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 September 15 at 1:01AM MDT until September 16 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of southwest New Mexico, including the Southwest Mountains, San Francisco River Valley, and San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands. * WHEN...From 11 AM MDT this morning through this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Much of the area received a soaking rainfall of one half inch to two inches Monday and Monday night, saturating soils and increasing flows through area creeks and streams. Heavy rainfall rates of one to two inches per hour Tuesday afternoon and evening over saturated soils may result in flash flooding, including on and downstream of the Sacaton/Hummingbird burn scar. - 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…
FR 141 construction near Reserve - expect periodic delays starting October 2026
Starting early October 2026, 18 miles of Forest Road 141 (FR 141, Reserve-Beaverhead Road) will close periodically for improvements to road surface and infrastructure.
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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