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.
Flood Watch issued July 20 at 4:48PM MDT until July 21 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of central New Mexico, including the following area, South Central Mountains. * WHEN...Tuesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Another round of showers and thunderstorms are expected on Tuesday afternoon across the South Central Mountains. Storms will move toward the north and northwest around 5 to 10 mph. Rainfall rates over 1 inch per hour are expected in the stronger storms. Rapid runoff will lead to flash flooding, especially where the ground is saturated from recent heavy rainfall. This includes downstream of the South Fork and Salt burn scars. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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# 03-08-01-26-001: Seven Cabins Fire Closure Amended
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety. These areas are subject to flooding effects through monsoon season and conditions could become hazardous.Closure area includes The Capitan Mountain area, from Capitan Pass along Forest Road 56 and 5643, east along the Forest…
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 |
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