Quemado Lake - Pinon Cg
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Expected to reopen in May 2025. Additionally, Quemado Lake and the surrounding recreation area are currently under a closure order due to harmful algal blooms, effective through April 1, 2026.
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
Pinon Campground sits at 7,899 feet elevation in the Gila National Forest, 14.2 miles south of Quemado, New Mexico. This quiet campground offers 23 single-family campsites nestled among mature piñon and juniper trees, with some sites providing scenic views of nearby Quemado Lake. The campground is a mix of first-come, first-served tent and RV sites, plus two reservable group sites that can accommodate 30 and 75 people respectively. The campground is located across from the more popular Juniper Campground and serves as a gateway to the Quemado Lake Recreation Area. Recreational opportunities include fishing and boating on the 130-acre Quemado Lake, hiking forest and lakeside trails, wildlife viewing, and stargazing under unrestricted night skies. The area features vault toilets, picnic tables, grills, and fire rings at each site. Notable restrictions include a prohibition on hunting and target shooting within the recreation area, and horses are not permitted at Pinon Campground. Access is via NM 32 south from Quemado to NM 103, then 4 miles to Forest Road 13 (gravel), and 1.4 miles further to the campground entrance. The area is subject to a 14-day stay limit, and all pets must be leashed. Fires are permitted only in provided fire rings.
Directions
From Quemado, 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. NM 103 ends when the paved road turns to gravel, indicating you are now on Forest Road 13. Continue on Forest Road 13 for 1.4 miles and turn left into the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 - $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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