About LOWER FIR GROUP AREA
Overview Lower Fir Group Area is a high-energy and highly popular group campground in the Sacramento Mountain area. The site is set away from public roads, so that outside noise is non-existent, leaving only the sweet sounds of rustling aspen leaves. The campground sits within the Lincoln National Forest, which spans 1.1 million acres of undisturbed landscape. Spend your days exploring the mountain trails, or head west for a day trip to White Sands National Monument, the world's largest dune field of pure, white gypsum sand. Bring your camera and binoculars for the chance to observe wild elk, deer, birds, and even an occasional black bear. Recreation An open meadow, ideal for activities like volleyball or horseshoes, is adjacent to the campground. The Rim Trail is a short hike or drive away, offering epic views, rocky inclines, and switchbacks for adventurous mountain bikers, hikers, and horse-back riders. A few miles south, the same trail opens up to motorcyclists as well. Facilities This is one of the only group sites with water access. Lower Fir comfortably fits groups as large as 70, and it's connected to Upper Fir Group, and even larger facility accommodating up to 120 visitors. Natural Features Lower Fir Group sits at a high elevation of 9,000 ft., providing visitors with dramatic views of the Tularosa Basin and lush mountain meadows surrounded by pine, fir, aspen and oak trees. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (575) 682-1518. Nearby Attractions The campground is a mile from the village of Cloudcroft, a quaint mountain town with New Mexico's only standing railroad trestle. Trails for ATVs are near the area, too.
How to Get There
From Alamogordo take US 82 east, go 17 miles, just past Cloudcroft. Turn left (northwest) onto NM 244. Go approximately 1 mile. Turn right onto Forest Road 422. Go approximately 1/4 mile. Campground is on the left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed 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 LOWER FIR GROUP AREA
Heading to LOWER FIR GROUP AREA? 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 LOWER FIR GROUP AREA?
No central reservation system listed for LOWER FIR GROUP AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232918) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to LOWER FIR GROUP AREA?
From Alamogordo take US 82 east, go 17 miles, just past Cloudcroft. Turn left (northwest) onto NM 244. Go approximately 1 mile. Turn right onto Forest Road 422. Go approximately 1/4 mile. Campground is on the left.
How do I contact LOWER FIR GROUP AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-682-7570.
References & Official Resources
