Is Black Bear Group Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Bear Group Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Bear Group Area before I book?

Yes! Black Bear Group Area has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black Bear Group Area?

Black Bear Group Area is open May 15 to September 06. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black Bear Group Area?

Black Bear Group Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Black Bear Group Area?

Cell phone service at Black Bear Group Area is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Black Bear Group Area have?

Black Bear Group Area has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Black Bear Group Area?

Pets are not allowed at Black Bear Group Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Black Bear Group Area?

Black Bear Group Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Black Bear Group Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Black Bear Group Area?

Fire policies at Black Bear Group Area: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.49

26 reviews

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

Top 14% in NMSummer

Stargazing

Featured in:Group Camping New Mexico Hidden Gem Campgrounds New Mexico Camping Near White Sands National Park +7 more

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Black Bear Group Area

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$154.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

575-682-7570

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

Black Bear Group Area

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

Nearby places

Alamogordo (20 miles), Cloudcroft (1 mile)

Weather at Black Bear Group Area

Current alerts(9)

Black Bear Group Area accommodates up to 70 people.
Call 575-682-1518 prior to arrival to get the lock combination.
Check in after 2pm, check out by noon.
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Best Time to Camp at Black Bear Group Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best overall conditions — warm, sunny days (typically mid-60s to mid-70s°F at 9,000 ft) and crisp, cool nights (30s–50s°F) make this high-elevation campsite a refreshing contrast to the Tularosa Basin heat. Trails, mountain biking routes, and wildlife viewing are in full swing, and the long daylight hours are perfect for group activities and scenic viewpoints across the basin; expect higher use on summer weekends and holidays, so reserve early. Be准备 Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in NM

Best season; open May 16–Sep 7; books up quickly and reviews praise summer stays.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 16 to September 7 for reservations. Closed outside of these dates.

About Black Bear Group Area

Black Bear Group Area sits at 9,000 feet in Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, operated by Vista Recreation for groups seeking alpine camping. The small campground offers vault toilets and picnic tables in a high-elevation setting where summer days reach the mid-70s and nights drop into the 30s. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness, spacious tent areas, and attentive camp host, though cell service is unreliable across all carriers.

Black Bear Group Campground is a group-oriented site designed for gatherings of up to 70 people. It caters specifically to large groups and does not have options for individual or family camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best overall conditions — warm, sunny days (typically mid-60s to mid-70s°F at 9,000 ft) and crisp, cool nights (30s–50s°F) make this high-elevation campsite a refreshing contrast to the Tularosa Basin heat. Trails, mountain biking routes, and wildlife viewing are in full swing, and the long daylight hours are perfect for group activities and scenic viewpoints across the basin; expect higher use on summer weekends and holidays, so reserve early. Be准备 Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground perches on the edge of the Sacramento Mountains, where ponderosa pines and aspens give way to dramatic views across the 6,500 square mile Tularosa Basin below. The elevation drop from mountain to desert floor creates a visible collision of ecosystems: dense forest at your back, arid valley stretching to distant ranges in front. Morning light filters through the pine canopy, and elk graze in nearby meadows. The spacious site provides room for tents and group activities while maintaining that high-country forest feel.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or lodges are available at this site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights during any one visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Groups of up to 70 people allowed per reservation.

Groups

The group site accommodates 1 to 70 people, with rates varying between $123/night and $154/night depending on the group size. Ample space allows for multiple tents and group activities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the source materials.

Site SizeThe campground has a group site accommodating up to 70 people, with ample space for tents and activities. Users highlight the spaciousness of the area, with one noting, "Plenty of space to house tents and enjoy the outdoors.

PrivacyPrivacy at the Black Bear Group Campground is limited due to its group nature. While the site is secluded, it is designed for collective gatherings rather than individual privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors recommend bringing warm clothing for cool nights and arranging alternative communication methods due to limited cell service.

Best CampsitesThe campground has one group site (site 001 in the BLAC loop) that reviewers consistently rate highly. The site's spaciousness gets frequent mentions, with one camper noting there's plenty of room to house tents and spread out for activities.

Need help booking Black Bear Group Area?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

No water is provided at this site, but it is available at Sleepy Grass Campground from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Black Bear Group Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, with a focus on group-friendly options. Popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The campground is in close proximity to the Osha Trail, a 2.5-mile loop known for its scenic views. Evening skies are often clear, making it a prime spot for astronomy enthusiasts. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to see elk, deer, birds, and the iconic black bears that inspired Smokey Bear.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at the campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is available. Campers are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Cell CoverageCell phone service varies by provider. One review notes, "If you have T-Mobile, service will be none to limited. ATT is decent. Verizon is decent." Another user states, "Cell phone will vary! We have T-Mobile and it was spotty to no service. Verizon was about 1-2 bars. ATT was about 1-2 bars as well."

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

26 reviews

Recommended

Black Bear Group Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Black Bear Group Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing cleanliness, spaciousness, and the natural beauty of the surroundings. Many users return to the site annually and highlight the friendly camp host and well-maintained facilities. Common sentiments include the peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the cleanliness of the campground, the spacious areas for tents and gatherings, and the helpfulness of the camp host. Many note the beauty of the area, with one stating, "Beautiful...

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of water on-site is the most frequently mentioned downside, requiring visitors to plan ahead or rely on nearby campgrounds for water access. Another minor concern is the inconsistent cell...

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews consistently praise the group nature of the campground. For example, Ivan B noted that the tent areas are "real nice secluded," while others mentioned the ample open space for...

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sufficient water due to the lack of on-site access and preparing for limited cell phone service. Firewood is plentiful on-site, so there’s no need to bring extra. Visitors...

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is most enjoyable during late spring and summer, coinciding with its peak season availability. Cooler nighttime temperatures are frequently highlighted as a...

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Come here on a yearly basis and it’s always a great time. Very clean and fun. Lots of space for a huge group camp out." - Madison Shores 2. "We have been camping at Black Bear for the past few...

Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.

Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews discuss pet policies or experiences with pets at the campground.

Based on 26 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're planning a group outing and want a well-maintained alpine base camp with cool summer nights.

Skip if

You need reliable cell service or prefer individual sites over group reservations.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.3

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Sleepy Grass

Lincoln National Forest

Sleepy Grass Campground sits at 9,026 feet in the forested Sacramento Mountains just outside Cloudcroft. The 20-site campground operates roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day and offers dry camping with potable water at the entrance. Reviewers compare the setting to Lake Tahoe and consistently praise the clean facilities and quiet, secluded feel despite being close to town.

$30.00 - $47.00 / night

State Rt. 130, Cloudcroft, NM

Deerhead Campground sits at 8,800 feet in the Sacramento Mountains, a pine-covered sky island rising sharply from New Mexico's southern desert. The 19 sites accommodate tents and RVs under 25 feet, with nightly fees ranging from $10 to $32. Cell service works here, and Cloudcroft's shops are close enough for supply runs.

$10.00 - $32.00 / night

4.3

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Deerhead Campground

Lincoln National Forest

Deerhead Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine forests near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, offering tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Operated seasonally during peak months, the campground delivers cool, pine-shaded sites and a quiet mountain atmosphere. Campers come for relief from desert heat, wildflower displays, and access to nearby hiking trails.

Tents

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2.589 km

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.3

(97)

Sleepy Grass Campground

Located off NM 130, 1.4 miles south of the village of Cloudcroft

Sleepy Grass Campground sits at 9,000 feet in Lincoln National Forest, 15 sites tucked into a grassy valley where the Sacramento Mountains meet stands of Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, and aspen. The campground includes 10 single-family sites, two doubles, and three triples, with fees running $30-47 per night. Cell service reaches here from nearby Cloudcroft.

$30.00 - $47.00 / night

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM 88317, USA

Upper Fir Group Area sits at 9,000 feet in Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, operated by Vista Recreation for seasonal group camping. The site features a large pavilion, vault toilets, and potable water, serving as a base for summer hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing in the high-elevation alpine forest. Rocky ground and tight tree clearances present challenges for some tent and RV campers.

Lincoln National Forest

Pines Campground sits at 8,700 feet in Lincoln National Forest, 15 minutes from Cloudcroft. First-come, first-served. No hookups, seven-night limit. Sites accommodate tents and RVs up to 40 feet, with paved access and a camp host who rakes sites between visitors.

Tents

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5.204 km

$32.00 - $57.00 / night

Pines Campground, Cloudcroft, NM, Lincoln National Forest, Sacramento Ranger District

Pines Campground sits at 8,700 feet in the Lincoln National Forest, offering 23 sites split between two loops: Butterfly and Chipmunk. Sites run $32–$57 per night and accommodate tents and RVs up to 35 feet. The Osha Trail starts nearby, leading to views of the Mexican Canyon Trestle and the Tularosa Basin below. Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and the camp host's attentiveness, though weekends fill up quickly.

$32.00 - $57.00 / night

From Cloudcroft, NM, take US Rt. 82 east 0.5 miles to State Rt. 244. Turn left onto Rt. 244 and go 1.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.9 miles to the Apache campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

Apache Campground sits at 8,900 feet in the Lincoln National Forest, offering 25 sites beneath a canopy of Douglas firs and aspens. This high-elevation refuge welcomes tents and RVs up to 30 feet on paved parking aprons, with fees running $22-32 per night. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker, while amenities include showers, vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station.

$22.00 - $32.00 / night

4.5

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Apache (Nm)

Lincoln National Forest

Apache sits in the high-elevation alpine country near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, operated seasonally during peak months. The small campground offers tent and RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables, surrounded by stands of quaking aspen that turn brilliant gold in fall. Interpretive trails wind through the forest, and the crisp mountain air makes for excellent campfire evenings.

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

Less Visited

2.8

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Lower Fir Group Campground

Lincoln National Forest

Lower Fir Group Campground accommodates up to 70 people in a single reservation-only site within Lincoln National Forest, about 8,720 feet above sea level near Cloudcroft. A covered pavilion anchors the space, flanked by 8 picnic tables and 2 fire rings. Fees run $123–$154 per night, and RVs up to 30 feet fit on the grounds.

$123.00 - $154.00 / night

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4.4

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Upper Fir Group Campground

Lincoln National Forest

Upper Fir Group Campground occupies a single, reservation-only site in Lincoln National Forest at 8,747 feet elevation. The campground accommodates up to 120 people and features a covered pavilion with 12 picnic tables, two communal fire rings, and vault toilets. Fees run $123-$283 per night depending on group size. RVs up to 30 feet can access the site.

$123.00 - $283.00 / night

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

Lower Fir Group Area sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, operated by Vista Recreation for seasonal group camping. The mid-sized facility offers tent and RV sites with potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, surrounded by meadows and mountain-biking trails. Summer brings comfortable daytime temperatures and crisp nights ideal for group activities, stargazing, and exploring the forest.

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Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)

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Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)

PO BOX 836, CLOUDCROFT, NM, 88317, USA

Aspen Group Area sits at 9,000 feet in Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, operated by the Forest Service for group reservations only. The high-alpine setting offers mixed conifer and aspen forest with flush toilets, potable water, and a resident camp host. Summer brings cool daytime temperatures and crisp nights, making it a popular escape from New Mexico's desert heat for group outings and wildlife watching.

Campgrounds

Lincoln National Forest

Black Bear Group Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Black Bear Group Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Black Bear Group Campground is available by reservation only and can accomodate up to 70 people. Open grassy area for sports and lots of wildlife in surrounding forest make this a popular spot for large group activities. There is a covered pavilion, vault toilets, campfire pits, grills and picnic tables at the campground. No RVs over 26 feet.</p><p>(<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3798466.pdf">Sacramento District Camping Brochure</a>)</p>

Open Season: May 15 – September 8