Three Rivers

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. 14-day stay limit applies.

About

Three Rivers Campground is a rustic, uncrowded campground in the Smokey Bear Ranger District of Lincoln National Forest. Located at approximately 5,000 feet elevation at the base of Sierra Blanca, southern New Mexico's tallest mountain, the campground offers 12 sites that accommodate tents and small RVs. A portion of the campground is designed for group camping. The campground serves as the trailhead for Three Rivers Trail (T44), a 6.1-mile trail that enters the White Mountain Wilderness and connects to the Crest Trail. Horse corrals are available on-site for equestrian campers. Access is via Forest Road 579, with the last 7 miles on well-maintained dirt roads. The historic Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is located along the access road. At this lower elevation compared to other Lincoln National Forest campgrounds, Three Rivers makes for good winter camping when higher elevation sites may be snowed in. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are provided, but campers must bring their own water as no potable water is available.

Directions

From US 54, 24 miles south of Carrizozo or 18 miles north of Tularosa, turn east onto Forest Road 579 at the sign for Three Rivers Petroglyph Site and Campground. Continue 13 miles (last 7 miles unpaved) following signs to the campground.

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