Can you reserve a site at El Caso I-IV Campground?

No. El Caso I-IV Campground is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

El Caso I-IV Campground

Campground · New Mexico ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Apache National Forest (NF) · Open Access

7,696 ft
Elevation

This are partially developed, shady campgrounds within hiking distance of the lake.

The El Caso Campgounds are partially developed campgrounds located at the east end of Quemado Lake, approximately .25 miles east of the Piñon CG. They are nestled in a valley stretching alongside an intermittent stream and are surrounded by ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees. The El Caso Campgrounds are popular with hunters, groups, and campers desiring a more primitive camping experience.

Getting there

Just southwest of Quemado, NM, go south on NM 32 for 14.2 miles to Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. At the sign go east on NM 103 for 4 miles to where Forest Road 13 (gravel) begins. Continue past the lake. The campground is on the right.

34.13804, -108.46978 · 34°8'16.9"N 108°28'11.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 85°F in Jul, down to 46°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	46	50	58	66	75	84	85	82	77	68	56	46
Low °F	15	19	23	27	34	43	52	51	43	31	22	16
Precip in	0.5	0.6	0.6	0.4	0.1	0.6	1.9	2.9	1.9	0.9	0.5	0.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 14.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

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Common questions about El Caso I-IV Campground

Can you reserve a site at El Caso I-IV Campground?: No. El Caso I-IV Campground is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Also listed by

El Caso I-IV Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by El Caso I-IV Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

There is no fee for these campground ($0.00).

Restrictions:

There is a 14 day stay limit in all Gila National Forest campgrounds.
This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out area. Please do not throw trash in the campground.
OHV/ATV use is prohibited within the campground.
Hunters - please field dress your animal. Do not dump carcasses or gut piles in the campgrounds or any trash receptacles. Animal remains will attract bears, wolves, mountain lions, and coyotes.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near El Caso I-IV Campground

Pinon Campground (Quemado Lake) 0.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Juniper Campground (Quemado Lake) 1.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Luna Lake 40.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Piñon Campground 0.8 mi · Campground
Juniper Campground 1.1 mi · Campground
Quemado Lake Recreation Area 1.3 mi · Facility
Armijo Springs Campground 6.4 mi · Campground
Valle Tio Vinces Campground 9.9 mi · Campground
Apache Creek Campground 23.2 mi · Facility
Datil Well Recreation Area Campground 35 mi · Campground
Head of the Ditch Campground 37 mi · Campground
Gwynn Tank Campground 41.6 mi · Campground

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Info Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

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