About Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area
The Fort Stanton - Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area (NCA) was established in 2009 to protect, conserve, and enhance the unique and nationally important historic, cultural, scientific, archaeological, natural, and educational subterranean cave resources of the Fort Stanton - Snowy River Cave system. The NCA was once known as the Fort Stanton Military Reservation. In 1855, the U.S. Army established Fort Stanton as an Infantry and Cavalry post in the east-central New Mexico Territory to protect settlers in the region. Within the NCA is Fort Stanton Cave. Fort Stanton Cave has over 56 miles of passage mapped, it is the second longest cave in New Mexico, the seventh longest cave in the U.S., the 32nd longest in the world, and the largest cave the BLM manages. Snowy River is a significant passage within Fort Stanton Cave, and is the longest cave formation in the world. Ongoing exploration continues, and previously unknown passages have been identified and mapped, without reaching the end.
How to Get There
From the intersection of NM 246 and US 380 in Capitan, NM, drive east on US 380 for 4.3 miles to NM 220, which will be on the right. From the west end of Lincoln, NM, drive west 7.75 miles to NM 220, which will be on the left. Drive south 0.9 for miles to the Rob Jaggers Campground, where maps and an information kiosk are available. Historic Fort Stanton is approximately 1.5 miles further south on NM 220. On the grounds of Fort Stanton, the State of New Mexico operates a museum with information about the Fort and the Fort Stanton - Snowy River Cave NCA.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area
Heading to Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation 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 Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area?
No central reservation system listed for Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/14577) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area?
From the intersection of NM 246 and US 380 in Capitan, NM, drive east on US 380 for 4.3 miles to NM 220, which will be on the right. From the west end of Lincoln, NM, drive west 7.75 miles to NM 220, which will be on the left. Drive south 0.9 for miles to the Rob Jaggers Campground, where maps and an information kiosk are available. Historic Fort Stanton is approximately 1.5 miles further south on…
How do I contact Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-322-0030 or email: BLM_NM_PDO_Mail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
