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A gravel road curving into a high mountain valley at first light, the peaks catching the sun.

Forest Service group campground

Jacks Creek Group Area

Forest Service group campground in Santa Fe National Forest, San Miguel County, New Mexico. 8,957 feet. 18.4 miles from Pecos.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Managed by
Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest
Elevation
8,957 ft USGS elevation model, at the mapped point
Sites
2 2 group standard non-electric
Longest rig
40 ft The longest vehicle any site is listed for
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov
County
San Miguel County

Overview

Jack's Creek Group Area is a picturesque, high-elevation campground situated just 50 miles from Santa Fe. Set at an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet within the Santa Fe National Forest, visitors can enjoy moderate temperatures and invigorating mountain breezes.

Perfect for family reunions, recreational events, and large gatherings, it features 2 spacious group units to rent (Group A and Group B), each accommodating up to 40 guests. Open from mid-April to mid-November, this campground provides stunning views of the surrounding wilderness, making it an ideal retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.

Recreation

The campground's close proximity to the popular Jacks Creek Trail is an added bonus. Jacks Creek Trail #257 is 14.3 miles long, starting at Trail 25 and ending at Trail 251. This trail is best for experienced hikers and horseback riders, making it a great option for those seeking a challenge. The trail is open for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. A common route leads to Pecos Baldy Lake, where overnight camping is allowed, with campfires permitted 200 feet from the water.

For more information about the Jacks Creek Trail and its offerings, visit the Jacks Creek Trailhead website.

Fishermen can enjoy catching rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout in Jacks Creek. Although Jacks creek is not regularly stocked, you can visit New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for weekly stocking reports and fishing regulations.

Facilities

Recreation staff or a campground host regularly patrols the area and is available to answer any questions campers may have.

For added security, groups can lock the gate after settling into the site if they choose. One of the sites, Group B, is accessible, ensuring convenience for all visitors. All roads leading to the campground are paved, making it accessible for low-clearance vehicles as well.

Natural Features

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Jack's Creek Group Campground is located on the edge of the Pecos Wilderness, which encompasses 160,000 acres of mountain landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and the Pecos River. The campground is richly forested, featuring a mix of firs and aspens that showcase golden foliage in the fall.

Down the road from to the group campground, Jack's Creek enhances the area’s natural beauty, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation and great trout fishing. The region teems with diverse wildlife, including elk, mule deer, and migratory birds. In winter, bald eagles and other raptors can be spotted, making Jack's Creek a great destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Nearby Attractions

There are many hiking and fishing areas along the Pecos River, offering great opportunities for anglers and hikers alike. Just 50 minutes away, Pecos National Historical Park features prehistoric archaeological ruins, 19th-century ranches, and a Civil War battlefield, providing a rich glimpse into the area’s history.

The town of Pecos is located about 21 miles south of the campground. The City of Santa Fe is just over an hour drive away.

The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • picnicking
  • scenic drive
  • wilderness
  • wildlife viewing

The land around Jacks Creek Group Area

The ringed pin is this group campground; the others are its nearest neighbours. Switch on forest roads or BLM routes to see the way in.

Map layers

Layers
Base map
Legend

Federal land, by managing agency

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Department Of Defense (DOD)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Other Federal
  • State
  • Local
  • Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
  • Alaska Native Allotment

Federal campgrounds, by agency

  • Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife and others

State and local land (USGS PAD-US)

  • State land
  • County and city land
  • Regional agency or district
  • Land trust or conservancy

Gaps with no tint inside public land are private parcels, often old mining claims and homesteads. They are not open to the public.

Dashed clay lines on the base map are unpaved tracks from OpenStreetMap. They show what exists on the ground, not what is legal to drive.

Select any point to see who manages the land.

Boundaries are approximate and land status changes. This map is a planning aid, not a survey or a statement of access. Confirm routes, closures and camping rules with the managing office.

Nearest campgrounds

Camping near

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated February 25, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.

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