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…
Quemado Lake Area/Trail Closure - Harmful Algal Blooms
The Gila National Forest has issued a public health and safety area closure of Quemado Lake due to a harmful algal bloom. The area closure will remain in effect until December 31, 2026 at 6 a.m., or until NMED advises that the lake is safe for public use.
Silver City Ranger District and Supervisor's Office Phones Down
Phones at the Silver City Ranger District and Supervisor's Office are down as of July 22, 2026. This alert will be removed once the phones are back in working order.
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 |
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