James Canyon Campground
James Canyon Campground offer 5 sites along US 82 just west of Mayhill, NM. The lower elevation of 6,800' means this small site is usable longer than most Sacramento Mountain area campgrounds when the snows begin. Picnic tables, grills, and one group shade covering are available. 16' RV limit.
More like this: first-come in New Mexico · free in New Mexico · tent only in New Mexico
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Fees | No fee. This camping site is free. |
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Forest | Lincoln National Forest |
| Booking | No reservations needed. Check In anytime Check Out @ 2pm |
| Fees | No fee. This camping site is free. |
| Rules | RVs limited to 16 feet in length. 5 sites available |
Weather by month
Getting there
| Coordinates | 32.9047° N, 105.5051° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 13.7 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Video of James Canyon Campground, NM from K&S Adventures !.
Worth a stop
- 12.9 miSleepy Grass Picnic Area ↗Day use
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
- Mayhill Administrative SiteHistoric district · Mayhill · 2.1 mi
- Weed Lookout TowerStructure · Sacramento · 7.5 mi
- Bluewater Lookout ComplexStructure · Weed · 11.5 mi
Guidebooks for New Mexico
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at James Canyon Campground?
No. James Canyon Campground is first-come, first-served. No reservations needed. Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.
Source: Forest Service
How much does it cost to camp at James Canyon Campground?
Nothing. James Canyon Campground is listed as free. No fee.
Source: Forest Service
Is James Canyon Campground open right now?
Open as of Oct 26, 2026.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does James Canyon Campground have?
5 sites.
Source: Forest Service
Can I bring an RV to James Canyon Campground?
James Canyon Campground is listed for tents only.
Source: Forest Service
What if James Canyon Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Lower Fir Group Area (13.1 mi), Saddle (13.6 mi), and Apache (13.7 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby