Piñon Campground
4.537 reviewsPiñon Campground
$15.00 - $125.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates by season dates: Standard Nonelectric ($15.00), Group Shelter Nonelectric ($50.00), Shelter Nonelectric ($125.00). Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Discover your own secret mountain retreat at Piñon Campground, where towering piñon and juniper trees create a natural sanctuary far from the crowds. This hidden gem offers two distinct camping experiences: an intimate family loop perfect for creating memories under starlit skies, and a spacious group area ideal for gatherings near the sparkling waters of Quemado Lake. Here, the gentle whisper of wind through ancient trees replaces the noise of everyday life, offering campers a rare chance to experience the Southwest's untouched wilderness in peaceful solitude.
Piñon Campground offers both individual and group camping options, accommodating tents, RVs, and group gatherings.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Piñon Campground awakens to its finest season, welcoming visitors with brilliant blue skies and refreshing mountain breezes that dance through the piñon groves. These perfect camping months offer warm days ideal for lake adventures and cool nights perfect for campfire stories. As winter approaches, the campground transforms into a quieter wonderland where occasional snowfall dusts the junipers and temperatures dip below freezing, creating a serene landscape for the most adventurous cold-weather campers.
ElevationPerched at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, this mountain haven offers a refreshing escape from desert heat below. At 7,899 feet, the crisp mountain air invigorates your senses while panoramic forest vistas stretch across the horizon, reminding you just how far you've climbed from the everyday world. This elevated paradise provides naturally cooler temperatures that make summer camping a dream, with daytime highs that invite exploration and nighttime lows perfect for cozy sleeping bags.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where ancient piñon pines and weathered junipers frame every campsite with natural privacy and dappled shade. These steadfast trees, some centuries old, create intimate camping spaces while their aromatic presence fills the air with the authentic scent of the high desert. Select sites reward early arrivals with glimpses of Quemado Lake shimmering through the forest canopy, where the water's surface mirrors the sky and surrounding peaks in perfect tranquility.
Geological RegionPiñon Campground claims its spectacular setting within the vast wilderness tapestry of the Gila National Forest, where ancient volcanic activity and millennia of erosion have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. This special corner of the forest showcases the iconic partnership of piñon and juniper trees that have adapted perfectly to the high desert environment. Positioned strategically near Quemado Lake, the campground serves as your gateway to exploring one of New Mexico's most pristine and geologically fascinating regions.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe group camping loop accommodates larger gatherings, while individual sites offer space for standard family setups.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as nestled among trees, providing some natural privacy.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites with views of Quemado Lake for opportunities to see wildlife like elk and ospreys. Bring plenty of water due to non-functional water wells.
Best CampsitesUser reviews specifically mention campsites with lake views as being the best for observing wildlife and enjoying peaceful scenery.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Groups
The group camping loop is located on the west side of the campground and is suitable for larger gatherings.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into family and group camping loops, with some sites offering lake views.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from May 10, 2025, to September 29, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityPiñon Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis for individual sites. Group sites are reservable.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before the arrival date. Individual site cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee if canceled within one day before check-in. Group site cancellations within 14 days of check-in will forfeit the first night's use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Piñon Campground offers opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. It is located near Quemado Lake, providing access to forest and lakeside trails.
Hiking
Hiking is available around Quemado Lake and in adjacent forest areas. Trails are described as well-suited for outdoor exploration.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity. Quemado Lake is known for fishing opportunities, and one user appreciated seeing ospreys in action: 'Our space overlooked the lake so we could see ospreys fishing.'Biking
Opportunities exist for biking around the area, including forest and lakeside paths.Boating
Boating activities such as canoeing and kayaking are supported on Quemado Lake.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant. Reviewers mentioned seeing elk and ospreys during their stay. One user stated, 'At night we could hear the elk bugling back and forth.'Water Sports
Activities such as kayaking and paddle boating are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted only in fire rings provided.
- Quiet hours compliance varies due to occasional absence of camp host.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include freezing conditions in winter and occasional high wind gusts.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services nearest to this campground are located in Quemado, NM, approximately 14.2 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 10, 2025 - September 29, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but users reported that cleaning and trash removal may be required upon arrival at some sites.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is less than 2 miles from Quemado Lake, which offers fishing and boating opportunities.
Common complaintsCommon complaints from user reviews include lack of working water wells, noisy neighbors, and poorly maintained restroom facilities.
HostBased on user reviews, experiences with camp hosts vary. In some instances, there is no camp host available to enforce quiet hours or assist with maintenance.
Campground Map
Driving directionsThe campground is located southeast of Quemado, NM. Take NM 32 south 14.2 miles to Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. At sign turn left onto NM 103 and go 4 miles to where Forest Road 13 (gravel) begins. Continue straight on FR 13 for 1.4 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
The final approach to the campground is on gravel Forest Road 13 after paved NM 103 ends. This can be challenging for vehicles that are not equipped for gravel roads.Nearby places
Quemado (14.2 miles, approximately 25 minutes).
Nearby supplies
The nearest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Quemado, NM, approximately 14.2 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
7 reviews
Piñon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The reviews for Piñon Campground are mixed. Many reviewers appreciated its natural beauty, tranquility, and proximity to Quemado Lake. Others criticized the lack of amenities such as a camp host or functional water wells.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the peaceful setting, spacious campsites, and scenic views of Quemado Lake. One user noted, 'I loved spending the weekend camping here! Fishing, camping, the sunsets were...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of a camp host, unclean vault toilets, and the need to manage trash and fire pits upon arrival. One user mentioned, 'No camp host... we also had to take care of our own...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring drinking water and cleaning supplies to ensure a comfortable stay. Be prepared for quiet nights without a camp host. Visiting during the off-season might offer additional solitude.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is popular in the warmer months, particularly during the summer when fishing and hiking conditions are optimal. Issues like non-functional water wells and unclean facilities appear to...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Our space overlooked the lake so we could see ospreys fishing and in the afternoon, the lake sparkled.'
2. 'The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting and smelled horrendous.'
3. 'Great Camp Ground...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Group sites are spacious and located on the west side of the campground. Some individual sites have views of Quemado Lake.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility were provided.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no reviews specifically addressed pet-related experiences.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025