Piñon Campground
Closed — Closed for the season until spring 2026. Typically operates mid-May through September 30, with water turned off October 1.
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
Small Business Timber Sale 5-year Recomputation
Under provisions of the Small Business Timber Sale Program, Forest Service and Small Business Administration (SBA) policies provide for recomputation of the small business share of National Forest timber sale offerings every five years.
Quemado Lake Closure
Quemado Lake and nearby recreation areas are closed due to harmful algal blooms. See full alert for more information.
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.
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.
About
Piñon Campground is a peaceful and undiscovered camping destination in the Gila National Forest's Quemado Ranger District, nestled among mature piñon and juniper trees at 7,899 feet elevation. The campground is divided into two loops: a family camping loop on the east side offering individual sites, and a group camping loop on the west side for larger parties. Several sites feature views of nearby Quemado Lake, a 130-acre reservoir with a maximum depth of 55 feet. The campground provides essential amenities including potable water (seasonally available mid-May through September), restrooms, picnic tables at each site, and fire rings. A dump station is available for RV campers when the campground is open. The location offers excellent access to outdoor recreation including fishing with a valid New Mexico license, motorized and non-motorized boating on Quemado Lake, mountain biking, day hiking, and wildlife viewing. The campground is first-come, first-served with some reservable group sites. The campground operates seasonally, generally from mid-May through September 30, with water turned off October 1. A 14-day stay limit applies, and pets must be leashed at all times. OHV/ATV use and horses are prohibited in the campground. Access is via NM 32 south from Quemado, then Forest Road 13, a gravel road. The Quemado Ranger District recommends visitors vacate during winter storms to avoid being stranded.
Directions
Just west of Quemado, take NM 32 south approximately 14 miles to Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. Turn left onto NM 103 and go 4 miles to Forest Road 13. Continue straight on FR 13 for 1.4 miles to Piñon 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 | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Piñon Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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