Black Bear Gc
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Opens May 16 and operates through September 27. Reservations required through Recreation.gov.
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
Order #03-08-00-25-001: Camping Stay Limit Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect National Forest resources and to provide for public health and safety across all the National Forest System lands located within the boundaries of the Lincoln National Forest.
Updates for the 16 Springs Prescribed Burn
Get UpdatesFor future prescribed fire ignition notices and more about the Lincoln National Forest please follow our social media page and Alerts Page. To read the full Ne
Order# 03-08-02-25-002: Bluff Springs Temporary Closure on Sacramento Ranger District
This Order serves to protect public health and safety while Forest Service Engineering crews carry out annual maintenance, restoration and update infrastructure to current safety standards. Closed Areas Include:
Order# 03-08-02-25-001: Sacramento Ranger District Area/ Dispersed Camping and Motor Vehicle Use
This closure was enacted due to illegal off-highway vehicle use, resource damage to sensitive riparian areas, and ongoing restoration efforts. These activities have caused soil erosion, vegetation loss, and habitat disturbance, which require time and space for recovery.
InciWeb - for current incidents
For the most current information on incidents, including wildfires and prescribed fires, go to InciWeb.
Snow Play Closure
Snow play areas within the Smokey Bear Ranger district near Ski Apache are closed until further notice to protect the public from the potential danger in proximity to the state highway 532.
Order # 03-08-02-24-002: Toboggan Trail (T5003) Closure
Due to heavy erosion, the Toboggan Trail (T5003) is currently closed to all visitors. This closure is in effect to ensure public safety.
About
Black Bear Group Campground is perched high in the scenic Sacramento Mountains of Lincoln National Forest at 9,000 feet elevation, near the village of Cloudcroft and approximately 20 miles east of Alamogordo. The site is surrounded by aromatic pine trees and aspen groves, offering a cool mountain escape from the desert heat below. The campground overlooks the Tularosa Basin, which stretches 6,500 square miles between the Sacramento and San Andres Mountains. This group-only facility can accommodate up to 70 people and is available exclusively by reservation through Recreation.gov. The campground features a covered pavilion, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. An open grassy area provides space for group sports and activities, making it a popular choice for family reunions and large social events. Evening skies are often clear, perfect for stargazing. Black Bear is conveniently connected to an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. The Osha Trail, a popular 2.5-mile loop, begins at the campground. The Rim Trail, just a quarter mile away, offers opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with frequent sightings of elk, deer, birds, and black bears. The area holds special significance as the location where Smokey Bear was rescued as a cub from a forest fire in 1950.
Directions
From Alamogordo take US 82 east for 16 miles. Just before Cloudcroft, turn right (south) on NM 130 and go 1.4 miles. Turn left (east) on Forest Road 24B and go 0.5 miles. Black Bear Group area is on the right (south) side of road across from Aspen Group Area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $123 - $154 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 26ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 682-7570 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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