McCrystal Campground
A large campground in a ponderosa forest across from the Valle Vidal's historic Ring Place Ranch.
General Information
The site has 55 campsites for tents and trailer, six for horse campers.
Mid-Spring - Fall
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $16 per night (includes parking for one vehicle)
Horse Group Site: $75 per night (6 sites total)
Additional Vehicle Fee: $8 per vehicle per night
Horse Waste Disposal: $5
Day Use:
$6 per vehicle per day
Fees are only charged mid-May through mid-October.
Address: 184 State Highway 38, Questa, NM 87556
Phone: (575) 586-0520
Hours: Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m., 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 36.7774
Longitude: -105.1126
Directions
36 miles northwest of Cimarron via US 64 &FR 1950
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Water from McCrystal Creek is not recommended for drinking.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/Stream Info
Special Trout Waters: A Red Chile Water designation is in place for the Valle Vidal to help protect and conserve the Rio Grande cutthroat trout.
- Tackle restrictions: Artificial fly or lure with a single, barbless hook.
- Catch and release only.
- Open to fishing July 1 - Dec. 31
Water from McCrystal Creek is not recommended for drinking.
Hunting Info
Located within Game Management Unit 55A, this campground is a very popular basecamp for fall hunting trips.
Please remember that discharing a firearm is prohibited:
- In or within 150 yards of a building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area and
- Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.
Note: The beauty of the Valle Vidal's forests have been shaped by the forces of fire. Fire crews continue to use fire (prescribed or natural ignitions) to maintain the Valle's health. Smoke may be visible and/or experienced during these times, which can include peak hunting season in summer and fall.
Horseback Riding Info
Although there are no established trails in the Valle Vidal, backcountry riding opportunities are abudant across the Valle Vidal.
Horse Camping Info
- Corrals are available at six campsites.
- Two shared water troughs are available.
- Water might be available due to a temporary pump, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own water in case services are not available.
Viewing Wildlife Info
The Valle Vidal is home to one of the largest elk herds in New Mexico.
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits Info
An interpretive trail to a pioneer cabin at the Ring Place Ranch starts at the campground entrance.
