Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM)

At an elevation of almost 9,000 ft., campers at the Aspen Group Area can expect cool, crisp, mountain breezes coming off the steep Sacramento Mountains - perfect for an escape from the scorching desert valley below. The campground is surrounded by mixed pine, fir, and plenty of white-trunked aspen trees, with a high likelihood of blue skies above. The Sacramento Mountains overlook Dog Canyon and the Tularosa Basin. Take advantage of the campground's high elevation and revel in the breathtaking beauty of the region's unspoiled vistas stretching out over the basin. Wildlife in the area includes elk, deer and bears; with some luck, you could even spot a roadrunner. The campground is surrounded by a series of hiking trails. To the west you'll find trails with outstanding overlooks from Alamo Peak and Stark Peak. The most popular hike is the Osha Trail, which is a 2.5-mile loop. The site is available as a group site only, so groups of anywhere from four to 70 can reserve the whole space. Water can be obtained at Sleepy Grass Campground during peak season, which lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Aspen is set in the rolling Sacramento Mountains of south-central New Mexico, near Alamo Peak and Stark Peak. It's part of Lincoln National Forest, most notable as the birthplace of the original Smokey Bear. The Rim Trail, a breathtaking 32-mile path for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding, can be reached a quarter mile from the campground, and one stretch of the trail is open to motorcyclists too. The Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, at the foot of the mountains, is worth a visit to see a restored 19th century ranch house and explore the flowering oasis of Dog Canyon.