CAMPING IN THE LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST
Smokey Bear Ranger District - 575-257-4095
The Lincoln National Forest in the Smokey Bear and Sacramento districts includes over 700,000
acres of forest for outdoor recreation. There are a number of developed (or established) and
dispersed campsites in these two areas. The following DEVELOPED CAMPSITES have fire rings
and camp hosts:
South Fork Campground: Family camping. Campground host between May 15 and Sept 15.
- Facilities: 60 tent/RV campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, flush toilets.
- Features: Two handicapped sites. Hiking trails.
- Directions: Highway 48 to Highway 37 to Bonito Lake turnoff. Continue 5 miles to campsite.
Three Rivers Campground: Lower elevation (6000') campground. Good winter camping.
- Facilities: 14 tent/RV campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets.
- Features: Flowing creek. Hiking trails. Beautiful views of Sierra Blanca.
- Directions: Highway 70 to Alamogordo, Highway 54 north 17 miles to Three Rivers turnoff,
then 15 miles.
Cedar Creek Recreation Area: Camping areas for group camping and a day-use picnic area. Reservations required. 575-257-4095
- Facilities: Three group camping areas and 23 picnic sites for tent/RV with picnic tables,
grills, drinking water, vault toilets.
- Features: Hiking trails. Fitness trail. Pavilion
- Directions: Turn left at Smokey Bear Ranger Station on Mechem Dr., then 1.5 miles on
Cedar Creek road.
Oak Grove Camping Area: Developed camping off of Highway 532.
- Facilities: 30 campsites with picnic tables and grills. Vault toilets. No drinking water.
- Features: Windy Point Vista and Ski Apache nearby.
- Directions: Highway 48 to ski area road. Watch for signs.
During high fire danger periods, the following DISBURSED CAMPSITES may have open flame restrictions in place:
- Argentina/Bonito Trailhead
- Monjeau Lookout Camping Area
- Pennsylvania Canyon
- Philadelphia Canyon
- Skyline Camping Area
