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.
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…
Catwalk Recreation Area Temporary Closure (Flooding)
For public safety, a portion of Whitewater Trail #207.1 is closed until further notice due to recent flooding along Whitewater Creek.
FR 141 construction road closure near Reserve
As of Sept. 23, 2026, there is a closure order in place along FSR 141 near Reserve. This closure will be in effect intermittently, mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) as needed by the contractor, and as needed for unforeseen events where closure of the road is necessary to protect public health and…
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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