Ruidoso Camping Guide
Discover the best places to camp in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Camp out in the beautiful mountains in and around Ruidoso, New Mexico. Sleep under the stars in pine-scented air. Choose from rustic forest service sites, remote wilderness camping, or full-service RV resorts with tent sites. Enjoy all the amenities Ruidoso has to offer plus biking and hiking trails, lakes, and much more.
Recommended Ruidoso camping ideas and experiences
Protect Ruidoso’s natural beauty by practicing wildfire safety while camping and exploring. Learn essential fire prevention tips before you go, from safe campfire practices to trail precautions. Stay informed, follow local guidelines, and enjoy a safe, responsible outdoor adventure in Ruidoso.
Need to know the best places to stock up on outdoor gear for backcountry outings in Ruidoso? Whether you are planning a camping vacation or you’ve forgotten something important, here's where to find everything you need for an outdoor getaway.
Grindstone Lake Campground remains CLOSED for the summer 2023 season.
Download these nature apps before your next Ruidoso outdoor vacation. Whether helping you to identify trees, flowers, birds, bugs, and stars, use these handy nature apps to inspire and inform your time outdoors in Ruidoso.
Planning a camping trip in Ruidoso? Whether you’re tent camping, car camping, or traveling in an RV, proper preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. Learn essential tips on campsite safety, wildlife awareness, fire regulations, and gear essentials before you head into the mountains. Stay prepared and make the most of your Ruidoso adventure.
Break out the tents, hiking boots, and fishing rods because Mescalero Parks and Recreation has officially opened up Silver Lake, Eagle Creek and the Mescalero cabins for summertime fun.
With a convenient downtown location, a fitness room, dry sauna, and easy access to hiking trails, it’s no surprise that Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park made RV Life’s Top 5 list of New Mexico dream RV stays.
Southfork Campground on the Smokey Bear Ranger District near Ruidoso, NM opened its gates for the first time in eight years on Friday, August 14, 2020. A campsite costs $20 per night, $5 per night for each additional vehicle, and is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Most of the fees will be used to further improve the campground.
If you’re willing to forgo the amenities of commercial campgrounds and RV Parks, the freedom to pitch your tent away in the wilderness of our national forests is available. “Dispersed camping,” as it’s called by the Forest Service, is legal camping in undeveloped campsites, often just off of forest access roads.
Useful Planning Information for Camping in Ruidoso
Call ahead to reserve your RV or camp site. Space is limited and campgrounds can fill quickly.
Campfires and grills may be prohibited during very dry weather. See our municipal site for the most recent fire restrictions.
No time to plan a camping trip? Ruidoso has a range of accommodations to suit all budgets.
The Smokey Bear Ranger District in Ruidoso offers many different recreation opportunities for all seasons including picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, camping and more.