Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM)

Campground · New Mexico · 1 bookable site ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Mescalero Reservation (D2)

1
Bookable site
35 ft
Max rig length
up to 70
People per site
8,302 ft
Elevation
Aspen Group CG site view of trees
Photo: Conservation Legacy · Recreation.gov

Overview

At an elevation of almost 9,000 ft., campers at the Aspen Group Area can expect cool, crisp, mountain breezes coming off the steep Sacramento Mountains - perfect for an escape from the scorching desert valley below. The campground is surrounded by mixed pine, fir, and plenty of white-trunked aspen trees, with a high likelihood of blue skies above.

The Sacramento Mountains overlook Dog Canyon and the Tularosa Basin. Take advantage of the campground's high elevation and revel in the breathtaking beauty of the region's unspoiled vistas stretching out over the Tularosa Basin. Wildlife in the area includes elk, deer, bears. With some luck, you could even spot a roadrunner.

Recreation

The campground is surrounded by a series of hiking trails. To the west you'll find trails with outstanding overlooks from Alamo Peak and Stark Peak. The most popular hike is the Osha Trail, which is a 2.5-mile loop.

Facilities

Water can be obtained at Sleepy Grass Campground during peak season, which lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The site is available as a group site only, so groups of anywhere from four to 70 can reserve the whole space.

Natural Features

Aspen is set in the rolling Sacramento Mountains of south-central New Mexico, near Alamo Peak and Stark Peak. It's part of Lincoln National Forest, most notable as the birthplace of the original Smokey Bear.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (575) 682-1518.

Nearby Attractions

The Rim Trail, a breathtaking 32-mile path for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding, can be reached a quarter mile from the campground. One stretch of the trail is open to motorcyclists, too. The Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, at the foot of the mountains, is worth a visit to see a restored 19th century ranch house and explore the flowering oasis of Dog Canyon.

The facts

  • 1 bookable site
  • Vehicles up to 35 ft
  • Up to 70 people per site
  • Loops: ASPEN

Site types

  • 1 Group Standard Area Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM)

Check-in 02:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
1ASPENGroup Standard Area NonelectricBack InGravel35 ft70 🐾

Getting there

In southeast New Mexico, approximately 20 miles east of Alamagordo. From Alamagordo take US 82 east and go 16 miles. Just before Cloudcraft turn right (South) on NM 130. Go 1.4 miles. Turn left (east) on Forest Road 24B, go 0.5 miles. Aspen Group Area is on the left across from Black Bear Group Area.

33.03444, -105.80000 · 33°2'4.0"N 105°47'60.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in0.80.70.60.50.61.53.62.72.41.50.81.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Group Standard Area Non-Electric: 1 to 30 people $123/night 31 to 70 people $154/night

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM)

Can you reserve a site at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM)?
Yes, Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM) have?
1 site.
What is the maximum RV length at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM)?
35 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM)?
Yes, pets are allowed at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM).
Are campfires allowed at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM)?
Campfires are allowed at Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM)

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.