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 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
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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