Lower Fir Group Area
4.417 reviewsPO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA
Lower Fir Group Area
$123.00 - $154.00 / 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$154.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Area Nonelectric: $123/night for 1-30 people and $154/night for 31-70 people during Peak Season. Rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape the crowds and gather your tribe at Lower Fir Group Area, where up to 70 of your favorite people can share an unforgettable mountain retreat. Tucked away from public roads in the heart of the Sacramento Mountains, this secluded group campground offers the perfect blend of privacy and adventure. Your group will have exclusive use of a spacious open meadow—ideal for everything from morning yoga sessions to evening stargazing. When you're ready to explore, step directly onto a network of trails that wind through the forest, welcoming hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike.
Lower Fir Group Area is primarily a group camping facility, accommodating groups of various sizes. It is connected to the Upper Fir Group facility, which can host even larger groups.
Historical SignificanceYour mountain basecamp sits just a short drive from the charming village of Cloudcroft, where history comes alive at New Mexico's only surviving railroad trestle. This engineering marvel stands as a testament to the area's rich railroading heritage, when timber and tourism first brought visitors to these spectacular heights.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the crisp, dry mountain air that defines this high-altitude haven. With average highs hovering around 43°F and nighttime temperatures dipping to approximately 25°F, you'll want to pack layers for your adventure. The minimal precipitation means more sunny days for outdoor activities, though the cool temperatures remind you that you're camping nearly two miles above sea level.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,000 feet above sea level, Lower Fir Group Area offers a true high-country experience. Here, the air is refreshingly thin and cool, the views stretch endlessly across the landscape, and you'll find yourself literally above the clouds on many mornings. This elevated paradise provides natural air conditioning in summer and a winter wonderland when snow blankets the peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to panoramic vistas of the Tularosa Basin spreading out below you like a vast painted canvas. Your campground nestles within verdant mountain meadows where wildflowers dance in the breeze, framed by a stunning tapestry of towering pines, fragrant firs, shimmering aspens, and sturdy oaks. This diverse forest ecosystem attracts an impressive cast of wildlife—majestic elk graze in the meadows at dawn, deer bound through the underbrush, countless bird species fill the air with song, and yes, black bears occasionally lumber through (proper food storage required!). Every direction offers a postcard-worthy view in this pristine corner of the Lincoln National Forest.
Geological RegionDiscover the natural splendor of the Sacramento Mountains, a sky island oasis rising from the surrounding desert within the Lincoln National Forest. This unique geological wonderland creates a lush alpine environment where mountain meadows bloom with seasonal wildflowers and four distinct forest types—pine, fir, aspen, and oak—create a living mosaic of colors and textures. From your campsite, gaze out across the dramatic expanse of the Tularosa Basin, where the earth tells its ancient story in layers of rock and time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThis group campground accommodates up to 70 people at a time, making it suitable for medium to large gatherings.
Sites PrivacySet away from public roads, the sites offer a high level of privacy with minimal outside noise.
Total Campsites70 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroups should consider uneven terrain when choosing tent spots. Pavilion facilities are ideal during rain.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
After 2pm
Check-out
By noon
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Accommodates up to 70 people per group site.
Groups
The site can host up to 70 people. There are no individually marked tent pads, and uneven grounds may require campers to choose tent locations carefully. "Large spot clean restrooms, a few issues but not a deal breaker, you share the entrance with another campsite and uneven grounds."
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLarge group area connected to Upper Fir Group with facilities for up to 120 visitors.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Season: May 16 to September 26 annually. Closed from September 27 to May 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites must be occupied by checkout time on the day following your arrival date to hold a reservation, or they will be released to other guests. Walk-up availability not explicitly stated.
Cancellation PolicyYou can cancel the reservation any time before the date of your scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with the forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations (starting from midnight 14 calendar days before check-in).
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
Activities you can enjoy
Lower Fir Group Area is described as a hub for recreational activities, particularly hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Rim Trail, accessible nearby, offers challenging routes and scenic views. Additionally, the open meadow adjacent to the campground is noted for its suitability for group games like volleyball and horseshoes.
Hiking
The Rim Trail nearby provides options for hiking, with features like rocky inclines and scenic switchbacks. Some sections also allow motorcycling and horseback riding. "The Rim Trail is a short hike or drive away, offering epic views."Biking
The Rim Trail is noted as a destination for mountain biking enthusiasts, with challenging terrain highlighted in the description.Wildlife viewing
Campers have reported opportunities to see elk, deer, birds, and even black bears in the surrounding forest. "Bring your camera and binoculars for the chance to observe wild elk, deer, birds, and even an occasional black bear."Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the high elevation and seasonal operation suggest snow may be present in off-peak months.Water Sports
The campground does not appear to offer water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions.
Hazards
General hazardsPossible wildlife hazards include elk, deer, birds, and black bears. Fire restrictions may be imposed due to dry conditions.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.2 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 are likely located in the nearby town of Cloudcroft, 1 mile away, although specific details about hospitals or ranger stations are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 - September 27, 2025; May 15, 2026 - September 26, 2026.
Trash and recyclingNo details regarding trash or recycling facilities are provided in the available data.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground has water access, making it unique among group sites in the area.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention uneven ground making it difficult to pitch tents, shared entrance with another campground, and lack of dump stations.
HostMailing address is PO Box 836, Cloudcroft, NM. Facility-specific inquiries can be directed to 575-682-1518.
Campground Map
PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA
Driving directionsFrom Alamogordo take US 82 east, go 17 miles, just past Cloudcroft. Turn left (northwest) onto NM 244. Go approximately 1 mile. Turn right onto Forest Road 422. Go approximately 1/4 mile. Campground is on the left.
The site is set away from public roads, reducing outside noise. Access from US 82 and NM 244 to Forest Road 422 is straightforward, but exact details on road conditions are missing.Nearby places
Cloudcroft (1 mile, approx. 5 mins)
Alamogordo (17 miles, approx. 25 mins).
Nearby supplies
Cloudcroft, 1 mile away, provides basic supplies but specific stores for groceries, camping supplies, or fuel are not listed.
Camper Reviews
4.4
7 reviews
Lower Fir Group Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives positive reviews for its spaciousness, cleanliness, and suitability for group activities. However, some users have mentioned issues such as uneven ground for tents and limited facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Users have praised the availability of water at the pavilion, spacious group areas, clean restrooms, and the scenic environment. One reviewer noted, "The covered pavilion was a great place to hold...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users mentioned uneven ground for pitching tents and shared entrances with another campsite. "There are no tent pads so you pitch your tent on lumpy slopes," and "you share the entrance with...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend choosing tent sites carefully due to uneven ground. Bringing your own sports equipment for games like volleyball is also suggested.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Most reviews are from summer months when the campground is open. Activities and accessibility may be limited during off-peak seasons due to weather conditions.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Beautiful! We rent the campground out once a year for a group and have a relaxing, fun time!" 2. "The campground was spacious and clean. We had room to spread out and be comfortable." 3. "Nice...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews mainly focus on the group shelter and pavilion area. One user stated, "The group shelter is great with lots of tables and water is available." Another commented, "The covered...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025