Pinon Campground
Closed — Closed for the season until spring 2026. Generally operates mid-May through September 30. Water is typically turned off October 1 for the season.
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…
Hiring for seasonal positions: Feb. 20 - Mar. 3
We are encouraging anyone interested to apply to seasonal positions on the Gila National Forest. These positions will be recreation and visitor services support positions on all districts of the forest. Applicants can view open job announcements and submit applications through USAJOBS.gov.Forestry…
Vandalism on forest defers maintenance, decreases public safety
Resources diverted from recreation improvements and law enforcement to address damage from vandalismRepairing, restoring, and investigating vandalized sites takes Forest Service time and U.S. taxpayer money away from making other improvements on the 3.3 million acres of the Gila National Forest.…
Harmful algae detected in Quemado and Snow lakes
The New Mexico Environment Department is warning visitors to use caution at Quemado Lake, Snow Lake, and Hopewell Lake due to the formation of harmful algae blooms. Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, occur when certain types of algae grow excessively in water, posing potential health risks to people…
Gila National Forest to begin prescribed fires
Gila National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this fall, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the spring as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and…
Gila National Forest Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Gila National Forest (including those lands identified on the Gila National Forest Map as Apache National Forest, within the State of New Mexico)…
About
Pinon Campground is a tranquil, undiscovered gem located in the Gila National Forest, nestled among mature pinon and juniper trees at an elevation of 7,899 feet. The campground is divided into two distinct areas: a family camping loop on the east side with first-come, first-served individual sites, and a group camping loop on the west side with reservable group sites. Some campsites offer views of nearby Quemado Lake, which is less than 2 miles away. The location provides excellent access to recreational activities including fishing and boating on the 130-acre Quemado Lake, which has a maximum depth of 55 feet. Hikers can explore forest and lakeside trails, while mountain bikers will find suitable terrain for riding. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in this forested setting with unrestricted night sky views. Quemado is located 21 miles from the campground, and AG Country Propane in town sells fishing licenses. The campground operates seasonally, generally from mid-May through September 30, with water typically available during those months. A dump station is available when the campground is open for $15 per use. Individual campsites are $15 per night, and America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes receive a 50% discount. The facility has a 14-day stay limit, and all pets must be leashed. Horses and OHV/ATV use are prohibited in the campground and recreation area.
Directions
From Quemado, take NM 32 south approximately 14 miles to Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. Turn left onto NM 103 and drive 4 miles to Forest Road 13. The paved road turns to gravel at the junction with FR 13. Continue straight on FR 13 for 1.4 miles to Pinon Campground. Turn left into campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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