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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
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…
Hiring for seasonal positions: Feb. 20 - Mar. 3
We are encouraging anyone interested to apply to seasonal positions on the Gila National Forest. These positions will be recreation and visitor services support positions on all districts of the forest. Applicants can view open job announcements and submit applications through USAJOBS.gov.Forestry…
Vandalism on forest defers maintenance, decreases public safety
Resources diverted from recreation improvements and law enforcement to address damage from vandalismRepairing, restoring, and investigating vandalized sites takes Forest Service time and U.S. taxpayer money away from making other improvements on the 3.3 million acres of the Gila National Forest.…
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. Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, occur when certain types of algae grow excessively in water, posing potential health risks to people…
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. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and…
Gila National Forest Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Gila National Forest (including those lands identified on the Gila National Forest Map as Apache National Forest, within the State of New Mexico)…
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 |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!