Pinon Campground
The campground opens May 19, 2026 for the season. Water system is operational. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect across the Gila National Forest, meaning campfires are permitted only in provided fire rings and grills at developed sites. Season typically runs mid-May through September 30.
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…
Hummingbird Fire Forest Closure and Updates
Hummingbird Fire Emergency Closure for Public Health and SafetyGlenwood, Reserve, and Wilderness Ranger DistrictsAreas and trails around Willow Creek are closed to the public. See below for more information.Daily Hummingbird Fire updates are posted on Facebook, Inciweb and NM Fire Info.
Forest Service Road 150/North Star Road construction through May 2026
Starting the week of April 13, work will begin on Forest Service Road 150 (also known as North Star Road) near Diamond Creek, approximately 43 miles north of Mimbres. We estimate this work to run through early May of 2026. Forest visitors should expect temporary road closures (30 - 60 minutes)…
Suspected rabid animals reported near Cliff Dwellings
We recently received several reports of suspected rabid animals near the Gila Cliff Dwellings. DO NOT APPROACH ANY ANIMAL EXHIBITING STRANGE BEHAVIOR.If you encounter any animal that seems sick or is acting strangely, call the New Mexico Department of Wildlife (Las Cruces Office) at 575-532-2100…
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Begin March 23, 2026
The Gila National Forest will enact Stage 1 Restrictions on March 23. This decision is based on several factors, including: long term severe drought in the Gila region, increased tree mortality across the forest due to drought and insects, and forecasted weather patterns which indicate higher…
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)…
From Recreation.gov
**IMPORTANT ! **The Gila National Forest is currently in STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS. Forest Service Stage 1 Restrictions essentially restrict campfires and cooking or stove wood/ briquet fires to designated developed recreation sites and within provided fire rings and grills.
From Recreation.gov
**IMPORTANT : The Quemado Lake recreation area water system is operational/ water is available. Thank you for your patience !**
About
Pinon Campground is a developed Forest Service campground in the Gila National Forest, located 14.2 miles south of Quemado, New Mexico. The campground sits at 7,899 feet elevation among mature piñon and juniper trees, with some sites offering views of nearby Quemado Lake. The family camping loop on the east side offers individual sites while the west side contains group camping facilities that can accommodate up to 75 people. Recreational opportunities abound with Quemado Lake less than 2 miles away offering fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible from the campground area. The forested setting and high elevation provide unrestricted night sky views ideal for stargazing. The campground operates seasonally from mid-May through late September, with the water system typically running from mid-May through September 30. All sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets. A dump station is available for $15 per use. Pets are permitted but must remain leashed at all times. The 14-day stay limit applies to all Gila National Forest sites.
Directions
From Quemado, take NM 32 south approximately 14 miles to the Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. Turn left onto NM 103 and drive 4 miles to the junction with Forest Road 13 (where the pavement ends). Continue on FR 13 for 1.4 miles to Pinon Campground on the left.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| 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 | |
| Gila NF Piñon Campground |
Availability
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