Slide Group Area

SLIDE GROUP AREA

Part of Lincoln National Forest

Overview

Just two miles from the village of Cloudcroft is this idyllic campground accommodating groups up to 90 visitors. Take advantage of the views of the Tularosa Basin or bask in the sun on the wildflower-dusted mountain meadow. A network of trails surround the campground, where you can look for deer, elk, and many types of birds. The region is part of the 1.1 million acres of Lincoln National Forest, where the original Smokey Bear was rescued as a cub from a forest fire.

There's no shortage of beauty in the area, with expansive blue skies, clear nights for stargazing, and hikes to several peaks and overlooks. Attractions in the vicinity include White Sands National Monument, the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, and the Sunspot Museum - home to the national solar observatory.

Facilities

The picturesque overlook and convenient road access are unique, convenient features of this group site. Parking can accommodate approximately 12 trailers or 50 automobiles.

Natural Features

The campground is located on the rim of the Sacramento Mountains with a view of the Tularosa Basin. Mixed evergreen and aspens surround the 9,000 ft. elevation site.

Recreation

Slide Group Area backs into the Rim Trail, offering epic views, rocky hills, and switchbacks. Head north on the trail for mountain biking, hiking, and horse-back riding. Head south for the part of the trail that allows motorcycles. An open meadow, perfect for sports like volleyball, corn hole, or football, is connected to the campsite.

Nearby Attractions

Drive along the Sunspot Scenic Byway to catch phenomenal views of the Tularosa Basin, White Sands National Monument, and colorful desert sunsets. Cloudcroft, a quaint mountain village nearby, is also worth a visit.

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.

  • There is 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

Located in southeast New Mexico, Slide Group Area is approximately 20 miles east of Alamogordo. From Alamogordo, take Highway 82 east 16 miles. Just before Cloudcroft, turn right (south) on Highway 130, go approximatley 2 miles. Turn right (west) on NM 6563, the Sunspot Highway Go approximately 1/4 miles. Slide Group Area is on the right.

Contact Information

Phone: 575-682-7570

PO BOX 836
CLOUDCROFT, NM 88317

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery