South Fork
Currently closed due to damage from the 2024 Blue 2 Wildfire. Post-fire restoration assessments are ongoing with no announced reopening date. When operational, the campground typically opens May 17.
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.
Order# 03-08-26-001: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety, as well as National Forest System lands, resources, and facilities, by reducing the risk of human-caused wildfires during the current period of increased fire danger and severe fire weather conditions.
Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
Fire managers will enact temporary fire restrictions at times of heightened fire danger to complement regional orders and national prohibitions.This page lists local, regional and national laws regarding the use of fire on the Lincoln National Forest. The text of each prohibition is listed with a…
Order# 03-08-02-26-001: 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:Bluff Springs Recreational Site and T112 Bridge: This includes the Bluff Springs…
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.
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:Bluff Springs Recreational Site and T112 Bridge: This includes the Bluff Springs…
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.Closure Prohibits:Dispersed…
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.
Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Lincoln National Forest:Camping for more than 14 days, whether or not consecutive, within any 45-day period.Possessing an alcoholic beverage.Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions.Being publicly…
About
South Fork Campground is one of the most popular camping destinations on the Smokey Bear Ranger District of Lincoln National Forest, located west of Ruidoso in the Sacramento Mountains of south-central New Mexico. The campground features 53 sites spread through a forested setting at approximately 7,900 feet elevation. The primary draw for many visitors is access to the White Mountain Wilderness via the South Fork Trail (T19). The trail begins as a moderately easy path through the canyon before becoming more challenging as it climbs into higher terrain. This makes the campground an excellent base camp for day hikers and backpackers exploring the wilderness. Facilities include flush toilets and picnic tables, but campers must bring their own drinking water as potable water is not available. RVs are limited to 35 feet in length. When open, the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with some sites available through Recreation.gov. The standard camping fee is $20 per night with an additional $5 charge for extra vehicles.
Directions
From Ruidoso, follow NM 48 north for 9 miles. Turn west (left) onto NM 37 and continue for 1.5 miles. Turn southwest (left) onto Forest Road 107 (County Road C-009) and drive 5 miles past Bonito Lake, then turn left and continue straight for approximately 1 mile to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Jorden.Scott@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (575) 434-7200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!