Quemado Lake - Pinon Cg
Currently closed for the winter season. The campground typically opens mid-May and operates through September 30. Campers should bring their own water due to well maintenance and state water testing. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect through September 30, 2026, limiting fires to provided fire rings only.
Flood Watch issued October 30 at 12:31AM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of north central, northwest, and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in north central New Mexico, Far Northwest Highlands, Jemez Mountains, Northwest Highlands and Tusas Mountains Including Chama. In northwest New Mexico, Chuska Mountains and Northwest Plateau. In west central New Mexico, San Francisco River Valley, Southwest Mountains, West Central Highlands, West Central Mountains and West Central Plateau. * WHEN...From early Sunday morning through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Another round of widespread rainfall is expected Sunday into Monday with rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches near and west of the Continental Divide. This rainfall will occur over very saturated soils which will increase runoff. These are also areas that are still recovering from the last flood event. River rises are likely, but rises are not expected to be as high as the last flood event. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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…
Mogollon Box Day Use Area gate closure
Due to high stream flows on the Gila River that have overflowed onto roadways within the Mogollon Box Day Use Area, the vehicle access gate into the day use area was closed on October 23, 2026. Water flowing over the roadway and deposited silt and other debris are a hazard to vehicle entrapment.…
About
Piñon Campground sits at 7,899 feet in the Gila National Forest, offering a quiet retreat among piñon and juniper trees less than 2 miles from Quemado Lake. The campground is divided into a family camping loop on the east side with first-come, first-served sites, and a group camping loop on the west side with reservable group shelters. Several sites provide views of the lake, making this a tranquil destination that remains relatively undiscovered. The campground provides basic forest service amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables at each site, and campfire rings. A dump station is available for $15 per use when the campground is open. Potable water is typically available from mid-May through September 30, though campers should check current conditions as well maintenance may affect availability. All Gila National Forest campgrounds have a 14-day stay limit. Quemado Lake Recreation Area prohibits hunting, target shooting, horses, and OHV/ATV use. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed. The area operates under Stage 1 fire restrictions from late March through September, meaning fires are only permitted in the provided fire rings at designated sites.
Directions
From Quemado, NM: Take NM 32 south for approximately 14 miles to the Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. Turn left onto NM 103 and drive 4 miles to Quemado Lake/Forest Road 13. Continue on Forest Road 13 for 1.4 miles to reach Piñon Campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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