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Iron Gate Campground
Important Note: The campground is OPEN to the public but visitors may encounter a closed gate on Forest Road 223 before the campground. This gate is for livestock management. Please feel free to enter through the gate but close it again once you pass through. Thank you for your cooperation.
Located above 9,000 feet, Iron Gate Campground is an excellent spot to access the Pecos Wilderness for day hiking and horseback riding. This campground features 14 indivdual units, vaulted toilets, trash bin, tables, fire pit/grill, 4 horse corrals. Maximum recommended length for vehicle and horse trailer is 30 feet. Forest Road 223 which provides access to this Campground is rough and is not recommended for low clearance vehicles.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | The campground is OPEN to the public but visitors may encounter a closed gate on Forest Road 223 before the campground. This gate is for livestock management. Please feel free to enter through the gate but close it again once you pass through. Thank you for your cooperation. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Sites are available on first come - first served basis |
| Area Amenities: |
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| Fees: | $4.00 per night per vehicle |
| Open Season: | May - November, weather permitting |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Restrictions: | No ATVs allowed. 3 car per site limit. Quiet hours from 10pm to 7am. |
| Water: | No potable water |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet (2) |
| Passes: | Santa Fe National Forest honors America the Beautiful Interagency Passes. Senior Pass (Lifetime and Annual) and Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single unit campsites. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Please keep your dogs on a leash for their own safety, to be courteous to other users, to respect & protect wildlife, and to protect vegetation. In a Developed Recreation Area it is prohibited to bring inor possess an animal, other than a service animal, unless it is crated, caged, or upon a leach not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control. (36 CFR 261.16 (j)) Users are encouraged pack out all trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org. |
General Information
Directions:23 miles north of Pecos on NM 63 and FR 223. FR 223 is very rough and not recommended for low clearance vehicles or RVs
Activities
Campground Camping
| No. of Sites | 7 single site(s), 6 double site(s) |
| Reservation Info | Not reservable |
| No. of Accessible sites | None |
Day Hiking
Iron Gate Trailhead provides the closest access to panoramic views of the Pecos Wilderness via Hamilton Mesa Trail 249. Mora Flats Trail 250 can also be accessed at around a mile into Hamilton Mesa Trail.
Backpacking
Backpacking is allowed anywhere along the trails mentioned above.
Horse Camping
Available within Iron Gate Campground.
Horse Riding
Horses are permitted in the campground and on Iron Gate Trailhead. 4 horse corrals are available. Maximum recommended length for vehicle and horse trailer is 30 feet. Do not tie horses to trees for more than 2 hours. Use highlines or pickets.