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.
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…
Sacaton Fire Closure
Due to active firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the Sacaton Fire, an area closure goes into effect for public health and safety at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 1 for all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Gila Wilderness around Sacaton Mountain (see full…
Black Range Ranger District network and phones down June 24, 2026
Computer network and phones are out of service at the Black Range Ranger District since about 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 23. The office is open for visitors, but without access to the network and point-of-sale system, we are unable to make any sales until the outage is resolved.
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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