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…
Bighorn Campground Temporary Closure
The Gila National Forest is issuing a temporary closure order for Bighorn Campground, in effect from 8 a.m. on August 28, 2026 until rescinded. This order serves to protect public health and safety during construction activities.Alternative developed camping access is available at Cosmic…
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 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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