Wilderness Camping In And Around Ruidoso

Dispersed or "road-side" camping is allowed throughout the Lincoln National Forest.  You may drive to park your car or RV no more than 300' from an open road designated for such use. Please check with one of our offices to obtain a free Motor Vehicle Use Map which details exactly what roads you are allowed to disperse camp along.  Most roads, outside of US and State Highways are available for this use.  Please be mindful that there are many private land inholdings within the Forest.

Pack it in, pack it out. Take trash with you when you leave. Litter can be harmful to wildlife and attract predators. 

Rules for Dispersed Camping

  • There is no fee and permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office.

  • You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans.

  • You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not spend more than 16 days of any 30 day period at the same dispersed area.

  • Please place your campsite at least 100 feet from any stream or other water source.

  • Keep a Pack-In Pack-Out camp. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines.

  • Contact the local Forest Service office to see if any restrictions, especially fire restrictions are in place.

  • Be Bear Aware. There are bears on the National Forest, so camp accordingly.

Areas for Dispersed Camping at Smokey Bear District

Group Camping

The Smokey Bear Ranger District offers 1 reservation only group camping site (Sam Tobias Memorial Campground).  This campground is designed from larger groups and as such the cost is proportional to the number of users.  Please check with the Ranger Station or on this web site for specifics on group camping.

Areas for Group Camping at Smokey Bear RD

Campground Camping

Using National Forest Developed Campgrounds:

USFS campgrounds offer camping across the district to varying levels of development.  Many are located in and around the Village of Ruidoso with a handful a bit further out. No electricity is available at any Lincoln National Forest Campground.

Areas for Campground Camping at Smokey Bear RD