QUEMADO LAKE - EL CASO CG #3
The campground is open. A harmful algal bloom advisory remains in effect for Quemado Lake itself, making the water unsafe for drinking, swimming, wading, or pet contact. Non-contact boating is permitted. No potable water is available at the campground.
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 #3 is one of four primitive campgrounds comprising the El Caso I-IV complex at Quemado Lake Recreation Area in New Mexico's Gila National Forest. Located at 7,700 feet elevation, the campgrounds occupy a shaded valley stretching along an intermittent stream, with ponderosa pine and cottonwood providing natural canopy. The area is within hiking distance of 130-acre Quemado Lake. This partially developed campground caters to those seeking a more rustic experience. While vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided, campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. No fees are charged, and sites operate first-come, first-served with a 14-day stay limit. The campground is popular with hunters, organized groups, and horse campers due to its spacious layout and proximity to trails.
Directions
From Quemado, NM, drive south on Highway 32 for approximately 14 miles to the Quemado Lake/Highway 103 junction. Turn east on Highway 103 and continue about 4 miles, then follow Forest Road 13 to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 |
Photos
Community Posts
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