Slide Group Area
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.
More like this: reservable in New Mexico · pets allowed in New Mexico · group sites in New Mexico
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Group sites | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 35 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | 35 | Gravel | Full | 90 / 26 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 02:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 35 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Group Standard Non-Electric: 1 to 40 people $123/night 41 to 90 people $154/night |
The picturesque overlook and convenient road access are unique, convenient features of this group site. Parking can accommodate approximately 12 trailers or 50 automobiles.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
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.
| Nearest town | Cloudcroft, New Mexico |
| Coordinates | 32.7897° N, 105.8203° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedD1 Programmatic Piles Rx
37 mi from the campground
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 6.4 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Worth a stop
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.
- 13.1 miSleepy Grass Picnic Area ↗Day use
Trails nearby
- 0.4 miRoad Canyon1.6 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.5 miSunspot1.4 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.5 miCathey Cyn1.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.7 miRoad Cyn Alt1.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 1.1 miSacramento N1.5 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, e-bike
- 1.5 miOld Sunspot Hwy Trail0.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, e-bike
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Lincoln National Forest.
- inLincoln National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,261,954 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Jackson HouseBuilding · Almogordo · 10.3 mi
- US Post Office–AlamogordoBuilding · Alamogordo · 11.1 mi
- Alamogordo Woman's ClubBuilding · Alamogordo · 11.2 mi
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.
Guidebooks for New Mexico
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Slide Group Area?
Sites at Slide Group Area are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Slide Group Area?
Group Standard Non-Electric: 1 to 40 people $123/night 41 to 90 people $154/night
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Slide Group Area?
Check-in 02:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Slide Group Area have?
1 site, including 1 group site.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Slide Group Area?
The longest site here provides 35 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Slide Group Area?
Yes, pets are allowed at Slide Group Area. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Slide Group Area?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.
Source: Fire nearby
Is there cell service at Slide Group Area?
FCC coverage maps show AT&T 5G at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Slide Group Area?
Slide Group Area backs into the Rim Trail, offering epic views, rocky hills, and switchbacks. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Slide Group Area?
Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Drive along the Sunspot Scenic Byway to catch phenomenal views of the Tularosa Basin, White Sands National Monument, and colorful desert sunsets.
Source: Getting there
What if Slide Group Area is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Black Bear Group Area (10.1 mi), Slide Group Campground (10.9 mi), and Aspen Group Campground (11.5 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby