Saddle Campground
4.3419 reviewsSaddle Campground
$32.00 - $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
The standard site fee is $32 per night for a single-family unit. An additional $10 per night per vehicle is charged for extra vehicles. Showers at the nearby Silver Overflow Campground cost $7 per person per use. The RV dump station fee is $15 per use.
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About this campground
Escape to Saddle Campground, where 16 secluded sites await you in the heart of Lincoln National Forest's enchanting high country. Nestled among towering conifers and shimmering aspens, this mountain sanctuary offers the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness solitude. The campground's distinctive figure-eight layout creates intimate camping neighborhoods, each site thoughtfully equipped with a sturdy picnic table, fire ring for evening gatherings, and convenient parking spur. Whether you're pitching a tent under the starlit canopy or settling in with your RV, you'll find yourself immersed in a cool mountain paradise that feels worlds away from the desert valleys below.
Saddle Campground offers camping for tents and RVs, with paved parking spurs and a 30-foot RV length limit. It does not provide group camping or cabin lodging.
Historical SignificanceWhile Saddle Campground may not boast ancient ruins or historic landmarks, its very existence tells the story of America's conservation legacy and the enduring appeal of Lincoln National Forest as a treasured public landscape for recreation and renewal.
Weather and SeasonsSpring and summer transform Saddle Campground into a refreshing mountain oasis, with crisp morning air giving way to pleasantly mild afternoons. Crystal-clear skies dominate the season, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities and sun-dappled days perfect for exploration. The high elevation ensures comfortable temperatures even during peak summer, while minimal precipitation means your outdoor adventures are rarely interrupted by weather. Cool evenings invite cozy campfire conversations, making every night a memorable part of your mountain escape.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,000 feet above sea level, Saddle Campground offers a dramatic change in climate and ecosystem from the surrounding lowlands. This lofty elevation delivers naturally air-conditioned camping, where summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool and the thin mountain air carries the crisp scent of pine and fir. Here, you'll sleep soundly in the cool mountain nights and wake to mornings that demand a warm cup of coffee and an extra layer before the sun climbs above the treeline.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where stately conifers mingle with quaking aspens, creating a dynamic forest tapestry that shifts with every breeze. At 9,000 feet, this mountain refuge harbors an ecosystem teeming with life – majestic elk move silently through the morning mist while deer browse in dappled sunlight. The mixed forest canopy provides natural shade and shelter, creating perfect conditions for both wildlife watching and peaceful relaxation. Summer wildflowers dot the forest floor, while the aspens promise to paint the landscape gold come fall, making every visit a unique natural spectacle.
Geological RegionSaddle Campground occupies a special niche in southern New Mexico's diverse landscape, where the cool mixed conifer and aspen forests of Lincoln National Forest rise like an island above the surrounding desert terrain. This remarkable transition zone showcases nature's adaptability, where Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs thrive alongside trembling aspens in a high-altitude haven. The dramatic elevation change from desert floor to mountain peak creates a natural refuge that offers visitors a completely different world just a short drive from the arid lowlands, making it a geological and ecological treasure in the Land of Enchantment.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, and parking aprons are paved, aiding accessibility.
Sites SizeSites are described as generous in size by users.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is reported as poor to fair. Sites are closely spaced, making them suitable for groups or car camping but less ideal for those seeking solitude.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are suitable for small RVs or tents. Bring extra tables or canopies for sun protection.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight that some sites are back-in and others are pull-through, but specific site numbers are not identified as best.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days maximum stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific number provided.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out in a figure-eight configuration. Campsites are spaced close together, offering poor to fair privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal operation: opening May 9 and closing September 7.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as the site is first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-serve, no reservations accepted.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at Saddle Campground include hiking, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs. The campground offers access to the Saddle Nature Trail, a one-mile loop trail with interpretive signs, and is close to other hiking trails.
Hiking
The Saddle Nature Trail, a one-mile loop with crushed gravel and interpretive signs, encircles the campground. However, user reviews mention that many signs do not match nearby plant species or features. Additional trailheads are accessible from the main paved access road.Wildlife viewing
Users report sightings of elk and deer, adding to the appeal of the wooded surroundings.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs are offered each Saturday evening at the amphitheater.Winter Activities
No information is provided regarding winter activities.Water Sports
No information is provided regarding non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings, subject to fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country, and food storage rules should be followed to prevent wildlife encounters.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.4 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
Emergency services are likely available in Cloudcroft, which is 2.5 miles away. Specific details about hospitals or police stations are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9 to September 7.
Trash and recyclingCentral garbage depositories are available for campers, with free trash disposal included in the camping fee. Trash pick-up costs $3 per bag per day for those not camping on-site.
Proximity to water featuresThere are no streams, lakes, or other water bodies in the immediate area.
Common complaintsIssues include close proximity of campsites leading to reduced privacy, enforced quiet hours, and strict rule enforcement by hosts.
HostCamp hosts are present, with reviews indicating mixed experiences. Some praise the hosts for being friendly and helpful, while others find them intrusive.
Campground Map
Driving directionsTravel east on US82 from Cloudcroft, turn left onto NM244. Approximately 4 miles turn right at the Silver-Saddle-Apache Campground Complex sign (Forest Road 24C). Turn left at the Saddle campground sign.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Roads are maintained and suitable for any car. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain are noted.Nearby places
Cloudcroft - 2.5 miles (approximately a 5-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials can be found in Cloudcroft, approximately 2.5 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.3
19 reviews
Saddle Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight Saddle Campground's clean facilities, friendly hosts, and tranquil environment. However, some users noted closely spaced campsites and strict enforcement of rules, including quiet hours from 10 pm to 7 am.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the cleanliness of vault toilets, friendly and helpful hosts, access to hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere with wildlife sightings. The nature trail and interpretive programs...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users raised concerns about the strict enforcement of rules, such as quiet hours and payment requirements. Privacy between campsites was critiqued, and one user mentioned a negative encounter...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing extra tables and canopies for shade, keeping pets leashed (as required in New Mexico pay-to-camp areas), and preparing for closely spaced campsites. Some suggest exploring...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Early and late seasons are noted as quieter, ideal for families, while summer can be crowded and less peaceful. Seasonal wildlife sightings add to the appeal during quieter times.
Based on 19 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bathrooms are vault-style composting toilets and are handicapped accessible. Hand sanitizer and toilet paper were provided and the bathrooms were checked regularly for cleanliness." - Jordan...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are closely spaced with poor privacy, suitable for car camping or small groups. No specific site numbers are highlighted as the best or worst.
Based on 19 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets and paved aprons make sites accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash, which some users found restrictive. No additional pet-friendly features are mentioned.
Based on 19 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025