Karr Canyon Upper
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. The access road can be closed during winter months due to heavy snow, particularly from late fall through early spring. 14-day stay limit applies.
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
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.
Updates for the 16 Springs Prescribed Burn
Get UpdatesFor future prescribed fire ignition notices and more about the Lincoln National Forest please follow our social media page and Alerts Page. To read the full Ne
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:
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.
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.
About
Upper Karr Canyon Recreation Area sits in the Lincoln National Forest off the scenic Sunspot Highway (NM6563), about 6 miles south of Cloudcroft. This rustic dispersed camping area offers a high-elevation escape in southern New Mexico's Sacramento Mountains, surrounded by mixed conifer forests and stunning mountain landscapes. The area accommodates up to 200 people with undeveloped campsites scattered throughout. Facilities are minimal but functional, with 2 fire rings, 1 vault toilet, and garbage depositories provided. Campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site. The 14-day stay limit applies. RV access is limited to vehicles 16 feet or shorter due to terrain and road conditions. The access road (Forest Road 63) becomes dirt for the last mile and can be rough, particularly during or after weather events. The area is known for its beautiful green mountain ranges, fresh mountain air, and opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic photography. Free-range cattle may be present as this is open grazing land. The road can be closed during winter months due to heavy snow, making access difficult or impossible from late fall through early spring. This is a popular spot on summer weekends, with weekdays offering a quieter experience.
Directions
From Cloudcroft, take NM130 south and turn right onto NM6563 (Sunspot Scenic Byway). Continue for approximately 6 miles. Just over the ridge on your left, look for the sign for Upper Karr Recreation Area. The turnoff can be easy to miss.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 16ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 16ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 434-7200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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