Three Rivers

About

Three Rivers Campground is a rustic Forest Service facility nestled at approximately 5,000 feet on the eastern slopes of the Sacramento Mountains within Lincoln National Forest. The campground provides 12 individual sites plus a group camping area, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Horse corrals make this a favored staging point for equestrian users heading into the backcountry. The primary draw is access to the Three Rivers Trail (T44), which climbs into the White Mountain Wilderness toward some of the highest terrain in southern New Mexico. On the drive in, campers pass the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, a BLM-managed area featuring over 21,000 petroglyphs carved by the Jornada Mogollon people. The campground operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers should bring their own drinking water as none is available on site. The final 7 miles of Forest Road 579 are unpaved but well-maintained dirt suitable for most vehicles, though RVs are limited to 25 feet.

Directions

From US 54, turn east onto Forest Road 579 at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site sign (24 miles south of Carrizozo or 18 miles north of Tularosa). Travel 13 miles to the campground; the last 7 miles are unpaved but well-maintained.