Bear Trap Campground
05 reviews203 First St., Magdalena, NM 87825
Quick Facts
8,500 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
Closed under area an...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
8,500 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
Closed under area an...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Bear Trap Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees listed for campsites in authoritative sources or reviews.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Provider575-854-2281Null
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 reviews
10 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewspeacefulspacioussites
"User reviews describe Bear Trap Campground as a remote, rugged, and peaceful site. It is praised for its cool mountain setting and spacious campsites. However, the lack of amenities and the rough access road are highlighted as potential downsides."
Fees & Passes at Bear Trap Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Null
Cancellation: Null
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Magdalena Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Bear Trap Campground
Perched at 8,500 feet above sea level, Bear Trap transforms with the seasons, offering crisp mountain air that provides sweet relief from summer's heat. August nights wrap campers in perfect sleeping weather, while September brings a crisp chill that calls for warm sleeping bags and crackling campfires. During the rainy season, dramatic thunderstorms can roll through the peaks, occasionally sending flash floods down the mountain valleys—nature's reminder of the raw power that shapes this landscape.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Closed under area and road closure 03-03-03-24-11 until December 31, 2025.
- Current Alerts: Closed under area and road closure 03-03-03-24-11 until December 31, 2025, for public health and safety.
About Bear Trap Campground
Tucked away in the rugged mountain wilderness, Bear Trap Campground offers a true escape from civilization with just four intimate campsites carved into nature's embrace. This remote sanctuary sits high in the cool mountain air near the historic Withington Lookout, reached only by those willing to navigate the steep, winding road that climbs through the forest. Here, primitive camping takes on its purest form—no running water, no modern distractions, just you and the untamed beauty of the mountains.
Bear Trap Campground is a primitive site offering basic amenities. It is suited for tent camping and small vehicles capable of traversing rugged roads. It is not recommended for RVs or larger campers.
Historical SignificanceWhile the campground itself may not have documented historical significance, its proximity to Withington Lookout connects visitors to the area's rich heritage of fire observation and wilderness protection that has safeguarded these mountains for generations.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 8,500 feet above sea level, Bear Trap transforms with the seasons, offering crisp mountain air that provides sweet relief from summer's heat. August nights wrap campers in perfect sleeping weather, while September brings a crisp chill that calls for warm sleeping bags and crackling campfires. During the rainy season, dramatic thunderstorms can roll through the peaks, occasionally sending flash floods down the mountain valleys—nature's reminder of the raw power that shapes this landscape.
ElevationAt approximately 8,500 feet above sea level, Bear Trap Campground sits in the thin, pure air of the high country, where every breath feels cleaner and the stars shine brighter. This lofty perch creates a natural climate refuge, offering temperatures that can be 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below.
Natural Features and SceneryEach spacious, level campsite frames stunning views of the surrounding mountainsides, where morning light paints the peaks in gold and evening shadows create an ever-changing tapestry. In summer, clouds of butterflies dance through the meadows, adding splashes of color to the alpine landscape. The natural amphitheater of mountains creates a sense of intimate seclusion, while panoramic vistas remind you of the vast wilderness stretching in every direction.
Geological RegionBear Trap Campground rests within a dramatic mountain ecosystem near Withington Lookout, where ancient geological forces have sculpted peaks and valleys over millions of years. At 8,500 feet elevation, the campground occupies the transition zone between lower montane forests and the higher alpine environments, creating a unique ecological crossroads where diverse plant and animal communities converge.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned for this campground, and the rugged nature of the location may present challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and mostly flat, suitable for both tents and small vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe site descriptions suggest that the campsites provide some degree of privacy but are not entirely secluded. The campground's backcountry setting offers a quiet and remote experience.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended Campsites"The drive up to the campground is rough and narrow... just don't plan on getting there fast." - Dragon's Barb. "Don't recommend going during rainy season as the road turns into a stream." - Craagen Gallagher.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFour spacious campsites scattered around a meadow.
Open and Closed SeasonClosed under area and road closure 03-03-03-24-11 until December 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations platform available.
Walk-in Availability"Pack in-pack out" system, no reservations accepted. Sites are first-come-first-serve, as inferred from user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Bear Trap Campground are limited but include picnicking and hiking. The location's remote and backcountry feel enhances its appeal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Hiking
There are hiking trails and old forest-service roads to explore. The nearby Bear Trap Canyon walk is described as 'really beautiful' by one user.Winter Activities
No winter-specific recreation is mentioned, but the rugged nature of the area and its elevation suggest it may be less accessible during winter months.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned for this location.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed in fire pits; no explicit restrictions listed.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsFlash flooding potential due to post-Bear Trap Fire effects. Steep rugged roads.
Active alertsClosed under area and road closure 03-03-03-24-11 until December 31, 2025, for public health and safety.
Weather at Bear Trap Campground
44
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Magdalena Ranger District (Address: 203 First St., Magdalena, NM 87825)
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-in, pack-out campground, meaning visitors must take all of their trash and recycling with them when they leave.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features or potable water available.
Common complaintsRoad conditions are challenging and unsafe during rain. Lack of water and restroom facilities.
HostNull
Campground Map
203 First St., Magdalena, NM 87825
Driving directions25 miles southwest of Magdalena via US 60 & FR 549
"The drive up to the campground is rough and narrow with some hair-pin turns (and spectacular views!), but it is passable (we have an old Honda CRV AWD and pull a small trailer)...just don't plan on getting there fast." - User review by Dragon's Barb. "4x4 only, the roads are rugged. Don't recommend going during rainy season as the road turns into a stream." - User review by Craagen Gallagher.Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies accessible in Magdalena, 25 miles away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
Bear Trap Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Bear Trap Campground as a remote, rugged, and peaceful site. It is praised for its cool mountain setting and spacious campsites. However, the lack of amenities and the rough access road are highlighted as potential downsides.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the secluded and peaceful atmosphere, the spacious and flat campsites, and the cool temperatures at the 8,500 ft elevation. The natural beauty, including views of the mountainside...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of water and other amenities, the rugged and narrow road to the campground, and the inability to access the site during rainy or winter seasons due to poor road...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors suggest bringing a high-clearance vehicle, preferably with AWD or 4WD capability, to navigate the rough access road. Packing sufficient water and preparing for pack-in, pack-out conditions...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season due to comfortable temperatures and the abundance of butterflies. The site becomes chilly at night, even in summer, and may be inaccessible during winter or rainy...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- "One of my favorite hidden gems!" - Dragon's Barb
- "No RV/campers, only 4x4 vehicles. Winter or after rain not advised." - Reed Altman
- "If you're looking for a nice remote spot to camp for a...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The best campsites are not explicitly mentioned by number due to the small size (4 sites) of Bear Trap Campground, but all are noted for their spaciousness and mountain views.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no specific accessibility reviews, but the rugged terrain and lack of facilities suggest that this campground may not be well-suited for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and pet-related amenities are not mentioned in the available materials.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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