James Canyon Campground | Established Campground

March 15th, 2024 by powerfulvisit48

Tried to stay here last night but when we showed up around 5pm, we discovered that of the 6 sites here, only two are accessible by car and they were both occupied. We could have maybe parked up next to the vault toilet but ew gross no. The vault toilet was clean enough but still stinky. So we went back up towards Cloudcroft about 2 miles to Cool Pines RV park instead. Family-owned place, the owners were very nice! It’s not on iOverlander. Cool Pines was $48 FHU instead of free but the bathroom was very nice and clean and they had laundry facilities and fast wifi (otherwise weak but functional t mobile). Would recommend Cool Pines for the $$ if you get to James Canyon and it’s full.

February 13th, 2024 by k.pickren821

Very much open including bathrooms. Short walk across footbridge to 4 picnic tables. Good for vans; will be hard to turn around anything longer than 24’ especially trailers. Adjacent to quiet hiway.

May 24th, 2022 by anarkiah.com

Came midday on a Tuesday to find one of the two spots available for me. Feeling very lucky about the amenities—pit toilets, picnic tables, trash cans—and landscape here. Unreal that it’s free. No cell service. Sites are best for van/car camping—also tent spots out here are all gorgeous—but you could make something bigger work if you’ve got the place to yourself or know the neighbors.

February 20th, 2022 by csmaglis

currently open. as described, 2 small spots big enough for vans or car campers, maybe a small class C, anything bigger would take up both spots.
there are 4 tent sites across the bridge. all sites have tables and fire pits. there are vault toilets open. they don't smell great, and as of today no toilet paper in them, so come prepared.
very pretty area. right off the road, so there is road noise, but at night it's pretty quiet.

February 1st, 2022 by 2peace4love

We stayed in one of the two large campsites. We had the area to ourselves. Fire pit at our campsite. We found enough wood for a small fire. We were visited by two owls that hung out with us for a little while. Close to the road but very quiet.

January 15th, 2022 by kailees_travels

Free camping, bathrooms, trash, 4 spots, 2 vehicle accessible

October 16th, 2021 by johnandmandi

Open and mostly as described. The two RV sites are across from one another and one is definitely big rig friendly. We stayed in the smaller of the two in our 20ft van with room to spare, by our estimate a 24ft rig could have easily fit. Lots of day users during the Saturday and Sunday we stayed but we were the only ones camping both nights. The highway is close but very few vehicles overnight, could run a fan for white noise if needed.

March 21st, 2021 by American Adventurist

Closed! Sadly... Gate is locked... big bummer

March 4th, 2021 by bkreutzer

This place is permanently closed.

March 4th, 2021 by bkreutzer

All National Forest recreation roads were marked as closed when driving through. Not sure if it is seasonal for Winter or cause of Covid.

March 1st, 2021 by bkreutzer

Currently all recreational areas in the National forest is closed. There is a gate shut on the road to this campground. Not sure if due to Covid or cause of the winter season. Drove half hour up the mountain to find another spot.

February 28th, 2021 by Tyler Brown

Tried to go here tonight but the gate was closed. Ended up finding a forest road closer to Cloudcroft

June 18th, 2019 by e.roman1966

Awesome place temperature this time of the year are great with mid to upper 40s Fahrenheit at night

October 23rd, 2017 by e.roman1966

2 sites for smaller RV under 16 feet. Tent site available across metal bridge, but motorized vehicles can not go over bridge Picnic Tables and fire pit available at each site. Fuel and limited supply available 2 miles east on the town of Mayhill.