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Map showing campground location near Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Camper submitted image from Bailey Canyon CampgroundView 8 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Cloudcroft, New Mexico

Bailey Canyon Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Bailey Canyon Campground provides free camping on rocky forest roads about three miles from Cloudcroft in Lincoln National Forest. This US Forest Service site requires careful driving, as multiple campers note the access road features steep sections and rough, rocky surfaces that challenge some vehicles.

The campground follows a loop configuration, though the full circle isn't drivable as one reviewer discovered when the road abruptly ends partway around. Sites at the top of the loop offer the most space and established fire rings. Campers report good cell phone coverage despite the forest location, making this spot workable for those needing connectivity. Wildlife sightings include deer moving through the area.

Weekend crowds can bring noise from generators and off-highway vehicles, as one visitor noted the area "gets overrun with absolute idiots and just generally clueless campers" who park on roads and run equipment late into the night. Kayla M. found a quieter experience with "little traffic and the stars were absolutely beautiful."

The site allows pets and campfires, with firewood available for purchase. Campers should stock up on supplies in Alamogordo before heading up, as Cloudcroft has limited shopping options. Those wanting more solitude might consider Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping for fewer weekend warriors.

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Location

Public Campground

Bailey Canyon Campground is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

32.98286961 N
105.75878354 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 4/2/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/2/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/2/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 4/2/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/2/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/2/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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General Info

Drive Time

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the scenic sites and good spacing, though access involves rocky roads requiring careful driving. Noise levels vary significantly depending on timing and fellow campers present.

V
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2023

BEWARE: Lots of clueless campers

This is a good spot, great cell service and good Starlink reception, but it gets overrun with absolute idiots and just generally clueless campers. They will park and camp right on the roads, they will run their generators into the early hours of the morning, they will come blazing through on their OHVs blaring the most obnoxious music as loud as they can. If that’s your thing, great! You’ll love it. Otherwise there’s plenty more camping in the forest with a bit more seclusion and far fewer weekend warriors

Month of VisitJune
michael
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2021

End of the road camping

The site is well use but not in an established camp group which is the best. Great cell service only 3 miles from Cloudcroft, but can be muddy and the drive in is very rocky but nothing driving slow and cautious can't get you past. On the road here there were four or five other really fair spots too.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitJuly
  • camping site
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  • Review photo of Bailey Canyon Campground by michael , July 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Bailey Canyon Campground by michael , July 19, 2021
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Allyn C.
Reviewed Apr. 8, 2021

Beautiful sites, AWD recommended.

Beautiful sites, the road is very rocky and goes on some steep cliffs but I did see a sedan make it in towards the back. The top of the loop is where you'll find the best spots with plenty of open space and a few pits for fires. The loop is not clear road all the way around like Google suggests, I tried to drive around the loop to get out and the dirt road stopped at one point on the way back down. When you come in the route to your left is the one that breaks at some point and just generally looks like much rougher terrain. Overall I really enjoyed the area and did see some deer as well. It's not far from Cloudcroft but it is a good drive from any large stores so make sure you pack well or stop in Alamogordo before you get there.

Kayla M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 31, 2019

Confused

Tried to camp at this one. With all of the directions I saw on the website and everything we didn’t find this exact campground. Although, when the coordinates led (or where google maps took us) was pretty. It was just one little area with a fire pit that seemed to be all on its own. Some cars went by on the road beside us that went further into the forest but we felt we were at the perfect spot. Little traffic and the stars were absolutely beautiful!

  • Review photo of Bailey Canyon Campground by Kayla M., May 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Bailey Canyon Campground by Kayla M., May 31, 2019
Brittany N.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Beautiful & Wide open

Dirt road access. Camper friendly for "most" of the way. Off-road vehicles allowed. Very pretty spots!

SiteRandom
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Bailey Canyon Campground by Brittany N., July 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Bailey Canyon Campground by Brittany N., July 16, 2018
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What hiking trails are near Bailey Canyon Campground in Cloudcroft?

While specific trail information for Bailey Canyon isn't detailed, the campground's location near Cloudcroft provides access to numerous hiking opportunities in the Lincoln National Forest. The Cloudcroft area is known for trails like the Osha Trail, Trestle Recreation Area trails, and the Cloud-Climbing Rail Trail. With the campground only 3 miles from Cloudcroft, these popular hiking destinations are easily accessible for day hikes. The surrounding forest offers beautiful scenery and diverse terrain suitable for various skill levels.

Where is Bailey Canyon Campground located in New Mexico?

Bailey Canyon Campground is located approximately 3 miles from Cloudcroft, New Mexico. The campground is accessible via a dirt road that requires careful navigation due to rocky terrain and some steep cliff sections. It's situated in a scenic area that offers beautiful natural surroundings typical of the Cloudcroft region, providing a more secluded camping experience while still being relatively close to town amenities.

What amenities are available at Bailey Canyon Campground?

Bailey Canyon Campground offers primitive camping with minimal amenities. The site features some fire pits for campfires and open spaces for setting up tents or parking vehicles. There are no established facilities like bathrooms, running water, or electrical hookups. Cell service is generally excellent at the campground, and there's good Starlink reception for those needing connectivity. The campground is not formally developed, offering a more natural, dispersed camping experience.

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