Quemado Lake - Juniper Cg
Closed — Closed due to a harmful algal bloom detected in Quemado Lake. The closure is in effect from November 10, 2025 through April 1, 2026. The campground typically operates seasonally from mid-May through late September.
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
Juniper Campground is the most popular destination in the Quemado Ranger District of Gila National Forest, situated at 7,712 feet elevation along the shores of Quemado Lake. The campground features 36 sites across two loops: an RV loop with electric hookups and an upper loop with standard electric sites. While electric hookups are available, campers must bring their own water as no water or sewer connections are provided at the sites. The campground offers leveled tent sites and is designed to accommodate both tent and RV camping. Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, grills, and campfire rings at each site. The forested setting provides shade among mature juniper trees while offering unrestricted night sky views for stargazing. Easy lake access makes this an ideal base camp for fishing and non-motorized boating on the 130-acre Quemado Lake. Recreational opportunities abound with hiking trails including the Quemado Lake Fishing Trail, Lakeshore Access Trail, and Juniper-Lake Access Trail. The area prohibits horses, hunting, and target shooting within the Quemado Lake Recreation Area. All pets must be leashed, and fires are permitted only in provided fire rings. A 14-day stay limit applies to all Gila National Forest campgrounds.
Directions
Located 14.2 miles south of Quemado, New Mexico. Take NM 32 south to the Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign, turn left onto NM 103 and drive 4 miles to Quemado Lake/Forest Road 13. When the paved road turns to gravel, you are on Forest Road 13. Continue 1 mile on Forest Road 13 to Juniper Campground 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 | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 - $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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