- Lincoln National Forest
The best camping in Lincoln National Forest, NM
91% (30)
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Juan
2 weeks ago
Tent
This place was sick. Stayed here two nights and saw a bunch of shooting stars. Can't wait to be back!
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Samantha
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to El Campo Glamping LLC
Fabulous. Super cozy, has everything you need. Neighbors totally get the chill vibe — no noise, no drama. Really private, clean, well-equipped, and just 20 minutes out on a smooth road to the nearest town. Views are insane. 10/10 would stay again.
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Fin
2 weeks ago
Tent
Beautiful place, lovely generous host.
Üdø’s flavors pack a punch! He’s also very knowledgeable about the area. Miraculous experience to get a fresh warm cookie delivered to my tent haha. Felt safe as a solo camper. Roads are nice and calm too.
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Andy
2 weeks ago
With pets
Chef Üdø was an incredibly thoughtful and gracious host. He made sure we had everything we needed to be safe and comfortable. He had endless recommendations for the area and plenty of character. And his food was some of the best I’ve ever had
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Bridgid
2 weeks ago
Tent
Close to White Sands, desert vibes. Beautiful place for photos of the sunset and stars. Would hip again
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Sam
November 2025
Tent
Great spot! Secluded but safe and clean. Road a little bumpy getting in but not bad if you go slowly.
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Anna
November 2025
23 ft campervan
With pets
This campsite is very peaceful! Kevin the host is the nicest person we’ve met along our journey. We will be coming back to his site we hope in May!! Go and support his nonprofit Sugar Hills Pathways!! He’s doing amazing work for kids!!! Our Dog Morty had a blast playing with Elsa!!
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Tishal
October 2025
36 ft fifth wheel
With pets
Camp Rio was a cool place. Nice and secluded in the mountains.
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Lisa
October 2025
24 ft Class C
With pets
Awesome people and amazing food! Definitely recommend the smoked pork loin and the cookies!
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Susan
October 2025
31 ft Class C
With pets
Site was clean and level.
Vineyard was nice, wine was excellent. The owners, both old and new, were welcoming and friendly.
Patio was a great place to hang out and meet people.
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Amanda
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Southern Rockies Camp & Retreat
We had a lovely stay on the property! The owners were amazing and waited up for us. We did get lost. GPS took us on a different route so whatever you do… follow the directions the host sends you and type the address directly into the gps. And we are pretty experienced off roaders and adventurers so we thought eeeeeeeh we will be fine after dark. We got there but if you can get there before dark I highly recommend it! We can’t wait to go back and spend more time on the property! Thank you!!!
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Sheila
October 2025
Tent
With pets
This hipcamp was super easy. Lots of space, there weren’t that many people there so it felt really private. The showers/bathrooms were great. We had a lovely night here
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kevin
October 2025
19 ft Class B
Great host! Very accommodating and nice, quiet location
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Karissa
October 2025
16 ft car
Was the first place I’ve ever tried on Hipcamp. Only stayed for one night. Had more than enough room for my truck and rooftop tent. Road to find it was harder than expected but no issue for a smaller vehicle like mine. Land owner does mention free roaming cattle, but I had no issue with them. Overall would recommend as a place to stay.
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KD
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
Great place to camp.. Very clean, quiet, and so cute. The dog run was a great amenity. The bathrooms were clean. So many places to see right on-site. Can’t wait to go back!
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Tyler
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We enjoyed our camping spot very much! Amazing vistas in every direction. We utilized the picnic table, fire pit and portable toilet. A great location to explore southern NM from. Thanks for hosting.
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Ava
October 2025
1 night at White Sands Smokehouse
Chef Üdø’s site was a perfect spot for us as we stopped near White Sands NP during a longer camping roadtrip throughout the Southwest! The bell tent was super clean and fresh on a raised platform to keep away the mud and bugs. We enjoyed beautiful views of the Sandia Mountains / Dog Canyon while we ate a most scrumptious meal and woke up to a vibrant sunrise. I highly recommend Chef Udo’s food!! We had the world famous brined chicken, which came with a sweet potato mash and roasted asparagus - expertly seasoned and truly delicious. Udo was super communicative and helpful, reaching out well in advance to coordinate and he provided really useful tips about the area. Don’t skip the cookies! 🍪😋
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Ashley
October 2025
Tent
With kids
The surrounding land, the hospitality and kindness of Depree, the bugling elk, and the endless views of stars made for such a special and memorable camping adventure for our family. Coyote Bluff is a spacious camping set up with a gorgeous view. We appreciated how helpful Depree was during our stay and the wonderful communication regarding the weather and direction before hand.
We love the space that Depree has been nurturing and would absolutely recommend staying here- I know we will next time we are in the area!
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Lisa
October 2025
Tent
Camp Rio location and staff were peaceful and welcoming. We tent camped and enjoyed the tranquility there.
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Anthony
October 2025
Tent
Really loved it here, beautiful sunset, sunrise, and views all around. Makes you feel like your in the middle of the desert. If your worrying about sun exposure bring a umbrella or some type of shade. Wasn’t an issue at all for me though would camp here again and recommended to all my homies.
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Lincoln National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Lincoln National Forest, NM guide
Overview
About
Lincoln National Forest is a delight for the senses! Gaze upon cacti, smell the spruce at the top of the Sierra Blanca mountains, and feel the cool water on your skin relaxing at Sitting Bull Falls. With a range of elevation comes a range of activities; trails for both beginner and experienced hikers or hop on your horse and explore Dog Canyon Trail that traverses up over 2,000 feet (gnarly!). Camping is cushy and available year round, allowing you to experience the vast array of wildflowers at Bluff Springs in the springtime, or surf the snow in the winter at Ski Apache. With scenic mountain views, ranger programs to brush up on the area, and easy access to the town of Ruidoso, Lincoln is a mountain lovers dream without the crowds!
Nearby attractions
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is a breathtaking destination offering unforgettable camping experiences beneath starlit skies, thrilling hikes through rugged peaks, and a chance to uncover ancient petroglyphs.
91%
30 ratings · 28 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Guadalupe Ranger District Dispersed Camping
Great spots!
Carley G.
10 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Guadalupe Ranger District Dispersed Camping
Peaceful
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Pat M.
7 reviews
Recommends
· August 2021
The Lincoln National Forest has no signage when driving in from the Carlsbad side into the park. That being said we found this area as google maps kind of screwed us and we were the only ones camping that night making it extra special. Great clear skies will enable you to catch the Milky Way at night. That being said it is quite challenging to stake the tent as there is a gravel bed underneath so during rain you may need to find other ways to hold tent down. Toilets are not well maintained during the summer so recommend bringing necessary items to sanitize the space.
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Mavisha R.
4 years on Hipcamp
August 2019
One addition to the description -- TENTS ONLY! Do not try to haul a camper up here, unless you have a 4x4 and offroad camper. You will get stuck. The roads are steep and gravel, with no guard rails. The parking lot is tight with little room to turn around.
Jeff R.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2019
This is a really cool place to camp. Literally and figuratively. There are a handful of camp sites at the peak, and there is a single pit toilet. No water, electric or any amenities. You can relieve yourself in the toilet, and that is ALL you are allowed to leave behind. Everything else must be taken with you..
This site is at the peak, and sits below Sierra Blanca and between Sierra Blanca and Capitan mountains; therefore it is WINDY. During the day, it is a nice breeze that keeps you cool. At night, it gets quite cold. Whatever the weather is in Ruidoso or Alto, plan a good 10 degrees cooler, especially at night.
The trail out here is steep and washboard -- have the right kind of car!
Jeff R.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2019
decent campground. Great trails. A potential base camp for White Sands.
Jeff L.
10 reviews
Recommends
· January 2019
This campground is free and not that far from the ranger station and Cloudcroft. There is 6 camping sites, but sometimes the locals (teenagers) will come during the weekend and make there own site deeper in the woods but close by so they may walk by your campground or accidentally into. There is a restroom that is often cleaned and has toilet paper. The cleaner will even take your trash for you. Easy access to the sites. They have fire rings and benches, but sometimes they will move them around. Best spot would be the site on the left side, on the top, close to the trees. You will have a little more privacy and easy access to firewood. Went there for my birthday with family and friends so plenty of room. One of my favorite spots :)
Colleen M.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2019
The best spot to camp is at the top of the stairs, but only if you are backpacking. There is also another trail to the left before going up the stairs that will take you to great backpacking spots. Or just a good dar picnic. Easy camping with access to your vehicle and a toilet would be below near the stream, but there are no trees for shade. There is also a ATV trail further down the road.
Colleen M.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2018
We got here at 4:30 on a weekday and all the sites were full. They allowed us to sleep in the group site for a day but the campground fills up quick. Lots of beautiful hikes and the Carlsbad Caverns are not too far away.
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Caroline A.
7 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· October 2018
Narrow canyon with a gravel road in the middle of it. No running water. Not a lot of traffic, but vehicles come down it late at night and early in the morning.
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Russ D.
7 years on Hipcamp
May 2018
I’ve seen beautiful pictures of this site, before the 2012 Little Bear Fire. It wasn’t quite the campground we were expecting, so we moved on to find another spot.
It might be better later in the summer. We visited in mid May, in a year that had very little rainfall.
Ethan G.
7 years on Hipcamp
November 2017
Basic site. 4 walk in sites. 3 sites that a small RV/trailer could get in to. All sites have a ring fire pit and picnic tables. Pit toilets are clean. Close to road so perfect for a one night stop over between Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Monument.
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Catherine H.
2 reviews
August 2017
Oak Grove was great! The camp host was personable and welcoming, but not overbearing. There was lots of wildlife that would visit the campground, and the campground is near several trails through the National Forest.
Katelynn W.
8 years on Hipcamp
August 2017
Wonderful Campground and so MANY Memories there............
I Lived in Cloudcroft back in 2008-2010. Camped here a few times with my boys and rode horses with Christi, the Camphost's John's girlfriend. We came through May of 2013 and was sad to see that John, Christi and his grandson was gone....If anyone knows him and where to find him, pass a message along. Last we heard he moved down to Tularosa.
Let him know me and Johnnie Clevenger was there on our honeymoon trip May 2013 and ran out there to visit with him to find he had moved away......:) would like to get back in touch.....
Johnnie Clevenger 417*337*2256
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Brenda C.
8 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
There's a vault toilet, picnic tables and for rings. What more do you need? This no-fee campground is beautiful. There's an old railroad bed that makes a great hike right at the end of the parking area.
Kate G.
8 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
I loved the grassy meadows. 3 vault toilets mean you don't have to walk very far. Several sites require a little walking and lugging gear. If you want extra privacy you should be able to easily find a spot you like. There are wild horses in the area and they like to hang out in the campground.
Kate G.
8 years on Hipcamp
May 2017
I found this campground on-line recommended for winter camping but at 6,394ft, it doesn't seem like it wold be suitable. Opinions? That's what I'm looking for--good winter campsite in southern New Mexico. Suggestions?
Steve B.
8 years on Hipcamp
May 2017
You can't beat $6 a night! The trail starts at the end of the loop where there's parking, a water hydrant and vault toilet. I stayed in site #2 which was big enough to accommodate a larger group. Some sites have tent pads and/or shelters. A few sites require parking at the road and a short hop uphill for a great view. I visited in April 2017 and only saw four other sites in use. There was minimal traffic for the Three Rivers Trail. The trail is a really nice hike but after the first bit is strenuous. It's nice that it's along a creek for soaking the feet!
Kate G.
8 years on Hipcamp
May 2017
This campground is a little slice of heaven. The sites are well spaced and grassy with tent pads. The entire place is spotless! Shade is that perfect not too much, just right touch. The road through the campground are paved and the vault toilets are very clean, no smell when I was there.
Kate G.
8 years on Hipcamp
May 2017
This campground is free! There are only 6 tables and vault toilets but the scenery is wonderful and you can't beat the location. It's very close to Cloudcroft so you can stock up on supplies or hit a restaurant if you don't want to cook. It's basically a big meadow with sites at the perimeter. There's an unsigned trail leading up into the trees that looks like it used to be a railroad bed.
Kate G.
8 years on Hipcamp
April 2017
This place was beautiful! Even though we were right off the road, we loved it! Next time we'll take advice and carry our gear up over the waterfall for a spot with a few more trees. Nobody else camped here the night we were here, so it was extremely peaceful. The next day we drove further up the road and really loved those dispersed camping sites as well. Well worth seeking out if you desire something a bit more remote!
Amber H.
8 years on Hipcamp
March 2017
We spent two nights there in early March, it was perfect weather, night's in the 60's and days in the high 80's. It's a huge open space so it's great for camping groups. There are no hook-ups and no dump station nearby, and when we went the spring was dry so bring plenty of water. There's some good hiking nearby and a firewood cutting area just down the road.
Shannon C.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2017
Beautiful site, a nice hiking trail just a few minutes walk from the campsite. With only about 13 sites it's blissfully uncrowded.
Shannon C.
8 years on Hipcamp
September 2016
Visited, didn't camp at Bluff Springs
In fact, we heard about it through a nice couple at Academy and decided to go while we were prepping gear in El Paso. To say the least, we thoroughly enjoyed it. The waterfall is bit smaller than anticipated, but the surrounding area is amazing and worth the drive.
Here's a quick Aerial/Drone footage of the area:
https://youtu.be/RCSuJgJjDCU?t=44s.
Johnross R.
9 years on Hipcamp
September 2016
Stayed specifically on Saddle Campground -- Lot 12.
Website of the campground were tricky, but getting there wasn't too bad.
From beginning to end the experience was terrific. Signs leading up to our campground from Cloudcroft was clear and easy to see.
We came from El Paso, TX and as beginning/intermediate campers we really enjoyed our experience and will be going again.
Observation: Lots of RVs not too many Car Campers (minus us) and there was very easy access to walking trails, restrooms (moderately clean) and the camp host was extremely nice, helpful and full of local guidance.
For a quick video of our trip from El Paso to Cloudcroft in 3 minutes:
https://youtu.be/RCSuJgJjDCU
Johnross R.
9 years on Hipcamp
September 2016
From beginning to end the experience was terrific. Signs leading up to our campground from Cloudcroft was clear and easy to see. We came from El Paso, TX and as beginning/intermediate campers we really enjoyed our experience and will be going again.
Observation: Lots of RVs not too many Car Campers (minus us) and there was very easy access to walking trails, restrooms (moderately clean) and the camp host was extremely nice, helpful and full of local guidance.
For a quick video of our trip from El Paso to Cloudcroft in 3 minutes:
https://youtu.be/RCSuJgJjDCU
Johnross R.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2016
Beautiful spot, beautiful forest! We were blown away, you would never guess this is all in the US, much less New Mexico. Lush forest and so many canyons and hiking trails. This spot is beat enjoyed by hiking up the stairs by the waterfall and picking an area to set up camp, it is easy to spot a few places tucked around where others have stayed before. It is well worth it to carry your gear, in the first spot we chose at the bottom our neighbors, though friendly, had a generator running all night, not cool! We couldn't hear it above. The area has access to trails as well, we saw many elk on our morning hike. There are bears too, we didn't see any but you will want to raise your food or keep it in the car. Gross bathroom is the only downfall
Jenny B.
9 years on Hipcamp
June 2016
Had a great time here during the month of october! there are numerous hikes close to the campgrounds ranging from all expertise-levels. Definitely reccomend it if you want a quick escape from routine and civilization. Before entering the dirt trail into the camground there is a little store with souvenirs but most importantly wood.
Natalia S.
9 years on Hipcamp