Black Bear Group Area
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Opens May 16 and operates through September 27. Reservations required via 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 Area is perched atop the scenic Sacramento Mountains of south-central New Mexico at 9,000 feet elevation, near Alamogordo and Cloudcroft. The site is surrounded by the aromatic pine trees and aspen groves of Lincoln National Forest, overlooking the desert valley of the Tularosa Basin. Available by reservation only, the campground accommodates groups of up to 70 people with an open grassy area perfect for sports and group activities. The facility features a covered pavilion, vault toilets, campfire pits, grills, and picnic tables with potable water available on-site. The campground is conveniently connected to a network of hiking and biking trails, including the popular Osha Trail, a 2.5-mile loop. Evening skies are often clear, making it ideal for stargazing. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with chances to spot elk, deer, birds, and even black bears. The area holds special significance as the location where the original Smokey Bear was rescued as a cub during a 1950 fire. The campground is located just a mile from Cloudcroft, a quaint tourist village with New Mexico's only standing railroad trestle, and a quarter mile from the Rim Trail, popular for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Note that RVs over 26 feet are not permitted due to site limitations.
Directions
From Cloudcroft, turn south onto NM 130. Continue for 1 mile and turn left (east) onto Forest Road 24B (just across from the Deerhead Campground entrance). The entrance will be on your right hand side.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $123 - $154 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 682-7570 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!