QUEMADO LAKE - EL CASO CG #5
Open year-round and free to use. A Harmful Algal Bloom Danger Advisory remains in effect for Quemado Lake itself, making the water unsafe for drinking, swimming, wading, pet contact, or fishing. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect as of March 23, 2026.
Flood Watch issued July 21 at 1:57PM MDT until July 21 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of northwest and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in northwest New Mexico, Chuska Mountains and Northwest Plateau. In west central New Mexico, San Francisco River Valley, Southwest Mountains and West Central Plateau. * WHEN...Until 9 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Storms with heavy rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour will move off to the northwest at 5 to 15 mph this afternoon. Storms may continuously move over the same areas, creating localized rainfall totals over 2 inches. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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…
Ben Lilly and Willow Creek Campground Closure
The Gila National Forest is issuing a temporary closure order for the Ben Lilly Campground and the Willow Creek Campground, in effect from 6 a.m. on July 21, 2026 through October 16, 2026 (or until rescinded). This order serves to protect public health and safety as monsoonal flood events have…
About
El Caso V Campground is a partially developed equestrian camping area located at the east end of Quemado Lake within the Gila National Forest. The campground sits in a scenic valley stretching alongside an intermittent stream, surrounded by mature ponderosa pines and cottonwoods that provide ample shade. Popular with horse campers, hunters, and those seeking a more primitive camping experience, the area offers a quieter alternative to the nearby Juniper Campground. This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility with vault toilets but no potable water, so campers must bring their own drinking water. Horses are permitted throughout the campground, though no corrals or other equestrian facilities are provided. The campground is free to use with a 14-day stay limit. OHV and ATV use is prohibited within the campground and throughout the Quemado Lake Recreation Area. Quemado Lake itself spans 130 acres with a maximum depth of 55 feet, offering fishing and boating opportunities. The nearby Largo Trail #14 provides hiking and horseback riding access. Pets must be kept leashed at all times.
Directions
From Quemado, NM, go south on New Mexico Highway 32 for 14.2 miles to the Quemado Lake / New Mexico Highway 103 sign. At the sign, go east on New Mexico Highway 103 for 4 miles to Forest Road 13.
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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