QUEMADO LAKE - EL CASO CG #4
Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No fees required. Harmful algal bloom advisories have affected Quemado Lake; check with Quemado Ranger District for current lake conditions before water contact activities. 14-day stay limit enforced.
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 CG #4 is part of the El Caso I-IV Campground complex, located approximately 0.25 miles east of Piñon Campground at the east end of Quemado Lake in the Gila National Forest. The campground occupies a shaded valley stretching alongside an intermittent stream, with ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees providing cover. This partially developed facility appeals to visitors seeking a rustic camping experience away from the more developed Juniper Campground. The campground is popular with hunters during season, groups, and horse campers, though no equestrian facilities are provided at this location. Amenities are basic: vault toilets and picnic tables are available, but campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. Fire rings are present at sites. OHV and ATV use is prohibited within the campground. Quemado Lake itself offers fishing opportunities, though visitors should be aware that harmful algal blooms have periodically affected the lake. The Quemado Ranger District monitors water conditions and issues advisories when necessary.
Directions
From Quemado, NM, travel south on NM Highway 32 for approximately 14 miles. Turn east on Highway 103 and continue for 4 miles to Forest Road 13. Continue past the lake to reach the El Caso campgrounds.
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 | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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