James Canyon Campground
4.5325 reviewsJames Canyon Campground, US 82, Mayhill, NM
James Canyon Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fee. James Canyon Campground is a free site.
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About this campground
Tucked away just west of Mayhill in the Lincoln National Forest, James Canyon Campground offers an intimate escape with just five secluded campsites. This hidden gem provides the perfect balance of comfort and wilderness, featuring picnic tables at each site, warming fire rings for evening gatherings, and a convenient vault toilet. A welcoming group shade structure offers respite from the sun, making it ideal for small gatherings. While the campground welcomes RVs, the winding forest roads limit vehicle length to 16 feet, preserving the site's intimate character.
The campground includes primitive camping options suitable for tents and small RVs up to 16 feet in length. There are a total of 5 sites, with 2 accessible by vehicle and the rest requiring access via a footbridge.
Historical SignificanceThis peaceful canyon holds its stories quietly, offering visitors a chance to create their own memories in the timeless landscape of the Lincoln National Forest.
Weather and SeasonsJames Canyon's moderate elevation creates a unique microclimate that extends the camping season well into autumn. While the lower altitude brings milder temperatures than its high-mountain neighbors, the canyon can channel impressive winds, particularly during fall months. As one seasoned visitor, Tia Christensen, advises: 'We went in the fall and it was pretty windy, so bring extra jackets!' The shoulder seasons here offer spectacular weather windows when higher elevations are already dusted with snow.
ElevationAt a comfortable lower elevation than its Sacramento Mountain neighbors, James Canyon remains accessible and snow-free weeks longer than higher campgrounds. This strategic positioning makes it a favorite among savvy campers who know to seek out these lower-elevation refuges when autumn snows begin closing the high country, extending their camping season well into the cooler months.
Natural Features and SceneryJames Canyon enchants visitors with its verdant canopy of towering pines that, as camper Steven Long poetically noted, seem to 'go to the sky.' The campground nestles into a particularly lush pocket of the forest, where the lower elevation nurtures a rich understory and creates cooling shade throughout the day. This green oasis stands in beautiful contrast to the more austere high-elevation campgrounds, offering a gentler, more embracing mountain experience.
Geological RegionPerched at 6,800 feet in the Sacramento Mountains, James Canyon occupies a sweet spot in this diverse geological region. The moderate elevation creates a unique ecological niche where mountain pines thrive in especially lush conditions. As visitor Steven Long observed, the area features 'very lush green space with pine trees going to the sky,' a testament to the favorable growing conditions found in this protected canyon setting.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not provided in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe sites include space for small trailers (up to 16 feet) and tent camping. The tent sites are located across a footbridge.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer limited privacy due to the small size of the campground and its proximity to a main road. Some sites are clustered across a creek, providing slightly more seclusion.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor quieter and more private options, choose tent sites across the bridge. RV campers are limited to two drive-up spots due to space constraints.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight the tent sites across the bridge as offering more seclusion and quieter accommodations.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No check-in time specified.
Check-out
No check-out time specified.
Stay Limit
No explicit limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit limit mentioned.
Groups
There is no specific information about designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground layout includes two drive-up spots for cars/RVs and about five tent sites accessible by a footbridge.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. "We stayed at this small (3-site) First-Come-First-Served campground." (User review by Rob Campellone).
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system applies; the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The primary activity at James Canyon Campground is picnicking. Campers have also enjoyed wildlife viewing and stargazing. Hiking, fishing, and other activities are not explicitly mentioned.
Wildlife viewing
Campers have reported seeing owls and other wildlife, making it a pleasant spot for wildlife enthusiasts.Winter Activities
Campers have noted that the lower elevation of 6,800 feet makes this campground usable longer during winter compared to other campgrounds in the area. Snowfall is possible but not guaranteed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No explicit policies noted; users recommend bringing firewood as none is available for gathering.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours noted.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include close proximity to the road. "Right next to the road going through the forest." (User review by Steven Long). Windy conditions and lack of firewood for gathering noted by users.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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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
Mayhill, NM provides emergency services including a gas station and general store about 1 mile away. For larger emergencies, Cloudcroft has additional services available.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo explicit peak season; open year-round.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresNone explicitly mentioned except a dry creekbed spanned by a footbridge.
Common complaintsMain complaints include proximity to the road causing noise, limited vehicle-accessible campsites, and lack of running water and firewood.
Campground Map
James Canyon Campground, US 82, Mayhill, NM
Driving directionsFrom Cloudcroft, take US 82 16.5 miles east towards Mayhill, NM. James Canyon Campground is located 2 miles before Mayhill. There will be a pull-off on US 82 to access the campground.
Easy access directly off US 82. "Right off a main road so can be noisy but for a free campsite, can't complain at all!" (User review by BahHumBang Audio).Nearby places
Mayhill (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes), Cloudcroft (16.5 miles, approximately 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
General store, gas station, and two restaurants are located about 1 mile from the campground in Mayhill.
Camper Reviews
4.5
25 reviews
James Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
James Canyon Campground is praised for its free access, cleanliness, and basic amenities. Proximity to the road is often noted, with some campers mentioning road noise while others found the location convenient. It is a popular stop for overnight stays and shorter visits rather than extended camping trips.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes the clean vault toilets, presence of picnic tables and fire rings, and the tranquil environment. Campers appreciated the free access and the site's suitability for quick...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints involve road noise due to the campground's proximity to US 82, limited parking availability, and the lack of potable water. Some users also noted the windy conditions and the need...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing extra toilet paper, as the vault toilets may lack it. Given the windy conditions, extra layers are advised. Also, as potable water is not available, campers should bring...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round and favored during cooler months due to its lower elevation of 6,800 feet, which remains snow-free longer than higher-elevation sites. Fall visitors noted windier...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Right off a main road so can be noisy but for a free campsite, can't complain at all!" - BahHumBang Audio. "Awesome and clean bathrooms also. I don't know if it would be great for a multiple-day...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground offers 5 sites, with 2 accessible by vehicle and the remainder across a footbridge. Reviews suggest that the sites accessed by the footbridge may provide more privacy and tranquility.
Based on 25 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not provided in the source materials.
Based on 25 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned, but one user noted plenty of walking areas for pets.
Based on 25 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025