Lincoln National Forest

When you see the forest greens and topaz skies at James Canyon Campground, you’ll be wondering if this James they named it after was some sort of king. Because it’s only located at 6,800 feet, this campground sees snowfall come a bit later in the season and remains usable for longer than most sites in the Sacramento Mountain area. There is one gro Read more...

Located off the Sunspot Scenic By-Way, Upper Karr Campground is located just east of White Sands National Monument, which you should not skip over if you haven’t been. From there you may want to check out San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, a gem of wilderness where only the most badass animals that have mastered the scorching summers and freezin Read more...

Located in a quiet forest setting, Sleepy Grass Campground lives up to its name. Hiking is a good recreational activity here and just about anyone can complete the half mile La Pasada Encantada (enchanted path). Visitors are often impressed with how clean the grounds are kept. This camp must be run by folks who also remember to floss their pearly Read more...

Pitch your tent at Sam Tobias Memorial Group Campground, where a short distance from the Smokey Bear Ranger Station will ensure your safety on the trip. Whether you're interested in hiking around the grounds or just putting your feet up and enjoying the fresh smell of marinating BBQ, this is the place to call home with all your best pals. Read more...

Just south of the pioneering town Cloudcroft off Cox Canyon Highway, Deerhead Campground has a bevy of sites for families. For hiking, cross the street and access the Rim Trail (T105). Water (first five gallons free), trash disposal, and firewood are available for a few bucks, but you’re welcome to bring your own and pack out to save that skrilla Read more...

Surrounded by an oak forest with mountain vistas of the 12,000-foot Sierra Blanca, Oak Grove Campground is an opportunity to stroll through meadows and picnic in nature. The nearby tight-knit community of Ruidoso is a mountain resort town featuring the slopes of Ski Apache and Ruidoso Downs racetrack. Read more...

Make Smokey Bear proud and go camping at Monjeau Lookout in his home, the Lincoln National Forest. This famous landmark is on the National Register of Historic Places and was originally built in 1936. Once you survive the adventurous and sometimes steep roads leading up to the site, pitch your tent, or park your trailer right on a piece of history Read more...

South Fork Campground is a popular destination in the Smokey Bear Ranger District. In fact, you can pretty much just pretend you’re a bear by fishing at Bonito Lake and wandering the White Mountain Wilderness Area via South Fork Trail (T19). Take extra care to prevent forest fires here because they have closed down this campground in the past. ONL Read more...

Lower Karr Canyon Campground has campsites both above and below the picnic area. Talk about a camp sandwich! From the parking lot, carry your supplies to your choice of a number of friendly forested spots. Once camp is set up, you have all the wonders of the Lincoln National Forest at your disposal. Hike, hunt, bike, horseback ride… there’s even f Read more...

Stroll around a stately site at Aspen Group Campground, where the white and black speckled trees will welcome you at every corner. Located a short distance from the village of Cloudcroft, there are plenty of trails for your well-worn boots to trek during your stay. With several other campgrounds not too far away, you may just make some new friends Read more...

With all the shaded picnic pavilions and grills, Black Bear Group Campground is the perfect spot to throw a party for you and your 70 closest friends. And conveniently located just south of the village of Cloudcroft, you can always slip away for some award-winning BBQ at Big Daddy's Diner on your way out. Read more...

Enjoy the coo of the birds and the wisp of the trees at Lower Fir Group Campground, an ideal place for a family reunion or 4th of July barbecue. It'll be hard not to enjoy the hiking trails nearby, where you can sport a pair of binoculars for some elusive wildlife sighting. With diners and even a spa in the nearby town of Cloudcroft, civilization Read more...

Set a roaring fire, and watch those marshmallows roast! Slide Group Campground is a wonderful area to kick back and breathe in the smell of evergreen and aspen trees. With access to the Recreation Rim Trail, it's not a bad spot for some sightseeing or hiking, either. Make a pit stop at Cloudcroft on your way back, where some aromatherapy will ceme Read more...

This popular area can fit some pretty big parties, and the uses could be endless. High school reunion, frisbee tournament, Star Wars convention? We'll let you be the judge. Save your skin from burning to a crisp under the nice, shaded pavilions. Once you've wrapped up your event, you can always grab some souvenirs for your friends who couldn't mak Read more...

Apache Campground is located in a mixed conifer and aspen forest at 8,900 feet of elevation. Sites are spaced well,so you’ll have some privacy for family camping and the amenities will make your overnighters that much more comfortable. Interpretative nature trails are available too. Nearby Cloudcroft has a storied history as a pioneer town and cal Read more...

Embarrassingly rich with Douglas and white fir trees, Pines Campground is a primo choice for campers looking to escape the overbearing heat of summer. From the sites, you can easily pick up a connection to local trails, including the popular Osha Trail (T10) that’s named for an abundance of the Osha plant, which has many uses in Native American me Read more...

Travel up, up and away from the desert floor at Saddle Campground. The 9,000 feet of elevation lets you experience a refreshing mountain cool shaded by the mixed conifer and aspen forest. If you’re into vintage, check out nearby Cloudcroft, an old pioneering town. You’re also only 40 miles from White Sands National Monument, and 150 miles from Car Read more...

Silver Campground’s sites are close together, so be prepared to get a little cozy with the neighbors if you come here. The good news is that with that coziness comes community. On many a Saturday night during the summer, the Silver Amphitheater hosts music, presentations, and more. Why not bring your guitar and get up on stage?Read more...

If Silver Campground’s spots are spoken for, there’s plenty more space at Silver Overflow Campground. It’s actually ideal for RV groups, since camping is centralized. You and your tribe can even pretend you’re rockstars on tour before taking the stage at Silver Amphitheater. On most Saturday nights, rangers and musicians take the stage. Hit them u Read more...

Wouldn’t you love to just listen to the sound of a rushing waterfall all day? The partially developed picnic and dispersed camping area at Bluff Springs has that track on repeat 24/7. Pitch your tent or park your camper among the grasses and wildflowers, then take a short trail up and over the waterfalls. If you feel like walking further, Willie W Read more...

Camp at the base of New Mexico’s tallest mountain at the Three Rivers Campground. It’s a sweet spot to avoid the crowds, and at a lower elevation than the other campgrounds in Lincoln National forest, it’s a bit easier on the lungs. You’re going to want all the oxygen you can get for exploring the White Mountains Wilderness, which you can access f Read more...

Located on a dirt road, Baca Campground is the kinda place where only people who enjoy being alone in the wilderness and gazing at a bajillion stars need apply. This was originally a CCC camp in the 1930s and is still popular with hunters. Although there is a spring nearby, please supply your own water. Read more...

Just south of the famous Monjeau Lookout tower and named for its lofty views, Skyline Campground is accessible via a steep, yet well-maintained gravel road. Take the Crest Trailhead (T25) for some truly breathtaking views in the White Mountain Wilderness. There is no trash service here, so please do your part and pack out any garbage when you amsc Read more...

Monjeau Campground is a small camp located in an aspen, oak, and pine forest. You’ll have access to Monjeau Lookout, an old Civilian Conservation Corps lookout with mountain views and trails that’ll really put that panoramic camera option on your smartphone to use. There is no water available, so please supply your own and be sure to remove any tr Read more...

Guadalupe Ranger District is teeming with recreational wonders. Dispersed/road-side camping is allowed throughout the Lincoln National Forest. Check in with the Forest Service office for a Motor Vehicle Use Map, but most roads, besides US and State Highways are available for use. Once you have your site settled, enjoy hiking, horse riding, and hun Read more...