Upper Karr Recreation Area Cloudcroft NM Boondocking

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Upper Karr Recreation Area
Cloudcroft NM Boondocking

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Upper Karr Recreation Area Cloudcroft NM Boondocking: The road in is Paved. Upper Karr Recreation Area is open Year Round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Upper Karr Recreation Area.

Upper Karr Canyon Campground is located off of NM6563 (the Sunspot Scenic By-way) and has a 200 person capacity There are 2 fire rings, toilet, and garbage depositories are provided. RVs limited 16′.

Directions: From Cloudcroft, take NM130 south and turn right onto NM6563 (Sunspot Scenic Byway). Continue along the Sunspot Highway for around 7 miles and to your left, just over the ridge you’ll see a sign for the Upper Karr Recreation Area. This road can be difficult to spot so keep your eyes open.

About This Location

If you’re searching for a quiet, free place to camp near Cloudcroft, Upper Karr Recreation Area is honestly a solid pick. This spot gives you free boondocking, picnic tables, fire rings, and easy access to that good old forest scenery.

It’s a pretty simple setup—perfect for tent campers and anyone craving a rustic outdoor vibe without having to fork over a fee. There are just a handful of campsites, which keeps things peaceful and way less crowded than the bigger campgrounds.

You’re close enough to Cloudcroft to grab supplies or a hot meal, but once you’re back at camp, you’re surrounded by tall trees and quiet. Vault toilets are available, but don’t expect much else in the way of facilities.

Location And Access Of Upper Karr Recreation Area Cloudcroft NM Boondocking

Upper Karr Recreation Area sits in Lincoln National Forest, just outside Cloudcroft, New Mexico. You’ll find it along the Sunspot Scenic Byway—a route folks around here know pretty well.

Start in Cloudcroft and take NM130 south. After a few miles, hang a right onto NM6563, which is also called the Sunspot Scenic Byway.

Stick with that road for about 6 or 7 miles. The campground and boondocking spots are tucked just off the highway, on your left.

It’s honestly pretty easy to find and most vehicles can make it, though if you’re planning to venture beyond the main campground, the ground gets a bit rougher. Upper Karr is also not far from White Sands National Monument, so you could squeeze in a side trip.

You’ll get a mix of mountain views and thick forest, which is always a win.

Roads are paved up to the main area, but some boondocking sites are on dirt. Make sure your vehicle can handle a bump or two if you want to go further in.

Upper Karr is usually accessible most of the year, but honestly, check the weather before you go. Snow or rain can make the roads and sites tricky.

Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect From Upper Karr Recreation Area Cloudcroft NM Boondocking

Getting here is pretty straightforward. Start in Cloudcroft, take NM130 south, and then turn right onto NM6563 (Sunspot Scenic Byway).

Follow the Sunspot Highway for about 6 or 7 miles, and you’ll spot the Upper Karr campground. The drive from town only takes about 15 minutes, give or take.

Don’t expect any hookups—this is true boondocking, so bring your own supplies and plan to be self-sufficient. The place is quiet, which is great if you want to unplug for a bit.

There’s plenty of hiking, biking, and horseback riding right from camp. Wildlife is around, so keep your eyes peeled.

Cell service is spotty, especially if you’re on AT&T. If you need to be online, you might want to make other plans.

What to bring:

• Water and food
• Camping gear
• Hiking or biking stuff
• Emergency kit

If you want to explore more, White Sands National Monument is close enough for a day trip. The whole area feels peaceful and just a little bit wild—honestly, it’s a nice break from the usual.

Amenities And Activities At Upper Karr Recreation Area Cloudcroft NM Boondocking

At Upper Karr, you’re getting the basics, but they cover what you need for a boondocking experience. There are set spots for tents and a few places for smaller RVs (16 feet max). Toilets and fire rings are at most sites.

Parking is paved, which is a relief if you hate dust. But there’s no drinking water, so pack in what you’ll need. Picnic tables are there if you want to eat outside or just hang out.

You’ve got hiking and biking trails right nearby, and if you’re into horseback riding, there are trails for that too. Some folks head out for fishing or swimming, and there’s even a golf course not too far away.

ATV and UTV riding areas are also in the mix if you’re into that sort of thing.

It’s not fancy, but if you want to keep things simple and outdoorsy, Upper Karr is a good fit.

Camping Regulations And Restrictions For Upper Karr Recreation Area Cloudcroft NM Boondocking

There are a few rules you’ll need to know before you set up camp at Upper Karr. You can camp for free, but don’t overstay—16 days is the max.

Only tents are allowed in the main campground. Larger RVs and big rigs aren’t going to fit, though you can park vehicles up to 16 feet in some nearby spots.

Campfires are allowed, but only in the fire rings or grills provided. Always check for fire bans, especially if it’s been dry.

You’re expected to be self-contained. That means bringing your own water, food, and a way to haul out your trash. There are vault toilets, but no trash service at all.

You don’t need a permit to camp here, but if you’re planning to do dispersed camping elsewhere in the national forest, you might need one from the district office.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Leave No Trace At Upper Karr Recreation Area Cloudcroft NM Boondocking

When you camp at Upper Karr Recreation Area, it’s honestly crucial to stick to Leave No Trace principles. These are what keep the place gorgeous and actually usable for everyone, not just you.

Always pack out all your trash. Bring bags—enough to haul out every last thing you brought in, even those tiny food wrappers that somehow multiply.

Use the provided vault toilets for human waste. If there aren’t any nearby, dig a cat hole about 6–8 inches deep and make sure it’s at least 200 feet from any water.

Try not to mess with the plants or trees. Stick to camping on durable surfaces, like the spots people already use or bare rock.

Don’t break branches or start digging new fire rings—seriously, there’s no need.

If you’re building a fire, keep it on the smaller side and under control. Only use dead, downed wood you find around.

Before you leave, double-check that your fire is totally out—no glowing embers hiding under the ash.

Wildlife is best enjoyed from a distance. Feeding or approaching animals? Not a great idea, since it can really mess with their natural habits.

Water use—make it minimal if you can. It’s smart to bring your own water.

When you have to wash dishes or yourself, use biodegradable soap and do it at least 200 feet away from any streams or lakes.

Upper Karr Recreation Area Cloudcroft NM Boondocking is a special spot, and honestly, it deserves a little extra care. Isn’t it worth a few extra steps to make sure it’s just as awesome for the next folks who roll in?

New Mexico Helpful Information Links:

Bureau of Land Management
Recreation.Gov
National Park Service
New Mexico State Park Service
New Mexico Trust
New Mexico Fish and Game