Upper Fir

The crunch of pine needles underfoot and the whisper of tall firs fill the air as you pull into Upper Fir, a sprawling group campground just off NM-130 in Cloudcroft. A broad pavilion stretches above a cluster of sturdy picnic tables, its wooden beams offering shade and shelter from the mountain sun. The quiet here is deep, interrupted only by the occasional birdcall or the rustle of a breeze threading through the forest. Campers often remark on the sense of calm that settles over the site, a peaceful retreat that invites you to linger long after the fire dies down.

Morning light filters through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the rocky ground below. Trails fan out nearby, inviting exploration into the Lincoln National Forest’s dense woods—paths where deer tracks can be spotted along with wildflowers nodding in the cool mountain air. Hikers can easily venture toward the Cloudcroft Trailhead, just a short drive away on NM-130, or stroll along local routes winding past firs and aspens. The elevation here brings fresh air and a chance to spot woodpeckers hammering at tree trunks or the flash of a jay darting between branches.

Upper Fir’s layout caters well to large groups who gather around the pavilion for meals, games, or storytelling as the sun dips low. Ten picnic tables spread beneath its roof provide ample space to spread out, while the surrounding clearing offers room to pitch dozens of tents—though the rocky soil calls for durable stakes and a bit of patience. Two pit toilets stand a short walk away, clean and well-maintained, preserving the site’s natural feel without intruding on its quiet. Campers appreciate the sense of security in this tucked-away spot, returning year after year to enjoy a reliable blend of rustic charm and communal space.

Evening settles with the scent of pine resin and the distant hoot of an owl, wrapping the campground in a gentle hush. It’s this blend of open gathering spots and secluded forest quiet that keeps visitors coming back, trading city noise for the soft symphony of the woods at night.