Iron Gate Campground
4.5010 reviewsIron Gate Campground
$4.00 - $4.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$4.00
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
$4.00 per night per vehicle.
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About this campground
Perched high in the mountains above 9,000 feet, Iron Gate Campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Pecos Wilderness. This intimate mountain retreat offers 14 well-appointed campsites, each equipped with sturdy tables and fire pit grills where evening stories and s'mores come to life. Modern vaulted toilets and convenient trash facilities ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. For equestrian adventurers, four dedicated horse corrals make this an ideal basecamp for exploring the surrounding trails on horseback or foot, where alpine meadows and pristine forests await discovery.
Iron Gate Campground is a primitive, rustic site that caters to tent campers, horseback riders, and backpackers. It is not suitable for large RVs or glamping.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through November, Iron Gate welcomes visitors to experience the dramatic beauty of high-altitude camping. Spring arrives late at this elevation, often bringing lingering snow patches and crisp mornings that give way to warm afternoons. Summer offers perfect hiking weather with cool nights that demand a warm sleeping bag. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the landscape while early snow may dust the peaks. The dry mountain air and afternoon thunderstorms create ever-changing skies, while occasional rain transforms dirt roads into temporary mud tracks—a small price for accessing this mountain paradise.
ElevationAt its lofty perch above 9,000 feet, Iron Gate Campground offers a true high-country experience where the air is crisp and pine-scented. This significant elevation brings cooler temperatures year-round, with summer highs rarely exceeding the mid-70s and nights that can dip near freezing even in July. Early season visitors may encounter snow patches well into June, while September can bring the first dustings of winter. The thin mountain air reminds you that you're camping nearly two miles above sea level, where stars shine brighter and mornings arrive with a refreshing chill.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by the untamed beauty of the Pecos Wilderness, Iron Gate Campground offers breathtaking vistas that stretch across mountain peaks and verdant valleys. Towering ponderosa pines and graceful aspens create a natural cathedral, their branches framing spectacular views that have earned consistent praise from visitors. Morning light filters through the forest canopy while evening alpenglow paints the surrounding peaks in shades of rose and gold. This pristine landscape serves as home to elk, deer, and countless bird species, creating an ever-changing tapestry of wilderness life just beyond your tent flap.
Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Santa Fe National Forest, Iron Gate Campground sits at the doorstep of the legendary Pecos Wilderness. This rugged mountain terrain showcases the dramatic geology of northern New Mexico, where ancient volcanic activity and millennia of erosion have carved deep canyons and sculpted soaring peaks. The surrounding wilderness encompasses over 200,000 acres of pristine backcountry, featuring alpine lakes, cascading streams, and diverse ecosystems that transition from montane forests to alpine tundra. This protected landscape represents one of New Mexico's most treasured wild places, offering endless opportunities for exploration and solitude.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically detailed, but the rough access road may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues or for low-clearance vehicles.
Sites SizeThe campground has 14 individual units, and vehicles longer than 30 feet are not recommended.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest that the sites do not provide much privacy. One review mentions that sites are close to the parking lot and are not private.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome reviews recommend bringing high-clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive due to road conditions.
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
3vehicles per site
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonMay to November, weather permitting.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Iron Gate Campground offers outdoor activities primarily catering to hikers, horseback riders, and picnickers. It serves as a gateway to the Pecos Wilderness and provides access to various day hikes and horse trails.
Hiking
The campground provides access to trails within the Pecos Wilderness, with Hamilton Mesa being specifically mentioned as spectacular by a reviewer. Hiking options include opportunities for both day hikes and backpacking.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but snow is common in colder months as per the weather data.Water Sports
The campground does not support water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Quiet hours enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad hazards are frequently mentioned. "Do not attempt with a regular car." Risks include "getting stuck" or "bottoming out your vehicle."
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Moderate drizzle
Precipitation: 0.8%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (0.80% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate drizzle
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
Trash and recyclingThe site features trash bins, but user reviews report issues with trash overflow, suggesting inconsistent maintenance.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include "trash overflowing," "small and run-down campsite," and "flies infested campsite."
Campground Map
Driving directions23 miles north of Pecos on NM 63 and FR 223. Forest Road 223 is very rough and not recommended for low clearance vehicles or RVs.
Forest Road 223 is described as "rough and not recommended for low clearance vehicles." It may become muddy after rains, as noted in user reviews. The approach road is challenging, as RVs cannot make it up the road.Camper Reviews
4.5
10 reviews
Iron Gate Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Iron Gate Campground vary significantly. While some campers praise the tranquility, stunning views, and suitability for hiking and horseback riding, others criticize the rough access road, lack of privacy, and poor maintenance, especially regarding trash bins.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback emphasizes the campground's beautiful views, peaceful setting, and excellent access to hiking trails like Hamilton Mesa. One reviewer described it as their 'all-time favorite...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the rough and muddy access roads, lack of privacy at campsites, trash bin overflow, and pest issues such as flies. One reviewer noted, 'Road is almost impassable. Risk...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend using high-clearance or 4-wheel-drive vehicles to navigate the rough access road. Additionally, bringing potable water is essential as none is available at the site.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During rainy seasons, the road conditions deteriorate significantly, making it challenging for low-clearance vehicles. In warmer weather, flies have been reported as a nuisance.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'My all-time favorite campground in NM. Gorgeous views and peaceful because RVs can’t make it up the crazy approach road.' - Mala Htun
2. 'Beautiful camping spot. We arrived at night and were...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground's sites are described as small and not private, with proximity to a parking lot being a downside according to some reviewers.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025