About UPPER FIR GROUP AREA
Overview Upper Fir Group Area is one of the most popular campsites in the Sacramento Mountain area. Unique to its neighboring campgrounds, it's set far back from public roads, allowing for true peace and quiet. The campground is on the northwestern portion of the Lincoln National Forest, a protected area spanning an incredible 1.1 million acres of land. Spend your days exploring the mountains, or head west for a day trip to explore White Sands National Monument, the world's largest dune field of pure, white gypsum sand.Recreation An open meadow, perfect for sports like ultimate Frisbee or horseshoes, is connected 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. Further down, the same trail opens up to motorcyclists as well. Facilities This is one of the only group sites with water access. Upper Fir comfortably fits groups as large as 120, and it's connected to Lower Fir Group if your party has a need for an additional group of up to 70 campers. Natural Features Set 9,000 feet above sea level in the Sacramento Mountains, Upper Fir Group Area is close to breathtaking scenic overlooks, spanning the far-reaching desert valley of the Tularosa Basin. The high-elevation region offers a mixture of pine, fir, aspen, and oak trees, with high mountain meadows full of wildflowers and blossoming plants. Nearby Attractions The campground is a mile from the town of Cloudcroft, a quaint tourist village with New Mexico's only standing railroad trestle. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (575) 682-1518.
How to Get There
From Alamogordo, take US 82 east 17 miles through Cloudcroft. Turn left onto NM 244 towards Ruidoso and go 1/2 mile. Upper Fir Group Area is on Forest Road 422 at the end of the road.
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 UPPER FIR GROUP AREA
Heading to UPPER 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 UPPER FIR GROUP AREA?
No central reservation system listed for UPPER FIR GROUP AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231889) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to UPPER FIR GROUP AREA?
From Alamogordo, take US 82 east 17 miles through Cloudcroft. Turn left onto NM 244 towards Ruidoso and go 1/2 mile. Upper Fir Group Area is on Forest Road 422 at the end of the road.
How do I contact UPPER FIR GROUP AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-682-7570.
References & Official Resources
