Mccrystal Campground
Open for camping. The campground operates mid-spring through fall, with fees collected mid-May through mid-October. The Valle Vidal east side closes annually January 1 through March 31 for elk winter habitat protection. First-come, first-served only; no advance reservations. Bring your own water as none is available on site.
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 Activity and Plans
The following prescribed fires are tentatively scheduled:NameNearby LocationPotential Start DateAcresInformationUnit G Pile BurnTurley MillPostponed74Press ReleaseLearn more about prescribed fires on Carson National Forest.
Forest Road 639South Road Restriction
Vehicles will be restricted on Forest Road 639South near Truchas, N.M., from October 1 at 6:00 a.m. to October 14 at 11:59 p.m. during a road improvement project. Work includes road reconditioning, drain dip construction and the removal or replacement of several culverts.Non-motorized access will…
About
McCrystal Campground occupies a scenic ponderosa pine forest in the Valle Vidal Unit of Carson National Forest, directly across from the historic Ring Place Ranch. This 55-site campground serves as a base for exploring one of New Mexico's premier wildlife areas, where elk, bear, and other wildlife roam freely. A self-guided interpretive trail leads from the campground entrance to a pioneer cabin at Ring Place Ranch. The campground accommodates both standard campers and equestrians, with 6 designated horse camping sites featuring corrals and access to two shared water troughs. All sites include picnic tables. Facilities are primitive with vault toilets but no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Access requires navigating approximately 28 miles of gravel road from Cimarron via Highway 64 and Forest Service Road 1950. These roads are not maintained during rainy season and may require four-wheel drive. The Valle Vidal east side, where McCrystal is located, closes annually January 1 through March 31 to protect wintering elk habitat.
Directions
From Cimarron, drive 5 miles northeast on Highway 64 to Cerrososo Canyon. Follow the canyon approximately 21 miles to the Valle Vidal Unit boundary. From the boundary, travel 7 miles on Forest Service Road 1950 to the campground. Total distance is about 36 miles from Cimarron. Gravel roads are not maintained during rainy season and may require four-wheel drive.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $16 - $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| mailroom_r3_carson@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (575) 586-0520 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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