About Juniper Campground (Quemado Lake)
Overview Juniper Campground is Quemado Ranger District's most popular campground. It offers electric RV hookups (no water, no sewer), leveled tent sites, and easy lake access. This campground is a mix of first come, first served sites and reservable sites. For more information, you can visit our website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gila/recarea/?recid=1964 Recreation Recreational opportunities include fishing and boating on Quemado Lake, hiking forest and lakeside trails, and RV and tent camping. Facilities Boat Ramp / Tent Camping/ Trailer/RV Camping / Picnic Tables / Vault Toilets / Grills / Campfire Rings Natural Features Lake Access/ Forested / Unrestricted Night Sky Views Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (575) 773-4678. Nearby Attractions El Caso I-3 Campgrounds El Caso 4 & 5 Campgrounds Piñon Campground Quemado Lake and Day Use Area Boat Ramp at Quemado Lake Charges & Cancellations Cancellation Policy: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
How to Get There
The campground is located 14.2 miles south of Quemado. Take NM 32 south to Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. Turn left onto NM 103 and drive 4 miles to Quemado Lake/Forest Road 13. NM103 ends when the paved road turns to gravel. The gravel road is an indication that you are now driving on Forest Road 13. Continue driving on Forest Road 13 for 1 mile to reach the Juniper Campground. Turn right into the campground. Latitude : 34.137543 Longitude : -108.48919 Elevation : 7,712 Feet
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (48°F low → 76°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 9)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Juniper Campground (Quemado Lake)
Heading to Juniper Campground (Quemado Lake)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Juniper Campground (Quemado Lake)?
No central reservation system listed for Juniper Campground (Quemado Lake). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10052227) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Juniper Campground (Quemado Lake)?
The campground is located 14.2 miles south of Quemado. Take NM 32 south to Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. Turn left onto NM 103 and drive 4 miles to Quemado Lake/Forest Road 13. NM103 ends when the paved road turns to gravel. The gravel road is an indication that you are now driving on Forest Road 13. Continue driving on Forest Road 13 for 1 mile to reach the Juniper Campground. Turn right into the cam…
References & Official Resources
