Jacks Creek Group Area

Overview

Jack's Creek Group Area is a picturesque, high-elevation campground situated just 50 miles from Santa Fe. Set at an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet within the Santa Fe National Forest, visitors can enjoy moderate temperatures and invigorating mountain breezes. 

Perfect for family reunions, recreational events, and large gatherings, it features 2 spacious group units to rent (Group A and Group B), each accommodating up to 40 guests. Open from mid-April to mid-November, this campground provides stunning views of the surrounding wilderness, making it an ideal retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.

Recreation

The campground's close proximity to the popular Jacks Creek Trail is an added bonus. Jacks Creek Trail #257 is 14.3 miles long, starting at Trail 25 and ending at Trail 251. This trail is best for experienced hikers and horseback riders, making it a great option for those seeking a challenge. The trail is open for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. A common route leads to Pecos Baldy Lake, where overnight camping is allowed, with campfires permitted 200 feet from the water.

For more information about the Jacks Creek Trail and its offerings, visit the Jacks Creek Trailhead website.

Fishermen can enjoy catching rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout in Jacks Creek. Although Jacks creek is not regularly stocked, you can visit New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for weekly stocking reports and fishing regulations.

Facilities

Recreation staff or a campground host regularly patrols the area and is available to answer any questions campers may have. 

For added security, groups can lock the gate after settling into the site if they choose. One of the sites, Group B, is accessible, ensuring convenience for all visitors. All roads leading to the campground are paved, making it accessible for low-clearance vehicles as well.

Natural Features

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Jack's Creek Group Campground is located on the edge of the Pecos Wilderness, which encompasses 160,000 acres of mountain landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and the Pecos River. The campground is richly forested, featuring a mix of firs and aspens that showcase golden foliage in the fall.

Down the road from to the group campground, Jack's Creek enhances the area’s natural beauty, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation and great trout fishing. The region teems with diverse wildlife, including elk, mule deer, and migratory birds. In winter, bald eagles and other raptors can be spotted, making Jack's Creek a great destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Nearby Attractions

There are many hiking and fishing areas along the Pecos River, offering great opportunities for anglers and hikers alike. Just 50 minutes away, Pecos National Historical Park features prehistoric archaeological ruins, 19th-century ranches, and a Civil War battlefield, providing a rich glimpse into the area’s history. 

The town of Pecos is located about 21 miles south of the campground. The City of Santa Fe is just over an hour drive away.

Take I-25 east from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and travel approximately 18 miles. Take the Glorieta/Pecos exit. Take State Highway 50 approximately five miles to Pecos. At the four-way stop, turn left onto State Highway 63. Travel north on 63 to the Jack's Creek Campground area. The campground is about 21 miles north of Pecos.