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.
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…
Current Prescribed Fire Updates
As prescribed fire is implemented on the Lincoln National Forest this alert page will be updated to share current conditions, planned work or postponed burns.16 Springs Crooked Prescribed Pile Burn - 153 acresSeptember 19, 2026 - Press Release for Planned Prescribed Fires on the Lincoln National…
Order# 03-08-02-26-001: 69kV Power Line Maintenance and Hazard Tree Reduction
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety. Work within this corridor during this timeframe will include large machinery and aircraft.
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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