Quemado Lake - El Caso Cg
Closed — Closed due to harmful algal bloom detected in Quemado Lake. El Caso Campgrounds 1-3 are within the closure area south of Forest Road 13. The closure began November 10, 2025 and will remain in effect until April 1, 2026 or until water quality testing shows the lake is safe for public use.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
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 s
Small Business Timber Sale 5-year Recomputation
Under provisions of the Small Business Timber Sale Program, Forest Service and Small Business Administration (SBA) policies provide for recomputation of the small business share of National Forest timber sale offerings every five years.
Quemado Lake Closure
Quemado Lake and nearby recreation areas are closed due to harmful algal blooms. See full alert for more information.
Harmful algae detected in Quemado and Snow lakes
The New Mexico Environment Department is warning visitors to use caution at Quemado Lake, Snow Lake, and Hopewell Lake due to the formation of harmful algae blooms.
Gila National Forest to begin prescribed fires
Gila National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this fall, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the spring as weather conditions allow.
About
El Caso I-IV Campground offers a primitive camping experience near Quemado Lake in the Gila National Forest. The campground consists of 13 partially developed campsites spread along an intermittent stream valley, surrounded by ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees that provide ample shade. Located at 7,700 feet elevation and approximately 0.25 miles east of Piñon Campground, El Caso is popular with hunters, groups, and horse campers seeking a more rustic setting than the developed campgrounds closer to the lake. This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility with no trash service. Basic amenities include vault toilets and picnic tables at each site, but campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site. Horses are permitted, though no dedicated equestrian facilities are provided. The campground is within the Quemado Lake Recreation Area, where ATV/OHV use is prohibited. A 14-day stay limit applies to all Gila National Forest campgrounds. The area provides access to Quemado Lake, a 130-acre reservoir with a maximum depth of 55 feet, offering opportunities for motorized and non-motorized boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. The campground is accessible year-round, though winter storms can make the area difficult to leave, and the Forest Service recommends evacuating when storms approach.
Directions
From Quemado, NM, go south on New Mexico Highway 32 for approximately 14 miles to the Quemado Lake/New Mexico Highway 103 sign. Turn east on Highway 103 for 4 miles to Forest Road 13. Continue past the lake; the campground is on the right.
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 | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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