The Lincoln National Forest is located in the southernmost part of New Mexico and offers an array of outdoor activities for visitors, including camping, hiking, fishing, and more. We’ve compiled a list of 7 different campgrounds we’ve stayed at in the Lincoln National Forest, complete with photos and descriptions, to help you plan your next trip!
Apache Campground
The first campground we stayed at during our trip to the Lincoln National Forest was Apache Campground. This campground is located just off of Highway 380, making it easy to access. The campsites are spacious and well-equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, and grills.
There is also a playground and a small amphitheatre for events. The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained. The staff at Apache Campground were friendly and helpful, providing us with information about the area and local attractions.
Overall, we had a great experience at Apache Campground and would recommend it to anyone seeking a convenient and enjoyable camping experience in the Lincoln National Forest.
James Canyon Campground
James Canyon Campground is one of the best campgrounds in the Lincoln National Forest! The campsites are spread out and have great views. We stayed in site #29 which had a beautiful view of the canyon. The campsites are all well-maintained and have fire pits and picnic tables.
The bathrooms are clean and there is a dump station on-site. The campground is located close to hiking trails and fishing spots. We had a great time at James Canyon Campground and would definitely stay here again!
Three Rivers Campground
Three Rivers Campground is located in the Lincoln National Forest, about 30 miles south of Alamogordo. The campground is on the west side of the Rio Hondo, near its confluence with the Rio Grande.
There are 30 sites for tents or RVs (no hookups), and a group site that can accommodate up to 75 people. The Three Rivers area was once home to the Mescalero Apache tribe, and there are a number of ruins and petroglyphs in the area that are worth exploring.
Saddle Campground
Saddle Campground is located in the Lincoln National Forest, 22 miles north of Ruidoso. This is a primitive campground with no water or hookups, but it does have vault toilets. The campground has 12 sites and is first-come, first-served. We stayed here for one night in early June and had no problem finding a site.
The campsites are spread out and most are fairly private. There are a few sites right on the edge of the forest road, but these would probably be the first to fill up. All of the sites have picnic tables and fire rings. There is also a large day-use area with picnic tables near the entrance to the campground.
The forest road leading to Saddle Campground is gravel and can be rough in spots, but it is passable by any vehicle. The campground itself is fairly level and easily accessible for RVs or trailers.
Monjeau Campground
The Monjeau Campground is located in the Lincoln National Forest and is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a quiet, secluded spot. This campground has 22 sites, all of which are first-come, first-served.
There are no hookups available, but there is a dump station. The campsites are spacious and well-shaded, and each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.
South Fork Campground
The South Fork Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in The Lincoln National Forest. It is located on the south side of the forest and offers beautiful views of the mountains. The campground has a total of 30 sites, all of which are first-come, first-served. There are no hookups available at this campground. However, there is a dump station nearby.
The South Fork Campground is open year-round and is a great place to enjoy all that The Lincoln National Forest has to offer. In the summer, hikers and mountain bikers will love exploring the many trails in the area. In the winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoers will enjoy the scenic beauty of this campground.
Skyline Campground
The Lincoln National Forest is located in the southern part of New Mexico and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. The forest is home to many different types of animals, plants, and trees. There are also several campgrounds located within the forest that offer RVers a place to stay while they enjoy the great outdoors.
One of the campgrounds that we stayed at during our time in the Lincoln National Forest was Skyline Campground. Skyline Campground is located near the town of Ruidoso and offers stunning views of Sierra Blanca Peak. The campground is situated on a hillside and offers plenty of space for RVs or tents. There are also several hiking trails nearby that offer even more spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Sleepy Grass Campground
Sleepy Grass Campground is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the Lincoln National Forest. The campground is located just off of I-10 and is only a short drive from the nearest town. There are plenty of things to do in the area, including hiking, biking, and fishing. The campsites are well-maintained and offer great views of the surrounding area.
Conclusion
We had an incredible time exploring the Lincoln National Forest and staying at each of these seven campgrounds. We loved how each one was unique and offered its own breathtaking views. If you’re planning a trip to the area, we highly recommend checking out all of these campgrounds — you won’t be disappointed!
