About Pines Campground
Overview Pines Campground is located in the Lincoln National Forest in Cloudcroft, New Mexico at an elevation of 8700 feet. This is a heavily forested campground with large pine trees which provide plenty of shade. Wildlife viewing is a great opportunity here as this forest is home to a large population of Elk. Roads within the campground are paved. Recreation This is a prime location for wildlife viewing due to the large population of Elk in the Lincoln National Forest. This forest spans 1,103,441 acres and is a great place for hiking, caving, picknicking, horseback riding, hunting and sightseeing. Facilities This campground offers standard sites, accomodating both tent and RV camping. Ammenities include picnic tables, grills, fire rings, water spigots, vault toilets and paved parking spurs Natural Features This location provides great views of the White Sands National Park salt flats. The Lincoln National Forest offers a variety of trails, including the Osha Trail, the Little Apache Trail, and the Old Cloudcroft Highway Trail. Nearby Attractions There is a variety of stores to shop at roughly 20 miles from the campground in Alamogordo, NM. Contact Info Between 05/15/2026 and 09/26/2026 this location is staffed. Please call (575) 682-1518 to speak with local staff. From 09/27/2026 to 05/09/2027 this location is unstaffed. Please call (877) 444-6777 for general information.
How to Get There
Travel east on US82 from Cloudcroft, turn left onto NM244. Less than 1 mile later on your left you will find the entrance to Pines Campground (across the street from the Fir Campgrounds).
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 Pines Campground
Heading to Pines Campground? 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 Pines Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Pines Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10303056) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Pines Campground?
Travel east on US82 from Cloudcroft, turn left onto NM244. Less than 1 mile later on your left you will find the entrance to Pines Campground (across the street from the Fir Campgrounds).
How do I contact Pines Campground?
You can reach the park at email: vista@vista-rec.com.
References & Official Resources
