3.5511 reviewsPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
Closed under area an...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
Closed under area an...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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203 First St., Magdalena, NM 87825
Tent campers with a 4WD rig who want total quiet, cool summer temperatures, and don't mind hauling in all their water. Bear Trap Canyon is worth the drive alone, and the meadow sites are spacious enough to feel like you have the mountain to yourself.
The campground is closed under an active area closure through December 31, 2026, and flash flooding remains a real threat. Even once it reopens, no water, no toilets, and a road that turns dangerous in rain will rule this out for most casual campers.
Reference information about Bear Trap Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Small (4 unit) campsite without water is popular nonetheless due to cool mountain setting and proximity to Withington Lookout 2 (steep) miles away</p>
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Summer brings the most reliable access and mild days (60–75°F) with cool nights (30–45°F). Trails are snow-free, and high-montane meadows peak in bloom. July and August can deliver afternoon monsoon storms, so plan hikes for mornings. September turns crisp, requiring warmer sleeping bags. Rain makes the access road unsafe.
Summer best: mild days, cool nights, meadows in bloom and abundant butterflies.
Bear Trap Campground is described as a small, primitive site with no frills, offering only four campsites. It is popular for its cool mountain setting and its proximity to the Withington Lookout, which is 2 steep miles away. Amenities are very limited: there is no potable water, and restrooms are not available. Campers must pack in their water and pack out their trash. According to a user review, there is a simple outhouse with a boys and girls side, and it did have toilet paper on that occasion. Sites are spacious, mostly flat, and offer views of the mountainside. The campground is at 8,500 ft elevation, making it cooler during the summer. Some reviewers note that picnic tables and fire pits are available at the campsites.
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