South Fork Campground

4.75

31 reviews

South Fork Campground, Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District, New Mexico

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds New Mexico Spring Camping New Mexico Mountain Camping New Mexico +8 more

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

53 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

53 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

South Fork Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$20 per night for a standard site. Additional vehicle fee is $5 per night.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.75

Top-Rated

Based on 31 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomsspacious

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for South Fork Campground are predominantly positive, highlighting clean facilities, spacious sites, and wildlife encounters. However, some users have reported issues with noise and lack of enforcement of quiet hours."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

South Fork Campground, Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District, New Mexico

South Fork Campground

South Fork Campground, Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District, New Mexico

Driving directionsFollow NM 48, 9 miles north from Ruidoso; turn west (left) and follow NM 37 for 1.5 miles. Turn southwest (left) on Forest Road 107 (County Road C-009), continue for 5 miles. Pass Bonito Lake, turn left continuing straight for about 1 mile.

Accessible via paved and gravel roads. Directions indicate mixed road surfaces, including Forest Road 107 and County Road C-009.

Nearby places

Ruidoso, NM (approximately 9 miles, around 15 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries and camping essentials, can be found in Ruidoso, NM, approximately 9 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at South Fork Campground

Experience the full symphony of mountain seasons at South Fork, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer days invite you to bask in comfortable mid-70s temperatures—perfect for hiking and lakeside adventures. As autumn arrives, the air turns crisp and the forest transforms into a tapestry of changing colors. Winter brings a magical quietude, with temperatures dipping into the 20s and the possibility of snow dusting the pines. Spring emerges with wildflowers and renewed energy, though mountain weather can surprise you with its delightful unpredictability throughout the shoulder seasons.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in NM

Open in summer; reviewers praise summer conditions and comfortable mid-70s temps.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Seasonal reviews note favorable fall experiences and good wildlife viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 15 (late spring); limited spring data but seasonal transition noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (open May 15–Sep 15).

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 15 through September 15.
Current Alerts: The campground is currently closed. Visitors should verify status on the official website before planning a trip.

About South Fork Campground

Nestled within the enchanting Smokey Bear Ranger District of Lincoln National Forest, South Fork Campground offers an unforgettable escape into New Mexico's mountain wilderness. Here, 53 thoughtfully placed campsites cascade down a scenic mountainside, with some hugging the babbling waters of the South Fork Rio Bonito. Whether you're arriving with an RV or pitching a tent beneath the stars, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore the nearby Bonito Lake and venture into the pristine White Mountain Wilderness. This resilient landscape tells a story of renewal—rising from the ashes of the 2012 Little Bear Fire, the campground has blossomed into a testament to nature's remarkable ability to heal and thrive.

South Fork Campground accommodates a mix of tent and RV camping. It includes walk-in tent sites alongside standard campsites. RV sites are limited and do not offer water, sewer, or electricity hookups.

Historical SignificanceSouth Fork Campground stands as a living monument to resilience and renewal. When the Little Bear Fire swept through these mountains in 2012, it left its mark on the landscape and the hearts of those who cherished this special place. Today, visitors witness an inspiring transformation—where fire once raged, new growth now flourishes. The visible remnants of charred trees serve not as scars, but as powerful reminders of nature's cycles of destruction and rebirth. The ongoing restoration efforts have carefully nurtured this beloved campground back to life, creating a unique opportunity to experience a forest in active regeneration.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full symphony of mountain seasons at South Fork, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer days invite you to bask in comfortable mid-70s temperatures—perfect for hiking and lakeside adventures. As autumn arrives, the air turns crisp and the forest transforms into a tapestry of changing colors. Winter brings a magical quietude, with temperatures dipping into the 20s and the possibility of snow dusting the pines. Spring emerges with wildflowers and renewed energy, though mountain weather can surprise you with its delightful unpredictability throughout the shoulder seasons.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,500 feet above sea level, South Fork Campground offers a true high-country experience. This elevation places you in the sweet spot of New Mexico's mountain ecosystem, where the air is refreshingly crisp and the sky seems impossibly close. While the thinner atmosphere at this altitude creates spectacular stargazing opportunities and cooler temperatures, visitors should take time to acclimate—your body may need a day or two to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels, especially if you're coming from lower elevations.

Natural Features and SceneryAt 7,500 feet, South Fork Campground immerses you in a diverse mountain ecosystem where towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead. Beneath their protective canopy, a soft carpet of native grasses sways in the mountain breeze. The melodic sounds of mountain streams provide a constant soundtrack, their crystal-clear waters tumbling over ancient rocks as they make their way through the canyon. From various vantage points throughout the campground, sweeping vistas reveal the raw beauty of the surrounding wilderness—a patchwork of forest, meadow, and distant peaks that seems to stretch endlessly toward the horizon.

Geological RegionSouth Fork Campground occupies a remarkable position within the greater Lincoln National Forest, serving as your gateway to the untamed White Mountain Wilderness. This unique geological setting showcases the best of New Mexico's mountain country—where ancient ponderosa pine forests mingle with open meadows carpeted in native grasses. Mountain streams have carved their paths through this landscape over millennia, creating the perfect blend of forest shelter and open sky. The varied terrain offers endless opportunities for exploration, from gentle streamside strolls to challenging wilderness adventures, all within this spectacular corner of the American Southwest.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit: 14 days.

Groups

No specific group camping facilities or site details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground layout includes a mix of paved and gravel parking aprons. Sites are scattered along a mountainside and near the South Fork of the Rio Bonito.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; reservations are not accepted.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available. No additional accessibility features are described.

Site SizeUser reviews highlight the size of campsites as being large and spacious, allowing for privacy and comfort.

PrivacySites are described as spacious and not densely packed, contributing to a private and peaceful experience.

Total Campsites53 campsites

Recommended SitesConsider sites near the South Fork of the Rio Bonito for a more secluded and scenic experience. Reviewers have noted that tent sites are distributed along the stream.

Amenities available

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

South Fork Campground offers a limited range of activities mostly centered around hiking and picnicking. The South Fork Trail #19 provides access to hiking and backpacking opportunities, with the trail transitioning from moderate to difficult portions. Bonito Lake nearby offers fishing for trout. Wildlife viewing is also a highlight, with deer, coyotes, and elk frequently encountered, as mentioned in user reviews.

HikingSouth Fork Trail #19 is a 6-mile trail providing access to Trails #25 and #33 and the White Mountain Wilderness. The trail starts as a moderately easy hike and becomes more challenging at higher elevations.

FishingFishing opportunities include brook trout in the South Fork and other trout species in nearby Bonito Lake.

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer, coyotes, and bull elk, as noted in user reviews. Campers may benefit from observing animals at dawn and dusk.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, requiring proper food storage to avoid attracting wildlife. The area has mixed terrain, and the aftermath of the 2012 Little Bear Fire may still pose some hazards.

Active AlertsThe campground is currently closed. Visitors should verify status on the official website before planning a trip.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but regulations may vary based on seasonal conditions and fire restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM (enforced).

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located in Ruidoso, NM, approximately 9 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingDumpsters are available on-site for trash disposal. No mention of specific recycling facilities or programs.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the South Fork of the Rio Bonito and near Bonito Lake.

Camp HostCamp hosts have been described as friendly and helpful in multiple reviews.

Weather at South Fork Campground

Reviews

4.8

31 reviews

Top-Rated

South Fork Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for South Fork Campground are predominantly positive, highlighting clean facilities, spacious sites, and wildlife encounters. However, some users have reported issues with noise and lack of enforcement of quiet hours.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes clean restrooms, spacious campsites, and scenic views. Wildlife such as deer and elk are commonly observed, contributing to the natural appeal.

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Some negative reviews mention noise disturbances, particularly from large groups not adhering to quiet hours. A review calls for better enforcement of quiet time policies.

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring drinking water due to the lack of potable water. Practicing safe food storage is critical in bear country. Early booking is recommended during peak seasons.

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground receives favorable reviews during summer and fall for its clean facilities and wildlife viewing opportunities. Noise complaints appear to be less frequent in off-peak seasons.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campground and clean restrooms. However, HORRIBLE experience had a crew of 20 plus show up with over 6 cars stacked into one campsite around 9pm and partied ALL night long.' - Kim...

Based on 31 reviews