current incidents
For the most current information on incidents, including wildfires and prescribed fires, go to InciWeb.
Snow Play Closure
Snow play areas within the Smokey Bear Ranger district near Ski Apache are closed until further notice to protect the public from the potential danger in proximity to the state highway 532.
Order # 03-08-02-24-002: Toboggan Trail (T5003) Closure
Due to heavy erosion, the Toboggan Trail (T5003) is currently closed to all visitors. This closure is in effect to ensure public safety.
Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Lincoln National Forest:Camping for more than 14 days, whether or not consecutive, within any 45-day period.Possessing an alcoholic beverage.Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions.Being publicly…
About
Upper Karr Recreation Area sits in the Sacramento Ranger District of Lincoln National Forest, accessible via the Sunspot Scenic Byway (NM6563) south of Cloudcroft. This high-elevation primitive camping area provides a quiet retreat with nearby hiking and horseback riding trails through mixed conifer forest. The site accommodates up to 200 people on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Amenities are minimal: two fire rings, one vault toilet, and garbage depositories. Campers must bring their own water as no potable water is available on site. RVs are restricted to 16 feet maximum due to road conditions and limited maneuvering space. There is no fee to camp here, with a maximum stay limit of 14 days. The area is popular with equestrians and hikers seeking solitude in the Lincoln National Forest backcountry.
Directions
From Cloudcroft, take NM130 south and turn right onto NM6563 (Sunspot Scenic Byway). Continue approximately 6 miles; the Upper Karr Recreation Area entrance is on the left, just over the ridge.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| 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 | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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