1 / 10

Upper Karr Recreation Area

In

Lincoln National Forest

·

100%

·

6 sites · RV, Tent

Located off the Sunspot Scenic By-Way, Upper Karr Campground is located just east of White Sands National Monument, which you should not skip over if you haven’t been. From there you may want to check out San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, a gem of wilderness where only the most badass animals that have mastered the scorching summers and freezing winters of desert living thrive.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

No potable water

Picnic tables

No sewage hookups

No electric hookups

First come, first served

RV, Tent

Explore 188 campgrounds near Lincoln National Forest

Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Lincoln National Forest

Mars Research Base (MRB)

17mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Boles Acres, NM

Nestled amid the breathtaking mountains near Alamogordo, New Mexico, our off-grid camping haven is a gateway to the untamed beauty of the desert. Campers can enjoy the serenity of nature while being just a stone's throw away from the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, offering fantastic hiking opportunities. Whether you choose to pitch a tent or park your RV, our property is the perfect base for outdoor adventures, complemented by wildlife, mesmerizing sunsets, and the warmth of a campfire shared with friends.

Camp Rio

17mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 57 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mayhill, NM

Camp Rio, formerly named Camp @ Cloudcroft is located in beautiful SE New Mexico! This clean family park is surrounded by thousands of acres of the Lincoln National Forest. The forest is laced with small villages, picturesque roads, riding, hiking, golf, and walking trails. Small valleys, surrounding mountains, racing streams, wildlife, birds, mountain glens and outdoor activities are available to Camp Rio guests. The small towns around us are Mayhill, Cloudcroft, Weed, and Pinion. These towns have scheduled activities such as arts and craft fairs, car shows, bluegrass festivals, dog shows, and Lumberjack days. Additional day trips to Alamogordo, Capitan (Smokey the Bear), Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Lincoln (Billy the Kid), Ruidoso (skiing), Sunspot (National Solar Observatory, Truth or Consequences (Hot Springs) and White Sands National Monument! Guests enjoy our upgraded free wifi to have the best of both worlds, surrounded by beautiful nature, while still being able to connect with family/friends/work. Our location is superb to use as a base camp for numerous attractions as a centralized location to have many adventures.

El Mistico

45mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 7 sites · Lodging · Nogal, NM

Unplug from the city to soak up in nature and experience El Mistico Ranch. El Mistico Ranch consist of 30 acres of natural high desert land with natural spring waters, nearby Lincoln National Forest as our next door neighbor, you are actually just a short drive to Capitan for basic services and shopping; Ruidoso for arts, golf, dining, skiing, and more. The climate is mild here and the property is vegetated with pinon pine, juniper, and a variety of cacti. We're delighted to introduce you to Chester, our friendly Saint Bernard. At just a year old, Chester is a gentle giant with a heart of gold, spreading joy to all who visit. Chester not only brings warmth and joy to our guests but also plays an important role in taking care of the property. He roams around the ranch, ensuring that everything is in order and providing a sense of security to our guests. Sometimes, he even accompanies guests to their units to ensure they arrive safely.

Timberwood Glamp N Camp

20mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Timberon, NM

TimberWood Glamp n Camp — Timberon, New Mexico A Quiet Mountain Retreat for RV Dry Camping Welcome to TimberWood Glamp n Camp, a peaceful 2-acre slice of raw, natural mountain land tucked away in beautiful Timberon, NM. If you’re looking for quiet, fresh air, and room to breathe, this is the perfect place to unplug and escape. We currently offer dry camping only — ideal for vans, overlanders, and self-contained RVs who love wide-open forest views and the sound of the wind through the pines. Bring your campers, coffee, and pets, and settle into a relaxing mountain stay. The property is spacious, very quiet, and surrounded by nature. Enjoy stargazing at night, crisp morning sunrises, and the peaceful simplicity that Timberon is known for. 🌲 Coming Soon: Our future development includes charming glamping cabins, RV pads, and upgraded amenities — but for now, you get the beauty of untouched land and true off-grid serenity. Come enjoy the stillness, the mountain breeze, and a cozy campfire under the stars at TimberWood Glamp n Camp.

White Sands Smokehouse

14mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Alamogordo, NM

Welcome to White Sands Smokehouse! The summer of ‘25 has seen big changes to our little primitive campsite! We are proud to offer accommodations in our Air Conditioned 16’ diameter bell tent! You’re up off the ground on a sealed deck. The tent is waterproof and highly resilient in winds up to 50mph. **We do not have bedding available in the bell tent yet, so bring your own sleeping bag, cot, etc.** Your Camp Host, Chef Üdø, is onsite most days and evenings, and has 30 years' experience in the catering and private chef biz, and as a camp host. He's happy to coordinate hot meals for you and your companions! No more need to go into town to get a pizza or some icky fast food! We will make you a homemade pizza, dry-aged steak, brined chicken, smoked Wagyu burger, or lasagna...all in-house. Vegan, vegetarian, kosher, low-sodium, and most other dietary restrictions are no problem! We'll bake you a birthday cake, brownies, pie, or even Crème brûlée! Contact Chef Üdø for more details and please check out our menu in the “Extras” section of our campsite listing. We can make just about anything in our sanitary kitchen facilities. We cook with a spirit of Love and inclusion in our kitchen, and it shows! ❤️ Check our reviews! People love my food because I ❤️ to make it! Chef Üdø maintains current local food handler's certification, as well as HAACP federal certification. Prices are friendly and competitive with local restaurants. Vacuum-sealed frozen meals, aka “sous vide” available for most recipes. (Please check “extras” section for more detail) We offer a 15amp electrical connection, access to clean running water, and access to our 4 acre back pasture. We feature unparalleled views of the sunrise over the mountains, as well as convenient access to Lincoln National Forest, White Sands National Monument, BLM off-road parklands, and nearby Alamogordo. Firewood available onsite for friendly prices (provided there isn't a current burn ban). Additional onsite and backcountry packages are available, including fully-catered backcountry excursions in the Lincoln National Forest, wildlife spotting tours, photo tours, and even backcountry drive-in movies are available! Campfire setup, breakfast and omelette bar also available for large groups.

Tularosa Vineyards & Winery

21mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 4 sites · RVs · Tularosa, NM

We are a winery and vineyard that offers RV parking, with 20/30/50 electrical hook ups. We have a tasting room and retail shop, our hours currently are 12-5 daily CLOSED on TUESDAY. (you can still stay onsite Tuesday, we just wont offer tastings). Our Estate grown wines are produced and bottled on our site. We have pistachio trees and pecan trees, tranquil property that offers a beautiful redwood deck enclosed with Ivy outdoor patio with tables and chairs. Attractions located nearby include White Sands 30 miles away and Ruidoso. RV Parking Pad with 20/30/50 Electricity is $45 / night. Check in noon, check out 11 am No water hook - ups Bring your picnic, we do not have food.

Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

18mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Timberon, NM

Timberon, New Mexico, is a charming and peaceful retirement community nestled in the scenic Sacramento Mountains on the southern edge of the Lincoln National Forest. Timberon offers a tranquil escape surrounded by natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities. The town features a 9-hole golf course, two fishing ponds, a lodge, a swimming pool, a church, an airstrip, and a volunteer fire department. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, swimming, golfing, hiking, biking, and ATV/UTV riding areas. During the winter months, the area also offers seasonal activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Cell reception is limited in the town of Timberon but all the local businesses will share their Wi-Fi password. Timberon has a local restaurant Connie's Deli and the High Country Lounge and Grill (Saturday karaoke night 8pm). Two well-equipped stores stocked with groceries, camping supplies, ice, and RV accessories. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Timberon provides the perfect retreat. . For more details, visit Timberon.org.

Sugarhill Campgrounds🐞🙏

19mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mescalero, NM

Sugarhill Campground is beautifully located on the Homelands of the Mescalero Apache. You will experience fresh mountain air in the cool pines, Native American Cuisine offerings and campfire storytelling. Enjoy nearby tourist attractions - St Joseph's Catholic Church, Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, White Sands National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns, Space Hall of Fame, Historic Lincoln NM, Summer Horse RacingFitness Enthusiasts can enjoy mountain trail hiking, biking, golfing, disc golf, skiingLearn more about this land:Sugar Hill woodworks is nestled in the cool pines in the Mescalero Apache Indian reservation. Always nice meeting new friends and hearing their stories 😊..

Midtown Mountain Campground and RV

32mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 32 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ruidoso, NM

Midtown Mountain Campground and RV is one of the top 5 RV Parks and Campgrounds in New Mexico, as rated by RV Life Magazine. We have the fastest WiFi in any RV Park in New Mexico. And we are one of the top destination locations in the Nation! Ruidoso New Mexico has it all from horse racing, casinos, hiking, fishing, shopping and much more!!! Midtown Mountain Campground and RV Park is at it's center. Come stay here and get out there!!!

Edge of the Rez

12mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Mescalero, NM

Learn more about this land:Its dark, try to setup your camp before the sunsets. No light pollution unless there is a full moon. We are a primitive site with safe well water drawn from a sandstone bed. Walking distance to National Forest and 8 miles from Cloudcroft. Free-roaming horses, elk, mule deer, whitetail, turkey, and all critters in between. Awesome sunsets and perfect for stargazing.

Bonito Hollow RV Park and Campground

40mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 45 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Alto, NM

Discover the unique charm of Bonito Hollow RV Park and Campground, your ultimate vacation destination nestled in the heart of Lincoln National Forest, surrounded by the legendary tales of Smokey Bear and Billy the Kid. This privately owned campground spans 12 scenic acres along the tranquil Rio Bonito, offering a peaceful retreat just minutes from the vibrant attractions of Ruidoso, including delightful restaurants, shopping, nightlife, skiing, and horse racing. Additionally, the stunning Bonito Lake is only 3 miles away, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. At Bonito Hollow, you can unwind and create lasting memories with family and friends or enjoy a serene solo getaway. Engage in a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking along nature trails, and observing the diverse wildlife and bird species that call this area home. Let the soothing sounds of the Rio Bonito lull you to sleep each night, enhancing your camping experience. Marshall and Christina Thompson, along with our friendly camp hosts, are eager to welcome you and ensure your stay is filled with positive memories that will last for many seasons. Happy Camping and Safe Travels!

Cienega Arroyo Ranch

44mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Ruidoso Downs, NM

On a working ranch, this campsite is located up a secluded arroyo off of the Hondo Valley and Rio Ruidoso in San Patricio, NM. This ranch is nearly 1400 acres total that is available for exploring and wildlife watching. During wildlife watching, it is possible that you could see roadrunners, squirrels, coyotes, rabbits, hawks, deer, elk, lizards, foxes, and many different types of song birds. A road south of the campsite is available for hiking down.Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs are just over a 20 minute drive from this campsite. Historic Lincoln and Fort Stanton are a quick drive from this area as well. The Hurd Gallery can be visited by driving down the highway a couple miles. A fishing spot open to the public on the Rio Ruidoso is available for fishing just a few miles down the highway as well. It has been reported that this arroyo contained a cienega many years ago which was a marshy area fed by a spring, before groundwater wells ran it dry. Most cienegas are now extinct in the southwest. Sheep and Firewood were the main commodities produced off of this ranch before cattle became dominant. NM State Land is 640 of these acres which requires an annual permit for recreational use.

More to explore nearby

100%

2 ratings · 3 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

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

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

LocationUpper Karr Recreation Area, Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, United States

Is anything missing?Suggest edits to improve this listing for fellow campers.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

No potable water

Picnic tables

No sewage hookups

No electric hookups

Other campgrounds in Lincoln National Forest

Hike the old railroad bed.

Upper Karr Recreation Area

6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

Lower Karr Canyon Campground

Lower Karr Canyon Campground

2.3mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Lincoln National Forest

This is our setup, we camped along the creek.

Bluff Springs Dispersed Campsites

4.2mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Lincoln National Forest

Slide Group Campground

Slide Group Campground

4.2mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Lincoln National Forest

Aspen Group Campground

Aspen Group Campground

4.8mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Lincoln National Forest

Black Bear Group Campground

Black Bear Group Campground

4.8mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Lincoln National Forest

Deerhead Campground

Deerhead Campground

4.9mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

Sleepy Grass Campground

Sleepy Grass Campground

5.4mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 45 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

Pines Campground

Pines Campground

6.5mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

Apache Campground

Apache Campground

6.6mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln National Forest

Lower Fir Group Campground

Lower Fir Group Campground

6.7mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Lincoln National Forest

Upper Fir Group Campground

Upper Fir Group Campground

6.8mi from Upper Karr Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Lincoln National Forest

Top parks near Upper Karr Recreation Area

Rockhound State Park

Lincoln National Forest

White Sands National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Heron Lake State Park

Santa Rosa State Park

Sugarite Canyon State Park

Navajo Lake State Park

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me

Best RV camping near me

Best glamping near me

Explore
/
United States
/
New Mexico
/
Lincoln National Forest
/
Upper Karr Recreation Area

First come, first servedRV, Tent