Bear Trap
Closed — Closed through December 31, 2025 under order 03-03-03-24-11 for public safety due to post-fire flooding risk from the Bear Trap Fire.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the s
Magdalena Ranger District Bear Trap Campground Closure Order #03-03-03-26-01
The Cibola National Forest has issued a new order (03-03-03-26-01) for the continued closure of Bear Trap Campground on the Magdalena Ranger District.
Mountainair Ranger District Capilla Road Temporary Winter Closure Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and prevent natural resource damage from vehicular traffic during the winter months while the ground/soil is saturated within the closure area.
Area Closure for Sandia Crest House Structure within the Sandia Crest Recreation Site 03-03-05-25-09
The Sandia Crest House within the Sandia Crest Recreation Site to include the structure located at the top of the Sandia Crest at the end of New Mexico State Highway 536 as specifically shown in Exhibit A map will be closed for public health and safety of an abandoned structure until a permit is
Area Closure for Sandia RD Rec Residence and Property at 69 Casa Loma Road #03-03-05-25-10
Area closure for the Casa Loma recreation residence at 69 Casa Loma road to include the structures and property located at the second driveway after crossing the Forest boundary prior to the dead-end of Casa Loma Road accessed off of New Mexico State Highway 14 as specifically shown in Exhibit A
Area Closure for Recreation Residence Structures and Property at 91 Casa Loma Road 03-03-05-25-11
The Casa Loma recreation residence at 91 Casa Loma road to include the structures and property located at the last driveway after crossing the Forest boundary at the dead-end of Casa Loma Road accessed off of New Mexico State Highway 14 as specifically shown in Exhibit A map.
Magdalena Ranger District Bear Trap Campground Closure Order # 03-03-03-24-11
The Cibola National Forest has issued a new order (03-03-03-24-11) for the continued closure of Bear Trap Campground on the Magdalena Ranger District.
Occupancy & Use Prohibitions Forest Order #03-03-00-23-03
This Order imposes a 14-day stay limit; places restrictions on alcoholic beverage consumption and parking; and bans public nudity. The purpose of this Order is to protect National Forest and Grassland resources and to provide for public health and safety. This Orde
About
Bear Trap Campground is a small, primitive camping area located in the San Mateo Mountains of the Magdalena Ranger District in Cibola National Forest. Situated at approximately 8,600 feet elevation, the campground offers 4 campsites in a cool mountain setting surrounded by ponderosa pine, gambel oak, and pinon-juniper forest. Despite its lack of developed amenities, the campground remains popular with campers seeking a remote mountain experience. The campground's main draw is its proximity to Withington Lookout, which can be reached via a steep 2-mile hiking trail from the campground. The area offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the high-elevation mountain environment. Access is via US Highway 60 and Forest Road 549, approximately 25 miles southwest of Magdalena. This is a primitive campground with no potable water, no restrooms, and minimal facilities. Campers must be self-sufficient and prepared for backcountry camping conditions. The campground was affected by the Bear Trap Fire, and visitors should be aware of potential post-fire hazards and changing conditions in the area.
Directions
From Magdalena, travel approximately 25 miles southwest via US Highway 60 and Forest Road 549.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 854-2281 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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