Deerhead Campground
4.4543 reviewsState Rt. 130, Cloudcroft, NM
Deerhead Campground
$10.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsite fee is $32 per night for a single unit; $10 per night for each additional vehicle. Additional fees include $7 for showers at Silver Overflow Campground, $0.30 per gallon of water beyond the first 5 gallons, and $3 per bag of trash.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Lincoln National Forest, Deerhead Campground offers an intimate mountain escape with 19 thoughtfully spaced campsites. Here, at a breathtaking elevation of 8,800 feet, towering Ponderosa pines and majestic Douglas firs create a natural cathedral of shade above your campsite. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars, while convenient restrooms and parking spurs ensure comfort meets wilderness adventure.
Deerhead Campground accommodates tent and small RV camping. "RVs are limited to 25 feet," and there are no pull-through sites for larger vehicles.
Historical SignificanceYour mountain basecamp puts you within easy reach of some of New Mexico's most treasured destinations. The charming village of Cloudcroft, perched at the state's highest elevation, beckons with its Victorian-era charm and local artisan shops. Science enthusiasts will marvel at the nearby Sunspot Observatory, where cutting-edge solar research meets public education. For those seeking adventure, the scenic Bluff Springs and the historic Trestle Recreation Area offer hiking trails that weave through both natural beauty and remnants of the region's rich railroad heritage.
Weather and SeasonsAt nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, Deerhead's mountain climate delivers refreshingly cool summers and crisp, invigorating air year-round. Early spring visitors should pack warm layers as temperatures can still kiss freezing, while late summer brings perfectly comfortable days with highs reaching a pleasant 74°F. Even in summer's peak, nighttime temperatures often dip below freezing, creating ideal sleeping weather and morning mists that dance through the pines. Daytime temperatures typically range from a brisk 38°F in cooler months to those delightful summer highs.
ElevationPerched at 8,800 feet in the clouds, Deerhead Campground offers a true high-altitude retreat where the air is crisp, clean, and noticeably thinner. This lofty setting not only provides natural air conditioning during summer months but also delivers some of the clearest night skies you'll find, making it a stargazer's paradise far above the heat and haze of lower elevations.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine mountain ecosystem where ancient Ponderosa pines stretch skyward alongside stately Douglas firs, their intertwining branches creating a living canopy overhead. This verdant forest sanctuary serves as home to magnificent elk that occasionally grace campers with their presence, while black bears roam the distant ridges. The forest floor buzzes with life, from industrious gophers maintaining their underground kingdoms to countless bird species filling the air with mountain melodies.
Geological RegionDeerhead Campground claims its spectacular perch within the Sacramento Mountains, a dramatic range within the greater Lincoln National Forest. This mountainous wonderland rises sharply from the surrounding desert, creating a sky island ecosystem where Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs thrive at 8,800 feet. The rugged terrain tells a geological story millions of years in the making, with ancient limestone cliffs, volcanic remnants, and mountain meadows painting a diverse landscape that captures the raw beauty of southern New Mexico's high country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has some basic accessibility features like wheelchair-accessible sites, but toilets are not wheelchair-friendly per the official description.
Sites SizeSites are standard-sized, but some are more spacious than others. RVs over 25 feet are not permitted.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly between the two spurs of the campground. "The shorter spur...is tucked up against Rt. 130...less privacy, good for multi-family camping. The spur to the right...quieter with fair privacy."
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, choose sites on the spur to the right of the fee board; for family camping, the left spur is better.
Best CampsitesSite 11 is near a restroom and offers quiet surroundings. Site 17, located at the back end of the campground, is one of the quietest and furthest from the highway.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per campsite.
Groups
No specific group camping options are mentioned in the authoritative or user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features two spurs terminating in loops. The left spur is closer to the road and noisier; the right spur is quieter and offers more privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from April 11 to October 12 as per general comments.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are accepted. Sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 19 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fill patterns vary, with quieter weekdays and busier weekends.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific policy mentioned. Since reservations are not available, cancellation rules may not apply.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Deerhead Campground provides access to hiking and biking trails and is close to several regional attractions. Wildlife viewing is popular, with deer and occasional black bear sightings. "Elk are frequent visitors along with an occasional black bear," noted the official description.
Hiking
The Rim Trail (T105) trailhead, a 22-mile recreation trail, is accessible directly from the campground. The trail supports foot traffic, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ATVs (under 50 inches wide). "There is a trail only 1 mile away," commented one user.Biking
Biking is supported along the Rim Trail (T105) and other nearby trails. "Great place for camping and biking," reviewed one user.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include elk, deer, wild horses, and an occasional black bear. "We saw deer and had cool days among 100-foot ponderosa pines," said one user.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable as the campground is open seasonally, from April to October.Water Sports
No water sports are available at the campground due to the absence of water features.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted except during seasonal fire restrictions. Charcoal grilling may be restricted during fire bans.
- Quiet hours enforced after 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears, elk, and raccoons are common. Gopher holes may pose a risk of twisted ankles.
Active alertsSeasonal fire restrictions may be in effect.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Closest ranger station is less than 1 mile away in Cloudcroft; Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo is approximately 20 miles away; nearest police station in Cloudcroft (1 mile away).
Good to know
Peak season datesApril to October.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is available via dumpsters; however, users have noted that these can occasionally overflow. "There are two dumpsters for trash...close dumpster doors and also put away any food before heading to bed." Raccoons have been spotted near the dumpsters at night.
Proximity to water featuresNo lakes, rivers, or streams are located within the campground.
Common complaintsNoise from nearby roads and other campers; occasional lack of toilet paper or hand sanitizer in restrooms; overflowing trash in restrooms.
HostCamp host is described as helpful and friendly. Firewood available for sale ($8-$9 per bundle).
Campground Map
State Rt. 130, Cloudcroft, NM
Driving directionsFrom the west side of Cloudcroft, turn south onto NM130 and travel 1 mile. The campground entrance will be on your right just past the turnoff to the Ranger Station.
The road is paved up to the campground entrance. Seasonal closures may apply as the campground is only open from April to mid-October.Nearby places
Cloudcroft (1 mile, less than 5 minutes), Alamogordo (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Ruidoso (45 miles, approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Cloudcroft Village (1 mile away) offers basic groceries, ice, and supplies. Additional options include Family Dollar and Allsup’s convenience store. Silver Overflow Campground (nearby) offers hot showers, potable water, and waste disposal services.
Camper Reviews
4.5
43 reviews
Deerhead Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Deerhead Campground is appreciated for its quiet and scenic setting, proximity to Cloudcroft, and access to the Rim Trail. However, privacy and bathroom cleanliness have been recurring concerns. "Well-groomed, but if you like a structured campground, you'll love it," noted one user. Many reviewers highlighted the friendliness of the camp host, availability of potable water, and the rustic charm of the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews
What Campers Love
Frequent wildlife sightings, proximity to Cloudcroft for supplies, friendly and helpful camp host, access to hiking and biking trails, spacious campsites, and quiet atmosphere.
Based on 43 reviewsCommon Concerns
Noise from nearby roads, lack of flush toilets, occasional issues with overflowing trash and toilet paper shortages, limited privacy in some campsites, and high fees compared to state parks.
Based on 43 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own hand sanitizer and extra toilet paper. Secure food and trash to prevent raccoons from scavenging. Consider staying in the right spur of the campground for more privacy. Check out the...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is a popular time to visit due to the cooler temperatures at higher elevations, but it can get cold at night. Seasonal wildlife activity includes elk and bear sightings. "Nice place to go to...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The camp manager was very helpful...he has firewood bundles for sale in case you need any"; "Bathrooms were decent...not great, and trash can was at the entrance of the site"; "Quiet despite being...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 17 is noted for being quiet, away from the main highway, and near a restroom. Site 12 is described as offering cool days under towering ponderosa pines. Site 11 is close to a bathroom but may be...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible sites are available, but the toilets are not wheelchair-friendly. Some users noted that paths could be uneven due to gopher activity.
Based on 43 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. "Dogs are allowed but need to be leashed," noted one user.
Based on 43 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025