Bonito Creek
Open — Open year-round for dispersed camping. No reservations. 14-day camping limit per 30-day period. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash.
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
Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area sits at the end of Forest Road 107 in Bonito Canyon, approximately 7 miles past Bonito Lake. This popular dispersed camping destination offers free primitive camping along Bonito Creek with vault toilets available but no potable water or other developed facilities. The area serves as a gateway to the White Mountain Wilderness Area, providing direct access to wilderness trails for hiking and horseback riding. Campsites are scattered throughout the area, with the most scenic spots located right on Bonito Creek. The location near the junction of Forest Roads 107 and 108 (Tanbark Canyon) makes it accessible yet remote. This is a popular destination during summer weekends, so early arrival is recommended. As with all National Forest dispersed camping, visitors must pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Directions
From Ruidoso, proceed north on NM 48. Turn left on NM 37 and after approximately 1.5 miles turn onto Forest Road 107. Continue on Forest Road 107 past Bonito Lake for approximately 7 miles. The area is located on the south side of the canyon near the junction of Forest Roads 107 and 108 (Tanbark Canyon).
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 434-7200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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