Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM)
Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM)
Part of Lincoln National Forest
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.
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.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.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.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (575) 682-1518.Important Notices
Call 575-682-1518 prior to arrival to get the lock combination.
No public phone.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests. Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Check in after 2pm, check out by noon.
For more information on the Lincoln National Forest, please visit Home | Lincoln National Forest | Forest Service
Available Activities
- CAMPING - Camping
Directions
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.
Contact Information
Phone: 575-682-7570
PO BOX 836CLOUDCROFT, NM 88317
