FR 05624 — Hightower Mountain in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico

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FR 05624 — Hightower Mountain in NM

Lincoln NF, Smokey Bear Ranger District
6,864 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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A 5.6-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Lincoln County, NM.

Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 45 days.

All 5.6 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (5.6 miles). Climbs 550 ft over 5.6 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 22%. Winds through 4 switchbacks.

Dry Eagle Lakes lies 0.3 mi off. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.4 miles off. The nearest town, Ruidoso Downs, is 6.1 mi off.

September normals 48–75°F, 2.4″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Casino Apache Travel Center in NMCasino Lot10.0miSilver Lake Campground in NMCampground27.4miCarr Gap (FR 00607) in NMForest Road Road28.8miDry Canyon (FR 00405) in NMDispersed Camping29.1miDeep Slough (FR 05583) in NMForest Road Road29.5mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?