Overview Deerhead 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. Road…
Overview Deerhead 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. The Trestle Recreation area is less than a 2 mile drive from Deerhead campground. 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. 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. Nearby Attractions There is a variety of stores to shop at roughly 20 miles from the campground in Alamogordo, NM.
Photos
Deerhead CG entry sign — ExplorUSView of the CG from the West end — ExplorUSDeerhead Campground — ExplorUSHorses grazing at Deerhead CG. — ExplorUS
How to Get There
From the West side of Cloudcroft, turn South onto NM310 and travel 1 mile. The campground entrance will be on your right, just past the turnoff for the Ranger Station.
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 Deerhead Campground
Heading to Deerhead 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 Deerhead Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Deerhead Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10303036) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at Deerhead Campground?
Deerhead Campground has 19 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to Deerhead Campground?
From the West side of Cloudcroft, turn South onto NM310 and travel 1 mile. The campground entrance will be on your right, just past the turnoff for the Ranger Station.
