Quemado Lake - El Caso Cg #1
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees. A harmful algal bloom advisory remains in effect for Quemado Lake; contact with lake water should be avoided. The campground itself is accessible and operational.
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…
Catwalk Recreation Area Temporary Closure (Flooding)
For public safety, a portion of Whitewater Trail #207.1 is closed until further notice due to recent flooding along Whitewater Creek.
FR 141 construction road closure near Reserve
As of Sept. 23, 2026, there is a closure order in place along FSR 141 near Reserve. This closure will be in effect intermittently, mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) as needed by the contractor, and as needed for unforeseen events where closure of the road is necessary to protect public health and…
About
El Caso Campground #1 is part of the El Caso I-IV Campground complex, located approximately 0.25 miles east of Piñon Campground at Quemado Lake in the Gila National Forest. At 7,700 feet elevation, the campground sits in a peaceful valley alongside an intermittent stream, shaded by mature ponderosa pines and cottonwoods. This partially developed campground caters to those seeking a more primitive camping experience within hiking distance of Quemado Lake. Facilities are limited to vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. Horse camping is permitted but there are no equestrian facilities. The area is popular with hunters during fall seasons and serves as a base for exploring the surrounding forest. The nearby Largo Trail #14 provides access to backcountry hiking. A 14-day stay limit applies to all Gila National Forest campgrounds, and ATV use is prohibited throughout the Quemado Lake Recreation Area.
Directions
From Quemado, NM, travel south on Highway 32 for approximately 14 miles. Turn east on Highway 103 and continue 4 miles. Follow Forest Road 13 past the lake to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
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