New Mexico / Otero County / Lincoln National Forest

Slide Group Area

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 16 and closes September 27. Reservations required through Recreation.gov.

About

Slide Group Area is a scenic group campground in Lincoln National Forest, situated at 9,000 feet elevation on the rim of the Sacramento Mountains. Located just two miles south of the village of Cloudcroft, this facility accommodates groups of up to 90 people and offers spectacular views of the Tularosa Basin below. The campground is surrounded by mixed evergreen and aspen forests, creating a picturesque alpine setting. The site features a covered pavilion with tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and trash receptacles. An open meadow adjacent to the campground provides space for group activities like volleyball or other field games. Direct access to the Rim Trail allows for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding to the north, while the southern section permits motorcycle use. The area is excellent for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot deer, elk, and numerous bird species. Nearby attractions include the Sunspot Scenic Byway with its views of White Sands National Park, the village of Cloudcroft, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, and the Sunspot Solar Observatory. The region is part of the 1.1 million-acre Lincoln National Forest, where Smokey Bear was rescued as a cub from a forest fire. Parking is limited to approximately 12 trailers or 50 automobiles, with RVs restricted to 35 feet maximum length.

Directions

From Cloudcroft, turn south from US 82 onto NM 130. Continue on NM 130 for approximately 2 miles, then turn right onto NM 6563 (Sunspot Scenic Byway). Less than 1,000 feet onto NM 6563, the turn off for Slide Group Area is on the right.

Nearby Campgrounds