QUEMADO LAKE - EL CASO CG #4
Open — The campground is currently open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Note that El Caso Campgrounds 1-3 are temporarily closed due to a harmful algal bloom at Quemado Lake, but El Caso 4 is not within the closure area. The Forest Service recommends vacating the campground if winter storms are approaching.
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…
Hiring for seasonal positions: Feb. 20 - Mar. 3
We are encouraging anyone interested to apply to seasonal positions on the Gila National Forest. These positions will be recreation and visitor services support positions on all districts of the forest. Applicants can view open job announcements and submit applications through USAJOBS.gov.Forestry…
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)…
About
El Caso CG #4 is part of a series of five partially developed campgrounds located at the east end of Quemado Lake in Gila National Forest's Quemado Ranger District. Situated approximately 0.25 miles east of Piñon Campground, this free campground is nestled in a valley stretching alongside an intermittent stream and is surrounded by ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees at an elevation of 7,700 feet. The campground provides a primitive camping experience with basic amenities including picnic tables and pit toilets, but no potable water or trash services. Campers must pack out all trash. The El Caso campgrounds are popular with hunters, groups, and those desiring a more primitive, less developed camping experience. The area offers access to hiking trails and is within walking distance of Quemado Lake, a 130-acre reservoir. The campground operates under a 14-day stay limit and requires pets to be leashed. OHV/ATV use is prohibited within the campground area. The Forest Service recommends that visitors vacate the campground if a winter storm is approaching to avoid being stuck. Access is via New Mexico Highway 32 south from Quemado, then east on Highway 103 to Forest Road 13.
Directions
From Quemado, New Mexico, go south on New Mexico Highway 32 for approximately 14 miles to the Quemado Lake/New Mexico Highway 103 sign. Turn east on Highway 103 for 4 miles to Forest Road 13. Continue past the lake; the campground is on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| 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 | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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