Piñon Campground

Welcome, fellow New Mexicans, to a truly enchanting corner of our state! If you’re searching for a peaceful and scenic outdoor escape that feels both secluded and well-cared-for, we have the perfect place for you. Nestled within the expansive Gila National Forest, just a stone's throw from the beautiful Quemado Lake, lies Piñon Campground. This is a destination that promises more than just a place to pitch your tent or park your RV; it offers a genuine connection with nature, complete with stunning views and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Piñon Campground is a place where you can feel the stress of everyday life melt away. As a recent visitor noted, it's a "perfect everything" experience, offering a quiet solitude that is becoming increasingly rare. Imagine having a peaceful site to yourself, with the only company being the elk that might wander through your campsite. A customer review highlights the special experience of being at the lake, "so we could see ospreys fishing and in the afternoon, the lake sparkled." At night, the magic continues, with the sounds of "elk bugling back and forth" creating an "incredible experience" that you can only get in a place as wild and natural as this.

The campground is named for the piñon trees that, along with juniper, provide a peaceful and fragrant canopy. The natural environment is its most significant asset, with the majestic Quemado Lake nearby serving as a hub for various recreational activities. This means you have the best of both worlds: a quiet, forested campsite for relaxation and a beautiful lake for fishing, boating, and enjoying the water. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to Piñon Campground, detailing the amenities, unique features, and practical information you need to plan a memorable trip to this tranquil spot.

For us locals, finding a campground that strikes the right balance between natural beauty and essential services is key. Piñon Campground does just that. It's clean, well-maintained, and managed by a friendly team that genuinely cares about your experience, as evidenced by a reviewer who met a "super nice" Forest Service ranger. This level of care ensures that even after a windstorm, the campground is quickly cleaned up and ready for visitors. By choosing Piñon, you are not just getting a campsite; you are getting a quiet, pristine, and welcoming piece of the New Mexico wilderness to call your own for a little while.

Location and Accessibility

Piñon Campground is located at an unnamed road near Quemado, New Mexico, with a more precise address of Quemado, NM 87829, USA. It is situated in the Gila National Forest, less than two miles from the popular Quemado Lake. The campground is accessible via a well-maintained road, including a stretch of gravel on Forest Road 13, which makes it reachable for a variety of vehicles. The remote location ensures a dark, unrestricted night sky, perfect for stargazing, and an incredibly peaceful atmosphere. The proximity to Quemado Lake makes it an ideal spot for those who want to be close to water-based activities without being right in the middle of the busier lakefront areas.

The campground’s elevation is 7,899 feet, which provides a welcome relief from the heat of the lower elevations during the summer months. The drive to the campground is scenic, passing through beautiful forested terrain. While the location feels remote, it’s not entirely cut off; some cellular service may be available depending on your provider, but it’s best to plan on being largely disconnected. The campground is a mix of first-come, first-served sites and reservable group sites, so arriving early on weekends is a good strategy to secure a spot.

Services Offered

Piñon Campground provides a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable stay while maintaining a rustic and natural feel.

• Picnic tables: Each tent and RV site is equipped with a picnic table for dining and gathering.
• Public restroom: The campground has public restroom facilities, which are described as "clean and well taken care of."
• Restroom: The clean bathroom huts and vault toilets are a key amenity, providing necessary facilities.
• Running water: There is running water available at the campground, which is a great convenience for cooking, cleaning, and general use. However, it's important to note that the water is typically turned off for the season around October 1 and back on in mid-May.
• Tent sites: There are designated tent sites, making it easy to set up your camp.
• Camping fee: There is a camping fee for overnight use, which helps maintain the campground's facilities.
• On-site parking: Each campsite has a parking spot, allowing you to park your vehicle conveniently close to your site.

The campground also has a pay dump station for RVs, which is an important service for travelers. Payment for first-come, first-served sites is made via a self-pay fee station, which requires exact cash or check.

Features / Highlights

The key highlights of Piñon Campground are centered around its natural beauty, tranquility, and suitability for various types of visitors.

• Picnics: The picnic tables and serene setting make it an excellent spot for enjoying an outdoor meal.
• Wildlife viewing: A major highlight is the opportunity to see and hear wildlife. Reviewers mentioned seeing elk wandering through their site and hearing them bugle at night, which is an incredible and unique experience.
• Good for kids: The campground is noted as being "good for kids," providing a safe and engaging environment for children to explore the outdoors.
• Dogs allowed: Piñon Campground is pet-friendly, so you can bring your dogs along for the adventure, provided they are kept on a leash.
• Quiet and well-maintained: Visitors consistently praise the campground for its quiet atmosphere and cleanliness. The Forest Service rangers are noted for being "super nice" and keeping the grounds in excellent condition.
• Proximity to Quemado Lake: The campground is a short distance from the lake, providing easy access to fishing, boating, and other water-based recreation.

The sense of peace and the chance to be completely immersed in nature are the standout features of this campground.

Contact Information

The contact information for Piñon Campground is:

Address: Unnamed Road, Quemado, NM 87829, USA

Phone: (575) 773-4678

Mobile Phone: +1 575-773-4678

This contact number belongs to the Quemado Ranger District of the Gila National Forest. It is the best resource for up-to-date information on campground conditions, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions.

What is worth choosing

Piñon Campground is an excellent choice for a wide range of campers in New Mexico, particularly those who value peace, cleanliness, and an authentic connection with the natural world. Its prime location near Quemado Lake is a significant draw, offering a beautiful backdrop and a variety of recreational opportunities. For wildlife enthusiasts, the possibility of seeing elk and other creatures up close is an unforgettable experience that few other campgrounds can offer.

The campground's well-maintained facilities and the presence of friendly forest rangers also make it a reliable and comfortable option. While it has running water, it's a seasonal service, which encourages campers to be mindful of their resources, a valuable lesson in itself. The fact that the sites are kept clean and tidy, with ample natural firewood available from recent cleanups, shows the care put into preserving the site for a great user experience.

For families with children and those with pets, the campground is a welcoming and safe environment. The quiet atmosphere is perfect for teaching kids to appreciate the sounds of nature, and the ability to bring dogs ensures no family member gets left behind. In a state known for its rugged and stunning landscapes, Piñon Campground at Quemado Lake stands out as a tranquil and beautiful destination that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of New Mexico's wilderness. It's a place where you can relax, explore, and create lasting memories with the backdrop of a glittering lake and bugling elk.

Piñon Campground

Unnamed Road, Quemado, NM 87829, USA