East Bluff #1 Campground - Lake Mcclellan
03 reviewsEast Bluff #1 Campground - Lake Mcclellan
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges. First come, first served, and non-refundable reservation fee applies.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of nature's playground, East Bluff #1 Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. This first-come, first-served haven invites you to cast a line into the tranquil waters of Lake McClellan, spread out a picnic beneath towering pines, or settle in for a night under the stars. Without the constraints of reservations, spontaneous explorers can discover this hidden gem whenever wanderlust strikes.
East Bluff #1 Campground features tent and RV camping options, accommodating both recreational vehicles and traditional camping setups.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure unfolds in a landscape steeped in the rich tapestry of New Mexico's heritage. Just a stone's throw away, the ancient volcanic flows of El Malpais National Monument tell stories written in stone – tales of indigenous peoples who first called this land home and the Spanish explorers who later traversed these rugged terrains. Every sunset here connects you to centuries of human history against nature's timeless backdrop.
Weather and SeasonsEast Bluff #1 enjoys a climate that outdoor enthusiasts dream about – sun-drenched days under crystalline blue skies are the norm here, with nature providing just enough moisture to keep the landscape vibrant. Summer brings pleasantly warm days perfect for lake activities, while winter graces the area with a delicate dusting of snow that transforms the campground into a serene wonderland without the harsh conditions found at other high-elevation destinations.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,400 feet above sea level, East Bluff #1 offers a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations. Here, mountain breezes whisper through the trees, carrying the crisp, clean air that only high-altitude camping can provide. The elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, ensuring comfortable days and cool, sleep-inducing nights that will have you waking refreshed and ready for adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering ponderosa pines mingle with sturdy junipers and stately oaks, creating a diverse canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. This rustic sanctuary showcases nature's artistry at every turn – from the textured bark of ancient trees to the carpet of pine needles that cushions your footsteps. The interplay of evergreens and deciduous trees ensures an ever-changing palette of colors throughout the seasons.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site includes accessible vault toilets and picnic areas, ensuring some level of accessibility for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground offers more than a dozen sites that can accommodate up to 10 people each. Parking spurs are paved.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are situated on gently sloping ground surrounded by a forest of mature pine, juniper, and oak trees, which may offer some natural privacy.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with shade provided by mature trees for better comfort.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site can accommodate up to 10 people.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in loops with accessible vault toilets and bear-proof trash containers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpens May 15, 2025, and closes October 14, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made physically at the facility as no online or phone reservation system is available.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the open season.
Cancellation PolicyYou can cancel reservations any time before scheduled arrival. $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations may include additional penalties.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
East Bluff #1 Campground offers a range of recreational activities including hiking and picnicking, with direct access to the Lobo Canyon Trail.
Hiking
The Lobo Canyon Trail begins at the campground, connecting to a network of trails in the area. Some trails are still under construction.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at Lake McClellan; specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.Winter Activities
No winter recreation options have been indicated.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated rings; bring local firewood to prevent pest spread.
- Quiet hours start at sundown and end at sunrise.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water available at the campground. Bears frequent the area; appropriate food storage is necessary.
Active alertsBring your own water. No electricity or utility hookups.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 97%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Foggy
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
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15, 2025 to October 14, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities have not been explicitly mentioned; visitors are advised to pack out their waste.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Lake McClellan, allowing for fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsATVs reportedly disrupt the peaceful environment despite posted restrictions.
HostVolunteer host on-site during open season.
Campground Map
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
East Bluff #1 Campground - Lake Mcclellan has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic and peaceful environment of the campground, but there are occasional concerns about disturbances, such as ATVs violating designated use areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the beautiful natural setting, availability of basic facilities like vault toilets, and recreational opportunities such as fishing and hiking.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include disturbances from ATVs despite regulations and the absence of potable water on-site.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own drinking water and adhere to Leave No Trace principles to maintain the area's natural beauty.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide a seasonal analysis; the campground's experience may vary with weather and visitor volume.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This is a beautiful place to camp. It has hookups, showers, lots of trails, and wildlife." – Lillian Whitson (Note: Showers and hookups mentioned in this review conflict with authoritative data)....
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are provided for this campground.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets are noted, but no user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically discuss pets or pet-related policies.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025