Upper Fir Group Area

Star4.86
11 reviews
PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM 88317, USA
Upper Fir Group Area
$123.00 - $283.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Standard Non-Electric fees range from $123/night for 1-50 people and $283/night for 51-120 people.
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$283.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$283.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
575-682-7570

About this campground

Nestled deep in the Sacramento Mountains, Upper Fir Group Area welcomes large gatherings with open arms and mountain hospitality. This secluded group campsite combines the privacy your party craves with the rugged beauty of New Mexico's high country. Picture your group of up to 120 people gathering under the stars, sharing stories beneath the spacious pavilion while the scent of pine fills the air. With dedicated picnic tables, grills for outdoor feasts, and fresh running water, this mountain retreat offers all the essentials for creating lasting memories in nature's embrace.
The Upper Fir Group Area is designed primarily for group camping, accommodating up to 120 people. It’s suitable for tent camping, with some RV sites available, though they may be tight for larger RVs.
Historical SignificanceJust a short drive from the charming mountain village of Cloudcroft, you're camping in the shadows of history. This area proudly hosts New Mexico's only surviving railroad trestle, a testament to the engineering marvels that once carried timber and passengers through these rugged peaks. The surrounding landscape whispers stories of loggers, railroad workers, and early settlers who carved out lives in these mountains.
Weather and SeasonsThe high mountain climate here delivers a refreshing escape from desert heat, with summer days offering perfect t-shirt weather and crisp nights that call for campfire gatherings. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, where cold temperatures create a pristine alpine atmosphere. Throughout the year, you'll wake to brilliant blue skies more often than not, as this region enjoys remarkably clear weather with minimal rainfall - perfect conditions for stargazing and outdoor adventures.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,000 feet above sea level, Upper Fir offers a true high-altitude experience where the air is crisp and thin, and the views stretch endlessly across mountain ridges. This lofty elevation means temperatures stay refreshingly cool even during summer's peak, while the expansive vistas remind you just how far you've climbed above the desert floor below.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where towering pines and firs create a natural cathedral, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Groves of quaking aspen shimmer golden in autumn, while sturdy oaks add their own character to this diverse woodland tapestry. In summer, hidden meadows burst with wildflower color - Indian paintbrush, lupines, and mountain daisies creating nature's own impressionist painting across the landscape.
Geological RegionYour mountain escape sits within the vast Lincoln National Forest, a 1.1-million-acre wilderness sanctuary in the heart of the Sacramento Mountains. This protected landscape showcases nature's artistry through dramatic elevation changes, where dense pine and aspen forests give way to sun-drenched meadows and rocky outcrops. The terrain tells an ancient geological story, with layers of limestone and volcanic rock creating the dramatic peaks and valleys that define this spectacular high-country refuge.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo information is provided regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground comfortably accommodates groups of up to 120 people, with ample space for dozens of tents.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is noted for its privacy, being set back from public roads. Reviewers mentioned a quiet and private experience, ideal for group camping.
Total Campsites120 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBest suited for groups as large as 120. RV accommodations may require careful maneuvering due to tree density.
Best CampsitesThe large pavilion area with picnic tables and grills is highly praised for group gatherings.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check in after 2 PM.
Check-out
Check out by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 120 guests permitted at the group site.
Groups
The group site can accommodate up to 120 people, and it is connected to Lower Fir Group if additional space is needed for up to 70 more campers.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes a large pavilion area, connected open meadow, and space for tents and RVs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16 – Sept 26, closed Sept 27 – May 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or its mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit mention of walk-up availability. Reservations through Recreation.gov are required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee if canceled less than 14 days before arrival. Late cancellations may forfeit additional amounts.

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
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Upper Fir Group Area offers various recreational opportunities, including hiking, sports, and wildlife viewing. A large meadow connected to the campground is described as ideal for sports such as ultimate Frisbee and horseshoes. The nearby Rim Trail provides hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding options, with sections open to motorcyclists further down.
Hiking
The Rim Trail is accessible from the campground and is suitable for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. It features rocky inclines, switchbacks, and scenic viewpoints, with some sections open to motorcyclists.
Biking
The Rim Trail is favorable for mountain biking and offers a mix of terrain, including rocky inclines and switchbacks.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as wild horses, elk, and deer has been spotted at the campground, as noted in a user review: "Saw wild horses, elk, & deer from our campsite, no raccoons."
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Fire restrictions may apply during hot, dry weather. Campfires and charcoal fires could be prohibited.

Hazards

General hazardsWildlife sightings include elk, deer, and wild horses, but no raccoons reported. Exercise caution due to high elevation and potential fire restrictions.
Active alertsNo current alerts, but fire restrictions may be implemented during dry conditions.

Weather forecast

45
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 40%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 6.8 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Cloudcroft, NM offers emergency services including police and medical facilities, located approximately 1 mile from the campground.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 16 – Sept 27.
Trash and recyclingThe campground provides trash receptacles near the pavilion. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo direct water bodies nearby, but running water is available at the pavilion.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention rocky ground for tent camping and tight RV access due to trees.
HostCamp host is noted as pleasant, helpful, and available if needed.

Campground Map

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM 88317, USA
Driving directionsFrom Alamogordo, take US 82 east 17 miles through Cloudcroft. Turn left onto NM 244 towards Ruidoso and go 1/2 mile. Upper Fir Group Area is on Forest Road 422 at the end of the road.
The campground is set far back from public roads, ensuring quiet and privacy. Access via NM 244 and Forest Road 422 is relatively straightforward.
Nearby places
Cloudcroft (1 mile), Alamogordo (17 miles)
Nearby supplies
Cloudcroft, NM has locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel approximately 1 mile from the campground.

Camper Reviews

4.9
11 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Upper Fir Group Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Upper Fir Group Area emphasize its suitability for large groups, privacy, and spacious facilities. Many highlight the pavilion as a standout feature and praise the quiet and scenic environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the spacious pavilion, ideal for group activities, the quiet and private location, and the availability of water at the site. Wildlife viewing opportunities and proximity to...
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Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users pointed out the rocky ground, which might make tent setup challenging. Accessibility for larger RVs (33-35 feet) was noted as tight due to trees, though manageable.
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend calling ahead for the lock combination. They appreciate the camp host's helpfulness and note the importance of checking fire restrictions due to the high elevation and potential dry...
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Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are generally positive across seasons, with summer being particularly praised for group activities and outdoor recreation. No specific complaints about seasonal weather trends were noted.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground was quiet and isolated, perfect for our group," stated one reviewer. Another highlighted, "The 36’ x 65’ pavilion was spacious enough for cooking, eating, and games." "We saw wild...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 in Loop GPUP received high praise for its spacious and clean facilities. No negative site-specific reviews were noted.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features, so it is unclear how accessible the site is for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews addressing experiences or policies related to pets at this campground.
Based on 11 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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