Quemado Lake - El Caso Cg
Open and free to use year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect as of March 23, 2026. A harmful algae bloom advisory remains active for Quemado Lake itself, prohibiting swimming, wading, and fish consumption, though camping is unaffected. Winter visitors should vacate ahead of approaching storms to avoid being snowed in.
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…
Catwalk Recreation Area Temporary Closure (Flooding)
For public safety, a portion of Whitewater Trail #207.1 is closed until further notice due to recent flooding along Whitewater Creek.
FR 141 construction road closure near Reserve
As of Sept. 23, 2026, there is a closure order in place along FSR 141 near Reserve. This closure will be in effect intermittently, mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) as needed by the contractor, and as needed for unforeseen events where closure of the road is necessary to protect public health and…
About
El Caso I-IV Campground sits at 7,700 feet elevation on the east side of 130-acre Quemado Lake in New Mexico's Gila National Forest. The partially developed campground occupies a shaded valley alongside an intermittent stream, with sites scattered beneath ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees. It offers a quieter, more primitive alternative to the nearby Juniper Campground. The campground is popular with hunters during season, group campers, and horse campers (though no equestrian facilities are provided). Hiking trails connect to the lake, including the Largo Trail #14 which departs near the campground. This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out area with no potable water, so visitors must bring their own water supply and remove all trash. The site is generally open year-round and free of charge, though winter visitors should be prepared to leave ahead of storms to avoid being snowed in. ATVs are prohibited, and all pets must be kept on leash. A 14-day stay limit applies throughout Gila National Forest.
Directions
From Quemado, NM, head south on NM Highway 32 for approximately 14 miles to the Quemado Lake / NM Highway 103 sign. Turn east on Highway 103 and continue 4 miles to Forest Road 13. Continue past Quemado Lake; the campground is approximately 0.25 miles east of Piñon Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| 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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