Closed

Closed for winter season. Reopens May 15, 2026. First come first serve only; no reservations accepted. 14-day stay limit.

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

Pines Campground is a forested retreat at 8,700 feet elevation in the Sacramento Mountains of Lincoln National Forest, located just east of Cloudcroft along NM-244. The campground features 23 sites spread across two loops (Butterfly and Chipmunk), with single, double, and triple unit options available. Large ponderosa pines provide generous shade throughout, and the paved roads and parking spurs make for easy navigation. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and access to vault toilets and potable water. The campground is primitive with no hookups, dump station, or showers on site, though these amenities are available at nearby Silver Overflow Campground for a fee. RVs are limited to 35 feet maximum length. The Lincoln National Forest surrounding the campground spans over 1.1 million acres and supports a large elk population, making wildlife viewing a highlight. Trail connections from the campground lead to the popular Osha Trail and other hiking opportunities. The elevated location also offers views of White Sands National Park's salt flats in the distance. Alamogordo is roughly 20 miles away for supplies.

Directions

Travel east on US-82 from Cloudcroft, turn left onto NM-244. Less than 1 mile later on your left you will find the entrance to Pines Campground, across the street from the Fir Campgrounds.

Amenities

Water Yes
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 $39

Vehicle

Max RV Length 35ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email vista@vista-rec.com
Phone +1 (575) 682-2551

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

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