Cedar Creek (Sam Tobias)

4.41

75 reviews

901 MECHEM DR.

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$40 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Opens Lincoln National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$40 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Opens Lincoln National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Cedar Creek (Sam Tobias)

$40.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group shelter non-electric sites are priced at $40 per day/night during peak season, while group standard electric sites cost $125 per day/night....

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$125.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

575-257-4095

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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 75 reviews

58 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadespaciouswater

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are generally positive, with highlights on the spacious group sites, cleanliness, and convenient amenities. Complaints mainly focus on privacy issues due to intrusion by hikers and bikers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

901 MECHEM DR.

Cedar Creek (Sam Tobias)

901 MECHEM DR.

Driving directionsFrom Ruidoso on Mechem Drive, take Cedar Creek Road west .5 miles. Cedar Creek is the first recreational area located on the right (north).

Access to Cedar Creek is convenient, located only 0.5 miles west from Mechem Drive in Ruidoso. The area is easily accessible year-round with paved roads.

Nearby places

Ruidoso (0.5 miles, 2 minutes)

Nearby supplies

The town of Ruidoso provides access to groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials, less than 1 mile away.

Best Time to Camp at Cedar Creek (Sam Tobias)

Experience the dramatic seasons of the high country, where winter brings crisp days hovering around 48°F and frosty nights dipping to 28°F—perfect for those who love the quiet solitude of off-season camping. But it's the glorious stretch from May through September when Cedar Creek truly shines. Summer transforms the forest into a sun-dappled paradise with warm days, cool mountain breezes, and those famously clear New Mexico skies that seem to stretch forever. With minimal rainfall during peak season, you can count on blue-sky adventures and comfortable camping conditions that make every outdoor plan possible.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season: cool elevation and shade praised, but busy trails and noise reported in summer.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

High-country fall offers crisp days and quiet; fall is within open season and scenic forest setting.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Campground opens May 15; early spring is outside open season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 15–Sept 14; winter season not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - September 14, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 15, 2025, through September 14, 2025.

About Cedar Creek (Sam Tobias)

Nestled on the pine-scented outskirts of Ruidoso, Cedar Creek—fondly known as the Sam Tobias Memorial Group Campground—beckons groups seeking an authentic New Mexico mountain escape. This thoughtfully designed retreat within Lincoln National Forest welcomes gatherings of 60 to 100 people across three spacious group sites, each offering the perfect basecamp for family reunions, scout troops, or outdoor clubs. By day, explore winding mountain bike trails, spot elk grazing in meadow clearings, or gather your crew at the shaded group picnic pavilion. As evening falls, the forest comes alive with the sounds of nature while your group shares stories around the campfire under star-studded skies.

Cedar Creek features group camping options with accessible picnic shelters and basic amenities. Individual tent camping and RV camping are not explicitly mentioned.

Historical SignificanceStep into living history at Cedar Creek, where every towering pine tells a story of America's most beloved conservation icon. This special corner of Lincoln National Forest holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Smokey Bear, the nation's wildfire prevention symbol who has educated generations about forest stewardship. As you explore these historic woodlands, you're walking the same paths that inspired one of the most successful public service campaigns in history—a legacy that continues to protect our wild places today.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasons of the high country, where winter brings crisp days hovering around 48°F and frosty nights dipping to 28°F—perfect for those who love the quiet solitude of off-season camping. But it's the glorious stretch from May through September when Cedar Creek truly shines. Summer transforms the forest into a sun-dappled paradise with warm days, cool mountain breezes, and those famously clear New Mexico skies that seem to stretch forever. With minimal rainfall during peak season, you can count on blue-sky adventures and comfortable camping conditions that make every outdoor plan possible.

ElevationPerched at a refreshing 7,000 feet above sea level, Cedar Creek offers a natural air-conditioned escape from the desert heat below. This mile-high vantage point delivers consistently cool temperatures that make summer camping a joy, while treating visitors to sweeping forest vistas that seem to roll on forever. The elevation creates its own microclimate where afternoon clouds provide welcome shade and evening temperatures drop just enough to make campfire gatherings irresistible.

Natural Features and SceneryFollow the gentle murmur of Cedar Creek as it winds through this 7,000-foot mountain sanctuary, where towering ponderosa pines and Douglas firs create a natural cathedral of green. The creek's babbling waters have carved a peaceful corridor through Lincoln National Forest, attracting wildlife to its banks and offering a soothing soundtrack for your stay. Scenic trails branch out like invitations to explore, leading through sun-dappled groves and opening onto unexpected vistas. Here, the forest provides both intimate spaces for quiet reflection and grand stages for group adventures, all wrapped in the aromatic embrace of pine needles and mountain air.

Geological RegionRising from the high desert of south-central New Mexico, Cedar Creek occupies a magical transition zone where the arid Southwest meets lush mountain forest. At 7,000 feet along the banks of Cedar Creek, this Lincoln National Forest gem showcases the region's remarkable geological diversity—from ancient limestone formations to volcanic remnants that tell the story of New Mexico's fiery past. This is Smokey Bear's homeland, where the convergence of elevation, water, and forest creates an ecosystem so precious it inspired a national movement to protect wild places from wildfire.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors may stay up to 14 nights during any given visit.

Groups

Group campsites accommodate between 60 and 100 people. Reviewers note features such as private entrances, ample parking, and spacious pavilions with working lights and electrical outlets.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of three group sites and a picnic pavilion, with parking areas conveniently located near the sites. Trails connect the campground to surrounding areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov, via the mobile app, or through the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo information about walk-up or first-come-first-served availability is provided.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of reservation fees for individual cancellations. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's use fee for group sites if canceled less than 14 days before arrival.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and picnic shelters are available, ensuring usability for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeGroup campsites can accommodate between 60 to 100 people.

PrivacySome reviews mention the campground's private entrance and gate for privacy. However, other users report frequent intrusions from hikers and bikers.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesGroup Site 3 is highly recommended for large groups seeking privacy and clean facilities. Group Site 1 has been noted for the intrusion of hikers and bikers due to trails leading up to the pavilion.

Amenities available

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Cedar Creek Campground offers various recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The T90 Fitness Trail, extending 1.3 miles, includes exercise stations for a unique hiking experience. Expert-level downhill mountain biking trails are also available, ending near the picnic area. Wildlife such as mule deer and elk are frequently seen in the area, contributing to its appeal.

HikingHiking is a popular activity at Cedar Creek. Trails include the T90 Fitness Trail (1.3 miles long with exercise stations) and other nearby trails such as T120 A-D and T121 A&B. Some reviews describe the trails as robust and scenic, and many are suitable for bikers as well. Dogs must be kept on leash, and they are prohibited on the Fitness Trail.

BikingBiking is a featured activity at Cedar Creek. Trails include expert-only downhill trails near the water tower to the east of the campgrounds. Many users praise the variety of trails and the hours of exploration they offer.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as mule deer and elk are commonly observed. Reviewers appreciate the natural beauty and opportunities for exploration.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters with mule deer and elk. Hikers and bikers may intrude on group areas due to nearby trails. Visitors should check fire restriction information for updates.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated rings. Visitors are encouraged to use local firewood to prevent tree-killing pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Ruidoso, less than 1 mile away, including hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details about trash or recycling facilities are provided by either official sources or user reviews.

Water FeaturesLocated along Cedar Creek, offering natural water features within the Lincoln National Forest.

Camp HostReviews mention friendly and helpful camp hosts who provide assistance during check-in.

Weather at Cedar Creek (Sam Tobias)

Reviews

4.4

75 reviews

Recommended

Cedar Creek (Sam Tobias) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, with highlights on the spacious group sites, cleanliness, and convenient amenities. Complaints mainly focus on privacy issues due to intrusion by hikers and bikers.

Review Summaries

Based on 75 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive notes from users include clean vault toilets, spacious sites, well-maintained picnic shelters, private entrances, abundant shade, and convenient potable water pumps.

Based on 75 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from adjacent sites, intrusions from hikers and bikers through the campground, and maintenance issues like leaky pavilion roofs.

Based on 75 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing extra wood and charcoal, using the private entrance gate for privacy, and selecting group sites for large gatherings. They also suggest calling ahead for fire restriction...

Based on 75 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight the campground's shade and cool elevation but mention noise from busy trails. Winter reviews focus less on activities and more on the area's quiet and cleanliness.

Based on 75 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Lovely camp ground, highly recommend for big groups.' - Les Dencklau 2. 'The pavilion was spacious and had working lights and electrical outlet. There is a fresh water pump by the pavilion.' -...

Based on 75 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 003 (Loop GRP3) is highly praised for family reunions, privacy features, and ample amenities such as clean pit toilets and potable water pumps. Site 001 (Loop GRP1) receives mixed reviews due to...

Based on 75 reviews