Monjeau Lookout

901 MECHEM DR.

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.

Oak Grove Campground, Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico

Perched high on a mountain ridge at 8,400 feet, Oak Grove Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with 30 thoughtfully spaced campsites. Here, beneath a canopy of ancient Gamble oaks and towering Douglas firs, you'll find the perfect balance of mountain solitude and accessibility. The campground features essential amenities including vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, stone fireplaces for evening gatherings, and convenient trash facilities. Several walk-in tent sites provide an even more secluded experience for those seeking a deeper connection with the wilderness, while still keeping you within reach of breathtaking mountain vistas and abundant wildlife encounters.

Three Rivers Campground, Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico

Nestled at the foot of southern New Mexico's most majestic peak, Three Rivers Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where solitude meets adventure. This intimate rustic retreat features 12 thoughtfully spaced campsites, many sheltered by traditional ramadas that provide welcome shade from the high desert sun. Whether you're arriving with horses for the equestrian facilities, gathering your group for a memorable outdoor reunion, or seeking the perfect basecamp for exploring the legendary Three Rivers Trail (T44) and ancient petroglyph sites, this hidden gem delivers an experience that feels worlds away from civilization.

Skyline Campground, Forest Road 117, Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico

Perched high above the clouds at 9,000 feet, Skyline Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience in Lincoln National Forest. This remote mountain sanctuary offers 17 intimate tent-only sites, each equipped with a picnic table and grill where you can savor meals while gazing across the spectacular Sierra Blanca Mountains. As a gateway to the White Mountain Wilderness via the Crest (T25) Trailhead, this rustic retreat strips camping down to its essence—no running water, no trash service, no RV hookups—just you, your gear, and the untamed beauty of the high country. True to its leave-no-trace ethos, visitors pack out everything they bring in, preserving this alpine haven for generations to come.

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

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.

NM 220 (Rob Jaggers Camping Area)

Nestled within the Fort Stanton Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, Rob Jaggers Camping Area offers 27 well-appointed campsites where modern convenience meets wilderness adventure. Each site features electricity and potable water hookups, while equestrians will appreciate the hitching rails and horse corrals perfect for staging backcountry rides into this remarkable high desert landscape. Campsites and corrals operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with group shelter reservations available through the friendly on-site camp host.

Baca Campground, Lincoln National Forest, NM

Nestled in the heart of Lincoln National Forest, Baca Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This primitive, dispersed camping area carries the legacy of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps, transforming from a work camp into a beloved haven for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. As one visitor eloquently put it, this 'beautiful BLM land' offers the rare gift of free camping amid pristine natural surroundings, where history and wilderness converge to create an unforgettable escape.

6158 U.S. Highway 380

Where ancient volcanic forces meet modern adventure, Valley of Fires campground offers an otherworldly escape alongside one of North America's youngest lava flows. This remarkable recreation area seamlessly blends rugged natural beauty with thoughtful amenities, welcoming both RV travelers and tent campers to experience the raw power of the Malpais Lava Flow. Well-appointed facilities include refreshing showers, shaded picnic shelters perfect for desert dining, and an interpretive nature trail that winds through this volcanic wonderland, revealing secrets written in stone thousands of years ago.

Skyline Campground, Forest Road 117, Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico

Three Rivers Campground, Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico

Baca Campground, Lincoln National Forest, NM

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

Oak Grove Campground, Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico

NM 220 (Rob Jaggers Camping Area)

901 MECHEM DR.

6158 U.S. Highway 380