South Fork
Closed — Closed due to damage from Blue 2 wildfire. Phase 1 of hazard tree mitigation was completed in October 2025. Typically opens May 17 when not affected by closures.
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
South Fork Campground is situated in the Lincoln National Forest approximately 10 miles northwest of Ruidoso, near Bonito Lake at 7,500 feet elevation. This popular 53-site campground on the Smokey Bear Ranger District offers access to the South Fork Trail, which provides entry into the White Mountain Wilderness. The early portions of the trail are moderately easy with higher sections becoming more difficult for backpackers and day hikers. The campground reopened in August 2020 after being closed for eight years due to severe damage from the 2012 Little Bear Fire and subsequent flooding. Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit, with vault toilets available throughout the campground. Visitors must bring their own water as potable water is not available on-site. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length with a 14-day stay limit. Access to the campground requires traveling Forest Road 107 past Bonito Lake, following a somewhat remote route that makes this a destination for those seeking a more backcountry camping experience while still having established amenities. The oak forest surroundings and proximity to mountain vistas of Sierra Blanca make this a scenic base camp for wilderness exploration.
Directions
From Ruidoso, travel north on NM 48 for 9 miles. Turn left (west) on NM 37 for 1.5 miles, then turn left (southwest) on Forest Road 107 (County Road C-009) and continue for 5 miles. Pass Bonito Lake, turn left and continue straight for about 1 mile.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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
| Phone | +1 (575) 434-7200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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