Black Bear Group Area
Closed for the winter season. Reopens May 15, 2026. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry conditions.
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 states of Texas and…
Order# 03-08-01-26-002: Area and Trails Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety. These areas are subjectto continued flooding effects through monsoon season and conditions have becomehazardous. Repair and maintenance will be identified and prioritized, to complete the workneeded to protect public health and…
Order# 03-08-01-26-001: Seven Cabins Fire Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect health and safety during fire suppression and rehabilitation activities.Closure area includes The Capitan Mountain area, from the HWY 246 around the Forest Service boundary and south to the South Base Trail System.
About
Black Bear Group Area sits at 9,000 feet elevation in the Sacramento Mountains of south-central New Mexico, surrounded by aromatic ponderosa pines and aspen groves of Lincoln National Forest. The site overlooks the Tularosa Basin, a 6,500-square-mile desert valley stretching between the Sacramento and San Andres mountain ranges. Evening skies here are remarkably clear, making it an excellent location for stargazing. The campground accommodates groups up to 70 people and includes a covered pavilion, vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire pits, and grills. No potable water is available on-site; water can be obtained at Sleepy Grass Campground through Labor Day. The area connects to hiking and biking trails, including the nearby Rim Trail and the 2.5-mile Osha Trail loop. This area holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Smokey Bear legend. In 1950, firefighters rescued a burned bear cub clinging to a scorched tree during a fire in Lincoln National Forest. The cub was adopted by the US Forest Service and became the real-life mascot for fire prevention.
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 the road, across from Aspen Group Area.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $123 - $154 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 434-7200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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